Rising 867 feet from the Black Hills prairie, this massive stone column formed from volcanic magma draws rock climbers and geology enthusiasts to northeastern Wyoming.
Rising 867 feet above Wyoming’s prairie, Devils Tower National Monument became America’s first national monument in 1906. This flat-topped rock formation, visible from miles away, holds deep meaning for Northern Plains tribes and attracts climbers to its vertical cracks. Walk the paved trail circling its base, watch prairie dogs pop from their burrows in grassy areas, or join ranger talks about how the Tower formed and its role in tribal stories. The site appeared in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but its real appeal comes from the sheer size of the rock columns and the quiet focus visitors feel when standing beneath them.
Devils Tower is made of phonolite porphyry, a rare type of igneous rock that hardened into six-sided columns over 50 million years ago. Geologists disagree on how it formed: some argue magma pushed up through sedimentary layers, while others think it filled an old volcano’s vent. The rock rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, with its top sitting at 5,112 feet above sea level. Green lichens grow on its surface, and ponderosa pines cluster around the lower slopes. Wind and rain slowly wear away softer rock around the Tower, keeping its columns sharp and visible.
More than 20 Native American groups, including the Lakota and Cheyenne, view Devils Tower as a sacred place. They call it Bear Lodge or Mato Tipila, referencing stories of a giant bear carving the rock’s grooves with its claws. Tribal ceremonies like sun dances and prayer tie-offs happen here, especially in June. Climbers voluntarily avoid ascending the Tower during this month to respect these traditions. Park staff work with tribal leaders to protect ceremonial sites while maintaining public access to trails and climbing routes.
Devils Tower has over 200 climbing routes, including the Durrance Route (rated 5.7) and tougher lines reaching 5.13 difficulty. Everyone must get a free climbing permit from the visitor center before starting and after finishing a climb. Bring a helmet, sturdy shoes, and layers—weather changes fast, and loose rocks can fall. Climbers must return to the base by dusk; no camping is allowed on the summit. The first climb in 1893 used a wooden ladder wedged into cracks; modern climbers rely on cams and chocks for safety.
Four trails let you explore the area around the Tower. The 1.3-mile Tower Trail circles the base, passing large boulders and pine trees with signs explaining how the columns formed. For wider views, take the 2.8-mile Red Beds Trail to see red sandstone cliffs and the Belle Fourche River valley. The 1.5-mile Joyner Ridge Trail has fewer hikers and frames the Tower against hills, particularly during evening light. Watch for prairie dog colonies near the South Side and Valley View Trails, where mule deer sometimes graze in open meadows.
White-tailed deer browse in forested zones, while prairie dogs dig burrows near trailheads. Look for red-tailed hawks circling overhead or bald eagles hunting near the river. Spring brings yellow arrowleaf flowers and purple pasqueflowers to the grasslands. Chipmunks scurry across the summit, surviving on seeds and insects in the dry, windy environment. Keep to marked trails to avoid trampling plants, and don’t approach prairie dogs—they can carry fleas that transmit diseases.
The monument stays open all year, but summer provides reliable weather and daily ranger programs. A $25 pass per vehicle covers entry for seven days, including trail access and camping. The visitor center operates from May to September with exhibits on rock formations and tribal history, plus a small shop selling books. The campground has 46 basic sites for tents and RVs; arrive early to claim a spot during peak season. Winter visits require traction footwear for icy paths but let you see the Tower with snow clinging to its crevices.
Hulett, Wyoming (9 miles east), has motels, gas stations, and grocery stores. Sundance (27 miles southeast) offers similar amenities. Driving from Rapid City, South Dakota, takes about 90 minutes via US-14, making the Tower achievable as a day trip. Rent cars at airports in Gillette or Rapid City. Parking lots fill by 11 AM in summer, so plan to arrive before 9 AM. Cyclists pay $15 per person to enter, with bike racks located near the visitor center’s entrance.
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