Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower, known to Native Americans as Bear's Lodge, stands tall above the Black Hills of eastern Wyoming and draws large crowds year round to admire the magnificent and sacred rock formation. While its origins are disputed, Devils Tower reaches 1,267 feet into the air and has stood for millions of years. In 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt designated Bear Lodge as the first ever national monument in the United States.

Along with a visitor center, two trails navigate the perimeter of the tower to give guests spectacular views all the way around. The Tower Trail is an easy, stroller-friendly paved pathway that goes all the way around the tower. Informational signs dot the path, and sacred belongings are placed at the base of the tower by Native American tribes; these are not to be disturbed or removed from the park. The Tower Trail provides overlooks of the Belle Fourche River and valley, which is stunning in early morning and evening hours. The park is also open 24 hours a day, allowing guests the unique opportunity to visit the park for star-gazing; however, the visitor center hours vary per season.

Along with the Tower Trail, the Red Beds Trail meanders throughout the park area. The Red Beds Trail connects with Joyner Ridge and Valley View Trails. Joyner Ridge can be accessed via a road prior to reaching the visitor center. A prairie dog town can be spotted along the Valley View Trail. Rock climbing opportunities are available, and climbers must register prior to climbing to ensure everyone's safety.

Every year, Devils Tower is closed to climbers to protect nesting falcons. There is also a voluntary climbing closure for the month of June. Devils Tower is a sacred site for several Native American tribes common to the area, including the Arapaho, Crow, Shoshone, Cheyenne, and Lakota Sioux. While the closure is voluntary, the National Park Service strongly encourages visitors to observe the closure on behalf of the Native American community, which use the closure as an opportunity to practice traditional ceremonies. For more details, refer to Devils Tower National Monument via the National Park Service.

There are limited parking spots at the monument itself, and the noteable Sturgis Motorcycle Rally occurs annually the first week of August, which may cause some parking congestion.