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Riverside Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 384 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsbluff, Nebraska · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Riverside Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

PavedOpen 24hScenicDog-friendlyRestrooms

Large park featuring walking trails, a playground, a campground and a small zoo.

What runners say about Riverside Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (384 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“The park itself is beautiful, well-maintained, and contains walking trails, a small zoo, picnic shelters, a YMCA camp, fishing ponds, and a dog park!”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Has a very nice path, to either ride your bike, jog, run or just take a nice walk as you watch the beautiful North Platte River and the gorgeous scenery.”

Lovely park! Great walking trails, playground, dog yard and of course benches along the river. We stayed at the campground and enjoyed the park. Only drawback was the lack of restrooms at the park.

★★★★☆ — Diane , May 2022

I hadn't been back to Scottsbluff in 30 years and most places and and all people I knew were gone. But I did remember the zoo area but didn't know if it would be open at that time in January. Fortunately the drive through the park was open and the path was clear for a walk.

★★★★★ — Al , Feb 2019

Nice campground for a couple of nights. Well taken care of. A little bit of a washboard road going in. Close to a paved walking path by the river & a short drive to Scottsbluff NP. Although we didn’t do this, it’s within walking distance to some children’s activities such as a little zoo. Heads up if you have a dog….

★★★★★ — Becky , Sep 2023

A beautiful scenic walking/biking path along the North Platte River. A great place to get centered while getting in a bit of exercise. Lonely on your walk? Animal shelter right along the path to walk a dog from.

★★★★★ — Brittney , May 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 384 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Has a very nice path, to either ride your bike, jog, run or just take a nice walk as you watch the beautiful North Platte River and the gorgeous scenery.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“The park itself is beautiful, well-maintained, and contains walking trails, a small zoo, picnic shelters, a YMCA camp, fishing ponds, and a dog park!”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“A few people came to fish, others riding bikes along the paved trail or walking, and everyone was incredibly kind and, if you desire, talkative.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Only drawback was the lack of restrooms at the park.”

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Plan your run at Riverside Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitescottsbluff.org
  • Phone+1 308-632-0058
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Riverside Park

Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Get directions

Running trails near Scottsbluff

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Frank Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 108 reviews

Scottsbluff, NE

ShadedDog-friendly

Clean park with a walking path and picnic tables that holds outdoor events.

1.9 miles away

2.1 miles away

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 445 reviews

Gering, NE

Scenic

Hiking trails, a visitor center, picnic tables, and shooting range are offered at this park with bird-watching opportunities.

10.1 miles away

All running trails in Scottsbluff, NE →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.