Rising from the prairie around the Black Hills, Devils Tower stands out as a geological formation. Hundreds of parallel cracks divide the rock into large hexagonal columns; the crystalline igneous rock is classified as phonolite porphyry. During your visit, you can admire its distinctive shape from the base of the tower, learn about its geology and discover the site’s cultural significance.
Columns and Rock
The parallel cracks divide Devils Tower into large, hexagonal columns. The name phonolite porphyry adds a geological classification to what you can see: it describes the tower’s crystalline igneous rock. The Tower Trail also offers ways to explore the area’s natural and cultural history. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the park’s natural and cultural history.
Two Trails, Different Highlights
The paved Tower Trail is 1.3 miles long and loops around the base of Devils Tower. The formation itself is the focus of the loop, while signs along the route provide information about natural and cultural history. The Joyner Ridge Trail offers a different experience: it provides elevated views of Devils Tower and opportunities to observe wildlife in forests and flower-filled meadows. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Stargazing is another possible activity around Devils Tower. Places to do this include the Joyner Ridge Trailhead and the area near the Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture and Picnic Area. Conditions and program times may vary; if you plan to attend a sky program, check the schedule in advance.
Cultural Significance and Climbing Information
The Circle of Sacred Smoke is located near the picnic area and honors the American people as a symbol of world peace. The sculpture is intended to raise visitors’ awareness of the significance of Devils Tower to more than twenty affiliated Indigenous tribes. Another important condition of visiting concerns June: the National Park Service asks visitors to voluntarily refrain from climbing Devils Tower and from climbing within the Tower Trail loop throughout the month.
Technical climbing is permitted at Devils Tower National Monument. Anyone who wishes to climb above the talus field or undertake a climbing-like ascent must register at the climbing kiosk before the ascent and check out afterward. Summer ranger programs typically include guided walks on the Tower Trail, short talks outside the visitor center and evening programs in the campground amphitheater. Check the annual program schedule before your trip. The visitor center also has Junior Ranger program booklets; participants receive a badge upon completion. Booklet availability may vary by season.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Devils Tower National Monument can be reached by one road only: Wyoming Highway 24. The entrance is nine miles south of Hulett. Check road conditions before driving. There are three designated parking areas in the monument: at the visitor center, at the picnic area and at the Joyner Ridge Trailhead. Parking availability may be limited when visitor numbers are high.
There is no food service in the monument. Reusable water containers can be refilled at designated restrooms; a seasonal water station is available at the start of the Tower Trail from spring through fall. For an overnight stay in the monument, Belle Fourche River Campground has 45 campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These include pull-through sites, four accessible sites and three sites reserved exclusively for tent groups. The campground operates seasonally; check operating dates and availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hulett, Moorcroft.
Return to the main travel overview: Crook County.
