Why go
In the middle of the vast prairie in north-east Wyoming, a massive rock monolith rises almost 400 metres above its surroundings. The Devils Tower is one of North America's most distinctive natural monuments and seems almost unreal from a long distance.
It was the first National Monument of the United States in 1906 and has not only a geological peculiarity, but also a great spiritual significance for many indigenous peoples. Moreover, it became famous through the film Uncanny Meeting of the Third Kind (Close Encounters of the Third Child).
Although many visitors take only a short photo stop, it is worth a stay of at least half a day.
At a glance
Category | Information
Height of the monolith | approx. 386 m above the terrain
Foundation National Monument | 1906
Ideal stay | 1⁄2–1 day
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Photography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walking tours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Devils Tower
The massive rock consists of thousands of almost perfectly hexagonal basalt columns. To this day, it is not completely clear how this extraordinary formation was created.
For Lakota, Cheyenne, Kiowa and other indigenous peoples the rock is a sacred place. Many stories and legends surround its origin.
Insider tip
Watch the colorful tapes of cloth and prayer along the paths. They are part of religious ceremonies and should never be touched or photographed without respecting the cultural background.
Tower Trail
The most popular hiking trail leads around the monolith once.
Distance: approx. 2.1 km
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Barrier-free on large parts of the route
On the way, new perspectives are constantly opening up on the rocks.
Photo Tip
The north side often offers the most impressive views and is much quieter than the area at the visitor center.
Red Beds Trail
For those who seek a little more peace and quiet.
Distance: approx. 4,5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
The trail leads through forests and meadows around the monoliths and offers frequent wildlife sightings.
Visitor Center
Here you can find out more about:
Geology
History
indigenous culture
Animal life
Climbing tradition
The large panoramic terrace is one of the most beautiful viewpoints.
Walking tours
Next to the Tower Trail, the Red Beds Trail is especially worth it.
Especially in the early morning there is an almost mystical mood here.
Watching climbers
Devils Tower is one of the most famous climbing areas in the world.
In many places you can observe experienced climbers climbing the vertical basalt columns.
Good to know
In June, many climbers voluntarily forgo ascents, as this month has a special spiritual significance for numerous indigenous communities.
Animal monitoring
Living around the monolith:
Mule deer
Prairie dogs
Turkeys
Whitehead sea eagle
Falcon
Best animal observation
The morning hours are particularly quiet and offer the greatest opportunities.
Shopping
The offer is manageable.
In the visitor center you will find:
souvenirs
Books
Cards
Snacks
For larger purchases we recommend:
Hulett
Sundance
Gillette
Devils Tower View Restaurant
Rustic American cuisine overlooking the monoliths.
Ponderosa Café (Hulett)
Popular for breakfast and burgers.
Love of the locals
Many ranchers from the area come here regularly.
Red Rock Café
Small menu, family atmosphere and homemade cakes.
Devils Tower KOA
Probably the most famous campsite in the region.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up
Large pitches
Pool
Restaurant
Direct view of Devils Tower
On summer evenings, demonstrations of the Uncanny Meeting of the Third Kind under the open sky are often shown – with a view on the real monolith.
Insider tip
Reserve a parking space in the front rows. From there you enjoy a particularly nice view of Devils Tower.
Belle Fourche River Campground
The only campsite within the National Monument.
Benefits:
Quiet nature
Short distances
Spacious pitches
No hook-ups.
RV tip
The access road is easily accessible with large Fifth Wheels. However, the parking spaces at the Visitor Center can be quickly filled in high season. Those arriving early will save themselves waiting times.
Photo Tip
The most beautiful light conditions prevail shortly after sunrise or in the last two hours before sunset. Then the basalt columns shine in warm gold and red tones.
Internet & Mobile
The reception around the visitor center is usually sufficient, but can be significantly weaker on the hiking trails.
Avoid frequent errors
Plan enough water – shade is rare in many ways.
Don't leave the marked trails.
Respect religious ceremonies and prayers of indigenous peoples.
In the high season it is worth an early visit before the coaches arrive.
Our recommendation
The Devils Tower is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Great Plains. Its isolated location, enormous size and spiritual significance give this place a special atmosphere that can hardly be captured in images.