There are more than 200 climbs in Devils Tower, approximately 90% of which are free traditional multi-section routes. The first step is often broad, and gradually becomes steeper. After climbing 100 feet, you tend to climb consistently and very steeply. One of the best rock climbing spots in North America is in Wyoming.
Devils Tower attracts many climbers with its unique and challenging parallel rock columns. These cracks have different lengths and widths. The longest is almost 400 feet (122 m) tall. You'll need special equipment to climb to the top, such as two ropes and two supports.
Around 85% of climbers choose the Durrance Route, which is considered the easiest way to reach the top. The iconic columns of the Devil's Tower form dihedral dividers that wrap around, most just 5 to 10 feet away. One Way Sunset is a great all-rounder that has everything you're looking for in a climb to the Devil's Tower. Devils Tower is a true jewel of the American West, home to some unique, high-quality cracks.
The observance of the voluntary closure of June balances the American Indian cultural and ceremonial values associated with the Tower and the month of June, with the Tower's status as a world-class destination and experience for climbers. However, it wasn't until 1937 that Fritz Wiessner, placing only one python on the entire route, made the first free ascent to Devils Tower. This feels especially true as a Devils Tower local, having seen the visitor tsunami flood year after year. With just a day or two of practice and the right rock climbing guide, climbing Devils Tower is no problem.
Rock climbing at Devils Tower has opened my eyes to the history of the area and what it means to the people who have inhabited it for millennia. The National Park Service, contrary to information advocated by unofficial sources, strongly recommends and encourages compliance with the voluntary closure of June as a direct means to avoid a more restrictive climbing environment in Devils Tower. This plan provides instructions for climbing activities in Devils Tower to protect the park's natural and cultural resources. Depending on the skill level and queue of the climbers, climbing Devils Tower can take anywhere from an hour to 12 hours.
The June voluntary climbing closure was selected as part of the Devils Tower Climbing Management Plan by a working group that included two climbing organizations, two American Indian organizations, and other representatives of local agencies and governments. Devils Tower is an impressive igneous intrusion (phonolite porphyry) located in northeastern Wyoming, just north of Interstate 90 between Rapid City, South Dakota and Gillette, WY. Even at 6'2, I'm fully extended for some sections, but I love it or hate it, this is definitely one of the most exclusive climbing pieces you'll find in Devils Tower. When using a commercial guide service, make sure the company has a valid permit to guide the climbs in Devils Tower.
The top of the tower reaches 5,117 feet (about 800 feet from its base) and all accesses exit the main parking lot of Devils Tower.
