Devils Tower National Monument

A Short History of Devils Tower

Cultural History:

Many Great Plains and Black Hills tribes retain connections to the area around Devils Tower. Each tribe had its own creation story of the Tower as well as a name, some of which are shared at the park.

Many tribes still view this mighty edifice as sacred. Ceremonies and tribal beliefs are practiced at Devils Tower to this day, which you might find evidence of along the trails around the park. 

Early Explorers/Conservationists:

For a long time American Explorers considered the protruding rock tower a curiosity. It was after the expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge that interest grew, and the name of Devils Tower stuck in the public imagination, due to Dodge mentioning it in his book, which became quite popular.

Not long after Wyoming gained statehood, Devils Tower became the first national monument. Many of Wyoming’s early settlers and political representatives were instrumental in protecting the site.

Basic Information

Fees and Passes: 

To get a pass for the park you will have to purchase one ahead of time from Recreation.gov. As of last year the park only accepts card and digital payments. 

Click Here for More Information

Things to do at the Park

Hiking: Devils Tower & Nearby Area

Hiking enthusiasts have the choice of several front-country trails that range from thirty minutes up to two hours.

• Red Bell Loops Trail: A 2.8 mile loop around Devils Tower that takes 2-3 hours to complete.
• Tower Trail Loop: A forty minute walk around the base of the Tower, with historical and natural information located along the trail.
• South Side Trail: An easy trail that connects to other parts of the park and takes you through Prairie Dog Town. Takes about thirty minutes to complete.
• Valley View Trail: Scenic views of Devils Tower and Belle Fourche River that’s great and easy for kids or nice leg stretch. It’s also about a thirty minute walk.
• Joyner Ridge Trail: A 1.5 mile trail that will take you through the quieter part of Devils Tower. The entire hike is estimated to take 1-2 hours.

Climbing Devils Tower

A dream come true for rock climbing enthusiasts, Devils Tower is a unique test of climbing skills. To climb Devils Tower you do need a permit, and register before you climb and check in upon return.

Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture

When viewed from across its location in the picnic area, the sculpture frames Devils Tower in a view representing a puff of smoke from a newly lit pipe. It is meant to honor the American people with a gesture of world peace, which also drives awareness of the sacredness of Devils Tower to over twenty tribes.

Stargaze at Joyner Ridge

Wide open spaces. Zero city lights for miles around. The perfect set up for a telescope. It’s the perfect spot for unrivaled stargazing.

Don’t Skip the Tower

Devils Tower is truly unique among natural, geologic structures, and you won’t find anything else quite like it. Even today origin theories populate the internet attempting to explain how Devils Tower was formed.

For the curious, the naturalist, or the budding geologist, Devils Tower is definitely a bucket list item. Once there you can’t help but be amazed at nature’s wonders. One other perk of visiting the first national monument, is the lack of large crowds, as compared to other monuments not so far away.

So don’t discount Devils Tower as a minor attraction. It’s well worth your time.

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