Things to do at Devils Tower

What to do at Devils Tower Wyoming: tips for planning your trip

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If you’ve seen Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, like the characters in the film, you may be obsessed by the shape of a strange and mysterious monolith. Are you wondering if it really exists? Are you anxiously searching for its location? Do you think that this unique, phantom high ground is just an invention of passionate ufologists and fanatics of Area 51?

Don’t worry, that strange and fascinating rocky conformation really does exist and it is also quite well known: it is Devils Tower, the first site declared a National Monument in the history of the USA by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Let’s take a closer look at this natural attraction and figure out how to plan a visit to the site, including info about location, directions, things to do, and places to stay nearby. 

Where is Devils Tower located and directions

Devils Tower is located inside the park of the same name in Wyoming, the geographic area of the United States also known as Great American West or Real America. There is only one road to get there and that is Wyoming Hwy 24.

Devils Tower National Monument is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The Visitor Center is open in the spring, summer and fall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here, in addition to the usual book and souvenir area, you will find an exhibition that explains the history of the place. The rangers on duty can also answer your questions, as well as explain the day’s activities.

There is an entrance fee of $ 25 for each car, or you can use your America the Beautiful park pass.

how to get to devils tower

On arriving with your rental car you must bear in mind that, unfortunately, the parking space is limited to about 200 places and, as you can imagine, during the high season months it is likely that you will not find a place in the area by the Visitor Center, in the time slot from 10:00 to 15:00. If you find yourself in this unpleasant situation, you can consider other parking options for example:

  • Picnic Area: there are additional parking lots along the sides of the road leading to Belle Fourche River Campground. From there you can take a walking trail that joins two trails in the park (Valley View Trail and Red Beds Trail) and after about 1.2 miles, it will take you to the Visitor Center.
  • Joyner Ridge Area: This parking area is located north of Devils Tower and can only be reached on a dirt road. Once there, you will have to walk along the Joyner Ridge Trail until you reach the trailhead that connects to the Red Beds Trail. If you want to get to the Visitor Center, you will have to allow almost 3 miles both ways. The upside is that you’ll get some great views of Devils Tower even if you don’t get to the Visitor Center.

How was Devils Tower formed

how was the devils tower formed

The mountain, which rises above the Belle Fourche River on the edge of the Black Hills region, is actually the heart of an ancient volcano, where the surrounding rock has gradually eroded, revealing a central mass of cooled magma that now appears as a cracked rock monolith, as if it has been scratched along its entire surface.

However, the particular feature of this attraction lies not only in the monument itself, but also in the contrast with its surrounding landscape, a prairie stretching as far as the eye can see to the horizon, where Devil’s Tower stands alone.

The sight is so striking that it impressed not only American filmmakers but also the ancient native peoples, who considered it a sacred place, formed thanks to the gift of a great spirit who erected it to save some young Indian girls fleeing from a giant bear (which repeatedly scratched the mountain, thus giving it the appearance we can all see today).

To get an idea of this spectacular view of the tower, take a look at the video below, also useful for an idea of how to reach it.

Things to do near Devils Tower

things to do around Devils Tower
Things to do at Devils Tower

Admiring the tower is in itself the reason why Devils Tower is worth visiting, however, while you’re at it, why not take the opportunity to indulge in a nice hike in the surrounding area? Read more for available trails, and all the other things to do around Devils Tower.

Devils Tower sculpture

There is a sculpture by Japanese artist Junkyu Muto named Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture near the picnic area. The significance of this work is to remind visitors how important this place was to Native Americans. Positioning yourself in front of it, you can “frame” Devils Tower inside it, allowing you to take beautiful souvenir photos.

Devils Tower attractions
What to do near Devils Tower

Finally, if you feel brave enough, in the summer season (but not in June as a sign of respect for the Native Americans who believe this month to have a very important symbolic value), you can ask permission to climb the tower and admire the marvelous panorama, but you must show that you are well prepared.

Devils Tower hike trails

Devils Tower trails
Devils Tower hikes

The park is not large, so there are only four paths you can take. Let’s look closer at what they can offer and what they are.

  • Tower Trail: as you might guess from the name, this is the most popular and well-trodden trail in the park. The itinerary is very simple, as starting from the Visitor Center the trail goes around Devils Tower and back to the starting point. To complete the entire route, you’ll have to walk a little more than 1.2 miles, with an elevation gain of about 125 feet. It’s a trail for everyone and definitely the best choice to see the mountain up close. If during the path you should come across pieces of cloth attached to the trees, this is a spiritual Indian symbolism representing the spiritual connection of the tribes of the area with the same tower, so do not touch them.
  • Red Beds Trail: this trail also starts from the Visitor Center and goes around Devils Tower, but if you take a wider path it is a bit more challenging. In this case, there are 2.8 miles to cover.
  • Joyner Ridge Trail: I already briefly talked about this trail in the part about parking. If you remember, it doesn’t connect directly to Devils Tower but it is a walk of just under one and a half miles partly within a forest. It’s a good choice if you want to watch the mountain in the distance, especially during sunset on nice days, when Devils Tower will turn orange, giving the whole area a very special atmosphere.
  • South Side and Valley View Trails: I mentioned this trail in the alternative parking section. It is a loop of just over two miles that begins and ends in the Belle Fourche River Campground area. What’s special about this trail is that, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see many prairie dogs frolicking in their natural habitat.

Devils Tower hike

Visiting Devils Tower at night

If you are staying in the vicinity (by the way, I suggest you read the dedicated section if you want more information), consider the possibility of visiting the park at night. Since there is almost no light pollution, you will be able to admire the starry sky in its full glory.

Devils Tower at night

Among the many stars to be observed, a central role is played by the Great Bear constellation, that is seen clearly here and has influenced the beliefs and traditions of Native Americans in the area over the centuries. If you’re particularly interested in stargazing, I suggest you check out the Night Sky Programs on the park’s official page or ask the rangers for information on site.

Why you should take a visit to Devils Tower

why visit Devils Tower

In brief, Devils Tower can be a very interesting stop for those who find themselves in the so-called Real America region and want to visit Wyoming. The peculiarity itself of this bizarre rock conformation and its natural context make it really stunning, and for those who loved the famous movie by Spielberg, the experience has an even more evocative note.

Places to stay near Devils Tower

The closest accommodation is definitely Devils Tower Lodge located just north of the Joyner Ridge area. It is a well-maintained bed and breakfast that provide a view of the mountain from some of the rooms. The owners will also be happy to give you some tips if you want to go climbing. Another lodging nearby (about 20 minutes by car) is Sawin’ Logs Bed & Breakfast set in a beautiful, very quiet, and relaxing location.

Other hotels and places to stay near Devils Tower can be found in the small town of Hulett (about 15 minutes by car) or in the larger, but more distant (just over an hour), Gillette.

One last thing: if you have decided to spend the night in the area,  you can enjoy the evening screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind at 9:00 pm at the KOA campground, just outside the park entrance.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti
lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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