By Mariah Cannon

Devils Tower National Monument is a super unique monument that became a protected monument in 1906 thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt. There are many theories on how the tower came to be and what it was used for.

In this blog, I’ll give you all the key things you need to know, fun areas to check out, trails to hike, and everything in between!

What is Devils Tower?

Devils Tower is a 867 foot tall and about the size of a football field on the summit. It’s formed from igneous rock, phonolite porphyry, and columnar jointing. There are many theories on how it came to be this massive tower standing up out of the plains, but a common one is that it began as magma or molten rock underneath the surface and with the elements, forcefully pushed through the surface. Though a lot of the surrounding landscape doesn’t make sense, making it a geological and scientific wonder that researches are still gathering information on. To common folk like me, it’s simply a really cool rock!

Where is Devils Tower?

Devils Tower is located in North Eastern Wyoming in the Black Hills. If you’re visiting the South Dakota side of the Black Hills, definitely make the extra drive out there to visit the monument. Some of the closest towns to Devils Tower are:

• Sundance, WY – 32 mins, 27 miles
• Gillette, WY – 1 hour 4 mins, 60 miles
• Spearfish, SD – 1 hour, 60 miles
• Deadwood, SD – 1 hour 15 mins, 74 miles
• Sturgis, SD – 1 hour 16 mins, 80 miles

The closest airport is in Gillette, Wyoming.

Best Time to Visit the Monument

The best months for weather and things to be open is May through September. I personally was there at the beginning of June and the weather was perfect and everything was open that needed to be for my visit.

If you try to visit in the off season, certain trails may be inaccessible and you won’t get the best experience throughout the monument!

Passes & Fees

To enter the park, you will need an America the Beautiful Pass or it is $25 for a private vehicle. If you’re arriving on motorcycle, it’s $20. And by foot or bicycle is $15. They do also offer an annual pass just for the monument that is $45 if you live nearby and plan to visit more than twice!

Something to remember when visiting the monument: They do not accept cash so bring a card with you and come prepared.

Know Before you go

The visitor’s center in the monument is open on a seasonal basis, however most of the time it’s open until 5pm daily. Campgrounds are open May 15th-October 15th.

For enough time to explore the monument, you’ll need a half day to a full day. That allows plenty of time to hike, view, and take in the beauty of the plains.

Hiking in the Monument

Obviously hiking will be one of the main things to do throughout this area, here are some fun trail options for all!

1. The main trail that takes you around the base of Devils Tower is the Devil’s Tower Trail. A stunning 1.7 mile loop trail that is somewhat paved and accessible for a bit. This trail really shows you the vastness of the tower because you’re walking right below it. A neat feature on this trail will be all of the native prayer ribbons and rags, this is a Native religious ceremony practice and have an awesome feel to them. Remember to not touch or disturb the ribbons or any other objects left by them!
2. The Red Beds Trail is a 2.8 mile larger loop that will take you through some unique landscapes and incredible formations along with epic views of the tower. You can also combine this loop with the Devil’s Tower to do one big trail.
3. Joyner Ridge is a 1.5 mile loop that goes up to a rock lookout of the tower and while the trail itself isn’t anything super special, the view from the top is amazing!
4. A common theme, another short trail, South Side & Valley View Loop is a 1.5 mile loop that is one of the best trails to see the Prairie Dogs roaming and playing around.

Other Fun Things to do in the Monument

1. If you can, stay there for sunset and watch the stars replace the blue sky. The monument is out in the middle of the Wyoming plains making it the perfect area to stargaze and take photos if that’s you’re thing!
2. View the Prairie Dog Town from the comfort of your vehicle if hiking isn’t for you! There are plenty of roadside stops throughout the road into the park where you can view, photograph, and listen to the Prairie Dogs in their Grasslands.
3. If you look for a bit of adventure in your travels, rock climbing at Devil’s Tower may be the perfect thing for you! You do need to acquire a permit from the visitor’s center in order to climb some of the tower and you can read more about all of the regulations here.
4. If you visit between April and October, you have to make a stop at the Devil’s Tower Trading Post where you’ll find tons of apparel, Native American goods, trinkets, and more along with some super kind hearted people. They’re open every day during operating season 8am-6pm.

Where to Eat

Given that it is kind of in the middle of nowhere, there aren’t a ton of options for meals. However here are two great options if you’re hungry post adventuring!

1. The Diamond Bar is exactly as it sounds, a bar, but the food packs a punch for sure!
2. Campstool Cafe is a small place at the Devil’s Tower KOA with limited food options, but delicious ones!

Enjoy this guide? Save it for future travels!

Let’s Get Adventuring!

Mariah