Devil’s Tower National Monument: Visitor’s Guide

The climb isn’t for everyone; the views are.

Devil’s Tower National Monument might be just a bit out of the way, but it’s absolutely worth the time. What overlander is afraid of a little extra driving time, anyway? Not us. If you’re exploring nearby attractions, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, and Badlands National Park are all located within a short drive of Devil’s Tower. 2 hours will get you from Wind Cave or Rushmore to Devil’s Tower, and Badlands brings you closer to 3. What’s another couple of hours behind the wheel in order to see one of the nation’s most unique geographic landmarks?

Devil’s Tower History

The NPS estimates that Devil’s Tower was formed about 50 million years ago, and finally thrust aboveground roughly 5 to 10 million years ago. As sedimentary rock was worn away by erosion, the harder igneous formation we see today remained. Today, the massive rock formation rises 867 feet (264 meters) above the surrounding landscape.

Any piece of rock this side is sure to have a rich history of cultural significance. Before European settlers headed West, Devil’s Tower had significant cultural meaning to many Native American tribes local to the area, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, Arapahoe, Shoshone, and Kiowa. Many of their traditions incorporate bears into the legend of the tower’s formation. In recent years, the National Park Service has worked closely with Native American tribes to preserve the cultural and spiritual significance of Devil’s Tower. Today, the tower remains an important symbol of Native American heritage and history.

The first recorded sighting of the Tower by non-Native Americans was in 1851 by a team of explorers led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge. The tower was later named by an American expedition led by Colonel William F. Cody, aka “Buffalo Bill,” in 1875. Later, Devil’s Tower was designated as the first National Monument in the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.

Climbing the Tower

Climbing Devil’s Tower began in the even before its National Monument designation and has since become a popular activity for climbers of all skill levels. Two crazy ranchers, Willard Ripley and William Rogers, devised a ladder that helped them reach the top of the tower in the 1890s. Their makeshift ladder stayed in place, helping many other climbers scale the tower, until the 1920s, when it started getting pretty beat up. While you can’t climb on their ladder anymore, the NPS restored the top portion in the 1970s. It wasn’t until 1937 that a team of climbers conquered the climb without assistance from ladders.

5 Things to Know Before You Go

1. Location: Devil’s Tower is located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, not in South Dakota, as commonly thought. It’s a close drive from many popular South Dakotan attractions, though, as we mentioned earlier.
2. Geology: Devil’s Tower is a unique geological formation made of igneous rock, and its formation is still a mystery to geologists. Before you go, do some research on popular theories and see if you can recognize some of the more famous rock formations!
3. Hiking trails: Devil’s Tower offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, offering stunning views of the tower and its surroundings. Here is the NPS’s list of recommended trails for hikers of all abilities.
4. Wildlife: Devil’s Tower is home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, deer, and birds. Visitors should take precautions to avoid disturbing the animals, but keep your eyes open and you’re sure to see some critters! Click here for photos of park wildlife.
5. Weather: Wyoming’s weather can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for a range of conditions, including rain, wind, and snow. There are also drastic seasonal changes. The park’s activities and accessibility vary depending on the season, so visitors should plan accordingly.

6 Things To Do at Devil’s Tower

1. Hike the Tower Trail: This 1.3-mile trail around the base of the tower offers spectacular views of the monument and its surrounding landscape.
2. Climbing: Devil’s Tower is famous among climbers for its challenging and unique routes. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, you can enjoy climbing the tower.
3. Wildlife watching: the surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, deer, and birds. You can watch these animals in their natural habitat.
4. Night sky observation: Devil’s Tower is an excellent place for stargazing due to its remote location and clear skies. Don’t forget to bring your telescope!
5. Learn about Native American culture: Devil’s Tower is a sacred site for many Native American tribes. You can visit the park’s visitor center to learn about the tower’s significance in Native American culture.
6. Go on a scenic drive: The roads around Devil’s Tower offer stunning views of the monument and the surrounding landscape. Take a scenic drive and enjoy the beauty of the area.