Discover Devils Tower

Devils Tower rises as a distinctive geological formation from the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. Its unusual shape alone makes the site a special destination: hundreds of parallel cracks divide the rock into large hexagonal columns. The crystalline igneous rock is classified as phonolite porphyry. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for a trip to this region will find a place where nature experiences, culture, and active excursions are closely connected.

Geology and Landscape Around Devils Tower

The Tower Trail is a 1.3-mile paved footpath that circles the base of Devils Tower. Along the route, interpretive panels provide information about the park’s natural and cultural history. This makes the walk not only a way to get some fresh-air exercise, but also an engaging introduction to the formation and significance of the monument.

Hundreds of black-tailed prairie dogs live in the floodplain near the Belle Fourche River. For those interested in nature, the Joyner Ridge Trail also offers elevated views of Devils Tower. Forests and flower-filled meadows create opportunities there for observing wildlife. There are also places for stargazing around Devils Tower, including at the Joyner Ridge Trailhead and the Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture and Picnic Area.

Active Experiences and Cultural Significance

Technical climbing is permitted at Devils Tower National Monument. Anyone wishing to climb above the boulder field or undertake climbing-like ascents must register at the climbing kiosk before ascending and sign out afterward. The National Park Service asks visitors to voluntarily refrain from climbing Devils Tower throughout June and from climbing within the Tower Trail loop. These guidelines are part of planning your day if you want to experience the rock from different perspectives.

The Circle of Sacred Smoke is located near the picnic area. It honors the American people as a symbol of world peace and is intended to promote awareness of the significance of Devils Tower to more than twenty affiliated Indigenous tribes. Summer ranger programs also combine nature and history: Typically, they include guided walks on the Tower Trail, short talks in front of the visitor center, and evening programs in the campground amphitheater.

For younger travelers, the visitor center provides booklets for the Junior Ranger program. A badge is awarded upon completion. Another cultural aspect is the Old Settlers' Picnic, a long-standing summer tradition of the local population featuring food, speeches, and climbs of the Tower.

Getting There and Practical Orientation

Devils Tower National Monument is accessible by a single road, Wyoming Highway 24. The entrance is located nine miles south of Hulett. Within the monument, you can use three designated parking areas: the visitor center parking lot, the picnic area parking lot, and the Joyner Ridge Trailhead. For planning your day, it is also important to know that there is no food service within the monument. You can refill reusable water containers at designated restrooms; a seasonal water station is available at the start of the Tower Trail from spring through fall.

A moderately difficult loop trail is a little more than two miles long and leads through the hills and valleys of the Spearfish Formation, the oldest sedimentary rock formation in the area. This allows you to include the surrounding landscape in addition to the distinctive Tower. When choosing your accommodation, it is worth considering your preferred mix of short sightseeing trips, hikes, ranger programs, and bringing your own food for the day. For further comparisons of nearby places, you can also find Moorcroft and Hulett here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Crook County.