A straight road across the top third is the approximate path of the Pony Express and the pioneer trails after 1850. All used Mitchell Pass to the west (out of view on the right) around Scotts Bluff. This image is taken from near the top, 800 feet (245 m) above.

Here pioneers got their first real taste of what was ahead. Except for river crossings, their trip so far had been over easy terrain. And rock formations had been curiosities--not obstacles.