Devils Tower Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, this geologic wonder offers world-class climbing, sacred indigenous history, and breathtaking Wyoming scenery. Explore the mystery of the Bear Lodge Mountains in this iconic Western destination.
Devils Tower is not merely a rock; it is a presence. Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, this geologic anomaly, a laccolith of phonolite porphyry, demands attention from miles away across the rolling Wyoming prairie. As you approach, the massive hexagonal columns that form its structure become visible, looking almost like a bundle of stone pencils grasped by a giant hand. It is a place that feels ancient, silent, and profoundly powerful.
To the Lakota, it is Mato Tipila (Bear Lodge); to the Kiowa and Cheyenne, it holds similar sacred origin stories involving a giant bear clawing the rock to save children praying for rescue. Beyond its spiritual gravity, it captured the world’s imagination as the landing site in Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Today, it stands as a mecca for crack climbers and a sanctuary for those seeking the quiet majesty of the American West.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A Sacred Place of Many Names
While President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed it the nation’s first National Monument in 1906, the history of this site stretches back thousands of years. Indigenous oral histories from over 20 tribes are woven into the landscape. As you walk the trails, you will likely see colorful prayer cloths tied to tree branches. These are sacred offerings; visitors are asked to view them with respect and leave them undisturbed.
Geologically, the tower remains a mystery. Scientists agree it is an igneous intrusion formed by magma cooling underground and being exposed by erosion, but the exact mechanics of how it formed 50 million years ago are still debated. The result, however, is undeniable: one of the finest examples of columnar jointing in the world, where the rock fractured into perfect geometric pillars as it cooled.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hike the Tower Trail
This paved 1.3-mile loop circles the base of the massive formation, offering 360-degree views of the monolith and the boulder field. It allows you to see the prayer cloths left by Native Americans and get up close to the hexagonal columns.
Stargazing Night Sky Program
Devils Tower preserves a pristine dark sky where the Milky Way appears to erupt from the top of the tower. Park rangers often host telescope viewings to explore the constellations and deep-sky objects.
Visit Prairie Dog Town
Located along the main park road, this 40-acre town is home to hundreds of black-tailed prairie dogs. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography and observing their complex social behaviors from your vehicle or the pull-out.
Technical Rock Climbing
For experienced climbers, ascending the vertical cracks of the phonolite porphyry columns is a bucket-list achievement. Durrance Route is a classic, but registration with a ranger is mandatory before and after your climb.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Devils Tower Visitor Center - Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this rustic log building houses excellent exhibits on geology and culture. It is the hub for ranger programs and the start of the main trails (Free with admission).
The Tower Trail - The park’s premier hiking experience. This 1.3-mile paved loop takes you through the boulder field at the base of the tower. You can gaze straight up the sheer walls and spot climbers on the Durrance Route ($25 vehicle entry fee covers access).
Joyner Ridge Trail - For those escaping the crowds, this 1.5-mile loop on the park’s northern boundary offers a different perspective. It provides a sweeping view of the tower rising from the valley floor, framed by forest and wildflowers (Free with park admission).
Prairie Dog Town - Located near the park entrance, this 40-acre town is bustling with activity. It is the best place to safely watch black-tailed prairie dogs chirp, dig, and interact. Please stay in your car or at the pull-outs to keep them wild (Free with park admission).
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Devils Tower requires a vehicle. The monument is located in northeast Wyoming, about 9 miles south of Hulett and 28 miles northwest of Sundance. The nearest commercial airports are in Gillette, Wyoming (GCC), or Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP), both roughly an hour and a half away. Renting a car is essential, as public transport does not serve this remote area.
When packing, think layers. The high plains weather is unpredictable; a sunny morning can turn into a stormy afternoon quickly. Bring sturdy walking shoes for the trails, plenty of water (refill stations are available at the visitor center), and binoculars for spotting climbers on the rock face or falcons nesting in the cliffs.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- All park facilities and ranger programs are open
- Warmest weather for camping
- Long daylight hours for exploration
- Nearby town of Hulett is fully active
Cons
- Crowded trails and parking lots
- Higher lodging prices
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- Climbing is discouraged in June due to cultural reverence
Shoulder Season: September - October
Pros
- Beautiful fall colors
- Stable, mild weather
- Significantly fewer crowds
- Active wildlife viewing
Cons
- Cooler nights for camping
- Some local businesses reduce hours
- Occasional early snow in late October
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Complete solitude
- Stunning snowy photography
- No entry lines
- Cheapest accommodation rates nearby
Cons
- Many trails may be icy or snow-packed
- Visitor Center has limited hours/days
- Nearby restaurants may be closed
- Camping is limited
Whether you come to scale the cracks, honor the sacred history, or simply watch the sunset paint the rock in hues of orange and red, Devils Tower offers an experience that sticks with you. It is a reminder of the earth’s raw power and a monument to the enduring spirit of the West.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Devils Tower Weekend
A relaxed pace covering the main highlights, wildlife, and local cowboy culture.
Day 1: The Monolith and the Mystery
- Morning: Start your trip at the Visitor Center to pay the $25 vehicle fee and learn about the geology, then hike the 1.3-mile Tower Trail loop (allow 1 hour). The morning light illuminates the column structures beautifully, making it the perfect time for photos from the boulder field.
- Afternoon: Drive to the picnic area near the Belle Fourche River for a packed lunch, then spend an hour observing the residents of Prairie Dog Town right off the main park road. Afterward, head 9 miles north to the town of Hulett to browse the antique shops and visit the Hulett Museum.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner at the Ponderosa Cafe in Hulett, where the steaks cost around $25, before heading back to the park. If the sky is clear, pull into the Joyner Ridge parking lot to watch the stars emerge over the silhouette of the tower.
Day 2: Hiking and Heritage
- Morning: Beat the heat by hiking the Red Beds Trail, a 2.8-mile loop that offers diverse views of the river valley and the Tower from a distance; bring water as it takes about 2 hours. This trail is much quieter than the inner loop and showcases the vibrant red Triassic earth.
- Afternoon: Visit the Circle of Sacred Smoke sculpture near the picnic area to reflect on the indigenous significance of ‘Bear Lodge.’ Drive 30 minutes to the town of Sundance for a late lunch at the Longhorn Saloon (approx. $18 per person) and a visit to the Crook County Museum to see the Sundance Kid exhibits.
- Evening: Return to the Devils Tower KOA for their nightly showing of Close Encounters of the Third Kind projected outdoors. Grab an ice cream at the camp store ($5) and enjoy the movie with the real tower looming in the background.
Adventure & Photography Explorer
Designed for active travelers wanting to see the tower from every angle and explore the wider Black Hills region.
Day 1: Arrival and Golden Hour
- Morning: Arrive via Rapid City or Gillette and drive to Devils Tower, checking into Devils Tower Lodge (approx. $180/night) by late morning. Head straight to the Visitor Center to get your bearings and stamp your passport book.
- Afternoon: Hike the Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 miles) which offers a ridge-line perspective that emphasizes the tower’s dominance over the prairie. The trail is less traveled, allowing for quiet observation of deer and turkey vultures circling the summit.
- Evening: Set up your tripod at the designated ‘Wind Circle’ sculpture frame for sunset photography as the igneous rock turns a fiery orange. Dinner is at the Devils Tower View restaurant nearby ($20-$30 per person) before retiring for the night.
Day 2: The Deep Dive
- Morning: Embark on a guided climbing tour if you have experience, or opt for the longer South Side Trail to Valley View trail connection for a rugged 4-mile hike. If it’s June, respect the voluntary climbing ban and instead drive the scenic Hwy 24 loop through the Black Hills National Forest.
- Afternoon: Head to the Vore Buffalo Jump, located about 40 minutes away near Beulah, to see one of the most important archaeological sites in the Northern Plains (Entry $12). Return to Hulett for a late lunch at The Rrogue’s Gallery, known for its eclectic atmosphere.
- Evening: Participate in a Ranger-led evening program at the park amphitheater, which usually starts at dusk. Afterward, drive to the remote parking areas for astrophotography, aiming to capture the Milky Way aligning with the tower peak.
Day 3: River and Departure
- Morning: Walk the South Side Trail down to the Belle Fourche River Campground to see the iconic ‘reflection shot’ of the tower in the river water. It is a peaceful, flat walk filled with bird song and rustling cottonwood leaves.
- Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch ($15 cost) and eat at the tables near the administration building before visiting the trading posts just outside the park gate for souvenirs. Depart for the airport, stopping in Sundance for a coffee at a local cafe.
- Evening: Travel time to Rapid City or Gillette for your flight home. If time permits, stop at the Aladdin General Store, a historic 1890s mercantile on the way to the South Dakota border.
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