Visiting Devils Tower National Monument is an experience that evokes mystery and wonder for people of all ages. Whether you're short on time or have a few hours to spare, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at this iconic landmark. To make the most of your visit, plan to spend at least half a day at Devils Tower. It takes at least an hour to get here, so it's worth spending a few hours in the park to explore the area and take in the stunning views.
If you're short on time, you can still get a glimpse of the Devil's Tower in half an hour to an hour. Stop by the visitor center and take some photos, but if you have a few hours, you can choose to do one of the following activities at Devils Tower. The 2.8 mile (4.5 kilometers) circular Tower Trail offers panoramic views of the Belle Fourche River Valley and takes about 2.5 hours to walk. It has some steep sections with an elevation change of 450 feet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Parking at Devils Tower is very difficult in summer and car parks are usually full from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For a different perspective on Devils Tower, add the Red Beds Trail to your itinerary. This hike offers fewer people and stunning views of the Devil's Tower and the Belle Fourche River Valley.
It takes about two hours to complete and is suitable for all levels. If you're interested in stargazing at Devils Tower, the Joyner Ridge parking and trail offer one of the best views of the Tower and have very little light pollution. If you're planning to visit Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, there are several car routes that cross Wyoming and you can easily add Devils Tower to this road trip. According to Wikipedia, the first known ascent to the Devil's Tower by any method took place on July 4, 1893, and is credited to William Rogers and Willard Ripley, local ranchers in the area.
For more information about the geology of Devils Tower, check out Geology of Devils Tower National Monument Wyoming. This book provides an in-depth look at this iconic landmark. Sacred to Native Americans, a popular road trip destination and alien landing site, a famous film, Devils Tower evokes mystery and wonder for visitors of all ages. If you're going to be in Rapid City, you can visit Devils Tower on a one-day road trip that also includes Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, and Lead.
The Devil's Tower was the first national monument in the United States, established on September 24, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The Devil's Tower National Monument continues to make the sites of the monument accessible to people of all levels.
