In about 1828 a fur trapper, one Hiram Scott, died at the base of a geological formation which was to become a major waypoint along the Oregon and Mormon Trails leading to the western frontier of Oregon and California. His name was given to the bluffs and nearby town. Scotts Bluff (two words) is the National Monument; Scottsbluff (one word) is the town. The national monument encompasses 3000 acres and is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open daily except on January 1, Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Memorial Day through the third week of August). Off season, it is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are a variety of activities including hiking to the summit, driving to the summit, bicycling paths, nature photography and ranger led interpretive hikes in the summer. Personal vehicles costs $5 and is valid for seven days. Individual (includes bicycle, hikers and motorcycle) fees are $3 per seven days. Other fees for commercial use and annual fees are available at the web site.