Nebraska’s Western Trails Scenic and Historic Byway retraces the footsteps of 70,000 Mormons and thousands of other pioneers that followed the Platte River to the West. This main street of America, also known as the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail, established the route for the Pony Express and the Union Pacific’s Trans Continental Railroad.
     Today, the 144 mile byway follows U.S. Route 26 and Route 92, from Ogallala to Scotts Bluff and Gering. Starting in the east, Ogallala recalls its rough and rowdy days as a cowpoke town. Cattle drives ended here, cowboys were paid, and the cattle continued on aboard a freight train. Heading westward, the byway passes a modern dam, creating the state’s largest reservoir and Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. Ash Hollow State Park is a welcome sight for today’s visitors as well as yesteryear's hot and thirsty pioneers. The Courthouse and Jailhouse Rocks are another pair of the trail's unique landmarks that marked the way. Seen for miles, Chimney Rock is the most famous rock formation found along the highway. The byway ends with this dramatic sight at Scotts Bluff. The 800 foot high cliffs would have been a formidable challenge to early settlers without the natural Mitchell Pass between the cliffs.