Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Wyoming.

In the park service’s words

The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural and cultural world.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Stargaze at Joyner Ridge: Joyner Ridge offers wide open spaces and little light pollution, the perfect combination for optimal stargazing. Set up your telescope, photograph the night sky with Devils Tower, or simply look up. There’s no wrong way to stargaze!
• Hike Valley View Trail (0 to 30 Minutes): Take a stroll through the prairie dog town with scenic views of the Belle Fourche River and Devils Tower. Valley View Trail is relatively level and short, perfect for kids or a quick leg stretch. Valley View Trail can also be used to connect the campground or picnic area to other parts of the park.
• Hike South Side Trail (0 to 30 Minutes): South Side Trail offers an easy stroll through the prairie dog town or a convenient connector to other parts of the park. Catch the trail from the park amphitheater, Red Beds Trail, or prairie dog town pullouts. South Side Trail is a great way to reach the visitor center from the picnic area and campground, allowing yo
• Hike the Red Beds Loop Trail (2 to 3 Hours): Looking for a traditional hiking experience in the park? Check out this 2.8 mile loop around the Tower! Take in sights of the Tower from different angles and enjoy the beauty of the Belle Fourche River valley. As you climb up and down between the visitor center parking lot and the river valley, experience the geology o
• Walk the Tower Trail Loop (40 Minutes): Enjoy a walk around the base of one of the most unique geologic formations in the world! Learn about the natural and cultural history of Devils Tower National Monument, from theories about how it formed to the connections modern tribes maintain with the site today.
• Watch for Wildlife at Prairie Dog Town: Have you ever heard a prairie dog yip? Or seen a fox with its kits? There’s lots going on at the prairie dog town! Take some time to enjoy the wildlife in the park. Don’t forget to look up! The prairie dog town is a great place to spot turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and other birds flying around the Tower. Use the
• Eat Lunch at the Devils Tower Picnic Area (1 to 2 Hours): After a long day of exploring, stop by the Devils Tower picnic area to enjoy your lunch! The Devils Tower picnic area provides visitors with a serene experience of the Tower. Located near the Bell Fourche Campground, take a walk under the cottonwood trees with your leashed pet or spend the afternoon enjoying the views.
• Hike Joyner Ridge Trail (1 to 2 Hours): Joyner Ridge provides the space and serenity to enjoy nature without the crowds. Visit a quieter part of Devils Tower by hiking the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Joyner Ridge Trail. Take in scenic views of the Tower or visit at night to stargaze in the secluded northern part of the park. Experience this trail in spring to spot blo

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Park roads and trails are open 24 hours/day. This visitor center bookstore is open on a limited basis. The Belle Fourche River Campground is open mid-May to mid-October.

Camping

Getting there

The park entrance is located 33 miles northeast of Moorcroft, 27 miles northwest of Sundance, and 52 miles southwest of Belle Fourche, SD. If approaching from the east or west, take US Hwy 14 to WY 24 (follow the signs from I-90). If approaching from the north, take WY 112 to WY 24 (from Montana) or SD 34 / WY 24 (from South Dakota).

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Devils Tower National Monument Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Visitor Center and Bookstore are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Outside and to the right of the visitor center building, you will find a self-service passport stamp station that is open 24/7. If you want to speak directly with a ranger and one is not present in the visitor center, give us a try on our informational phone line at 307-467-5283 x635.

Weather

Obtain forecast information before beginning your adventure at Devils Tower National Monument and observe changing weather conditions. Thunderstorms can develop quickly bringing lightning, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, and hypothermia. Summer days can bring very hot temperatures. Carry enough water, and realize the rock of the Tower can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter weather can bring blowing snow and road closures. Check local forecasts and road conditions before visiting.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Wind Cave, about 93 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Devils Tower National Monument (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.