Panorama Point, Nebraska 5,424 feet

Climbed 7/4/2000

As it is in most High Plains states, the highest point in Nebraska is at its western edge. Looking at the map, it appeared to be about a two-hour drive from Estes Park where we were visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

We made our way to the freeway, headed north until we crossed into southern Wyoming, then drove east into Nebraska. We made a brief stop in the town of Pine Bluff, then followed the driving instructions along unmarked back roads. Panorama Point is on private property, in the middle of a bison ranch. The owners, however, have been kind enough to fence off a dirt track between the herds.

The highpoint itself is marked with a sturdy-looking cement marker. Next to the marker is a rusted metal desk with the "summit" register in a drawer.

Panorama Point is on a bit of a rise, giving a nice view of the high plains. Looking off to the west, however, you could see higher ground not too far away. But it was in Wyoming.

Signing at the "summit" register desk