When people talk about visiting America’s iconic natural wonders, national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon often come up first. But tucked away in the northeast corner of Wyoming is a place just as breathtaking, yet far less crowded—Devils Tower National Monument. Rising dramatically from the rolling plains, Devils Tower is a towering geological marvel rich with Native American history, incredible hiking trails, and peaceful surroundings.
In this article, we’ll explore why Devils Tower National Monument deserves a top spot on your travel list—even if it’s not as popular as other national parks. From its mysterious formation to the best times to visit, this guide will help you plan your trip to one of America’s most unique natural landmarks.
Devils Tower is a massive, flat-topped rock formation that juts up 867 feet from its base and over 1,200 feet above the surrounding prairie. It was declared the first United States National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. This rare geological formation is actually the core of an ancient volcano, made up of columns of igneous rock that have withstood millions of years of erosion.
Today, it is not only a protected natural site but also a sacred place for several Native American tribes, who call it names like Bear Lodge or Bear’s Tipi.
Unlike Yellowstone or Zion, where you’re often elbow-to-elbow with tourists, Devils Tower offers a quieter, more peaceful experience. Most visitors spend just a few hours here, making it perfect for travelers looking for a more relaxed destination. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and even RV road-trippers.
The tower’s unique appearance draws geologists, photographers, and outdoor lovers alike. The giant vertical cracks in the rock create a striped look, giving it a somewhat alien vibe. In fact, this otherworldly quality led to its famous appearance in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
For Native American tribes like the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, Devils Tower is a sacred site used for ceremonies, prayer offerings, and storytelling. Visitors often see colorful prayer cloths tied to nearby trees—an important reminder to be respectful while exploring.
The Tower Trail is the most popular and accessible hike in the monument. It’s a 1.3-mile loop around the base of Devils Tower and offers fantastic views from every angle. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s geology, history, and local wildlife through interpretive signs.
For experienced climbers, Devils Tower is one of the best traditional climbing spots in the country. There are more than 200 climbing routes of various difficulty levels. However, June is a voluntary climbing closure month out of respect for Native American ceremonies.
Don’t be surprised if you see prairie dogs, mule deer, or even a bald eagle while exploring. The park’s Prairie Dog Town near the entrance is a favorite for families and wildlife photographers alike.
Located at the base of the tower, the Visitor Center has excellent exhibits about the geology, culture, and climbing history of the monument. It’s a great place to begin your adventure.
With very little light pollution, Devils Tower is a dream spot for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see thousands of stars and even the Milky Way. The monument often hosts Night Sky Programs during summer months.
The name Devils Tower came from a misunderstanding. In 1875, during an expedition led by Colonel Richard Dodge, interpreters mistakenly translated a Native American name as Bad God’s Tower, which was later simplified to Devils Tower.
Long before that, the tower was part of many Native American legends. One famous story tells of seven girls who were chased by bears. They prayed to the Great Spirit, who raised the rock beneath them. The bears tried to climb the rock, leaving deep claw marks—what we now see as vertical columns.
The best times to visit Devils Tower National Monument are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are low. Summers can get hot and more crowded, though still manageable compared to major parks.
In winter, the area becomes a peaceful, snowy retreat—though services are limited and trails may be icy.
The monument is located in northeastern Wyoming, near the town of Hulett. The closest major airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota (about a 2-hour drive). Many visitors combine a trip to Devils Tower with visits to Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, or Custer State Park.
While there is no hotel inside the monument, there are several great options nearby:
If you’re road-tripping through the region, consider adding these stops to your itinerary:
Devils Tower became world-famous after being featured in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In the movie, the tower serves as a meeting point for alien contact, and many fans still visit the site because of its Hollywood connection.
Devils Tower National Monument is more than just a stunning rock formation—it’s a peaceful, powerful, and deeply meaningful place that offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into geology, Native American culture, hiking, or simply escaping the noise of overcrowded tourist spots, this Wyoming treasure delivers in spades.
If you’re planning your next road trip through the American West, skip the long lines and high entrance fees at more famous parks. Instead, discover the quiet magic of Devils Tower. It might just be the highlight of your entire journey.
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