Devils Tower National Monument
- Admission
- $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or free with an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass
- Hours
- The park trails and roads are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center has seasonal hours, typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- There is a paved parking lot at the visitor center at the base of the tower, but it fills up very quickly between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM during the summer months.
- Access
- The main Tower Trail is paved, though it has some steep grades that may require assistance for manual wheelchair users. The Visitor Center and restrooms are fully wheelchair accessible.
Rising dramatically out of the rolling Wyoming prairie, this colossal stone monolith is America's very first national monument. Known to local tribes as Bear Lodge, its sheer vertical cliffs offer a mesmerizing geological spectacle. It is also famous as the iconic backdrop of the sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
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Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Devils Tower is a spectacular geologic feature that rises 867 feet from its base to its flat summit. Geologists believe it was formed by the intrusion of molten rock that cooled slowly underground, cracking into the unique, massive hexagonal columns seen today. For centuries, it has held deep spiritual significance for multiple Plains Indian tribes, who still leave colorful prayer cloths tied to the pine trees near its base.
Visitors can explore the paved Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that winds around the base of the monument, offering close-up views of the massive boulder fields and towering columns. Keep an eye out for brave rock climbers scaling the vertical cracks, or explore the surrounding ponderosa pine forests and lively prairie dog towns near the park entrance.
Ratings
park◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Walk the 1.3-mile paved Tower Trail loop for the best close-up views of the columns.
- ◆ Visit the bustling prairie dog town near the park entrance, but do not feed the animals.
- ◆ Arrive early in the morning during summer to secure a parking spot and avoid the midday heat.
- ◆ Respect the Native American prayer cloths left on trees; do not touch or photograph them closely.
Heads Up
- ◆ Watch out for rattlesnakes, especially when walking off the paved paths.
- ◆ Do not climb on the boulder field at the base of the tower unless you are an experienced, registered climber.
- ◆ Keep a safe distance from all local wildlife, including deer and defensive prairie dogs.
Common questions
Can you climb to the top of Devils Tower?
Yes, technical rock climbing is permitted on the tower, but climbers must register before starting and check in upon completion. A voluntary climbing closure is in place during the month of June out of respect for Native American cultural ceremonies.
Are dogs allowed on the trails at Devils Tower?
No, pets are not allowed on any of the park's hiking trails. They are only permitted in developed areas such as parking lots, roadsides, picnic areas, and the campground, and must be kept on a leash at all times.
How long does it take to walk around the base of Devils Tower?
The paved Tower Trail is a 1.3-mile loop around the base that takes most visitors 30 to 45 minutes to complete. It offers close-up views of the tower's columns and the surrounding boulder field.
Is Devils Tower visible from the highway without entering the park?
Yes, Devils Tower is highly visible from miles away along Wyoming Highway 24 and US Route 14. There are several roadside pullouts outside the park boundary where you can view and photograph the monument without paying the park entrance fee.