Devils Tower National Monument
Last Updated: Feb 16th, 2020
About
Devils Tower is a large butte located in the Black Hills of eastern Wyoming. Established on September 24th, 1906, America’s first national monument derives its name from a misinterpretation of the native title “Bear’s House” or “Bear’s Lodge.” The formation, which rises 1,267 feet above the surrounding landscape (elevation: 5,112 ft), is a popular destination for rock climbers.
Top tips
The Joyner Ridge Trail trailhead has one of the best views in the park for photos — whether it’s landscape photography or family photos.
Stay at Devils Tower KOA for incredible evening/morning views from the base of the tower.
Hike the circumference of the tower via the Tower Trail for an experience you’ll remember forever.
Climb the boulder field at the base of the tower. Just remember to follow park guidelines and acquire the free permit.
If you’ll be approaching Devils Tower National Monument from the east, consider stopping in Savoy, South Dakota to check out Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls. If you’ve only time for one, choose Spearfish.
When to go
Devil’s Tower National Monument is open 24-hours per day, year round. However, the Visitor’s Center and bookstore are closed during the winter season (December - March).
Average monthly daytime temperatures range from a low of 32° in December to a peak of 85° in July. Spring weather is mild, ranging from 46° in March to 76° in June. Average temperatures reach the mid-60s by May. Temperatures begin to dip in October, breaking below 60° and averaging mid-40s by November.
Belle Fourche River Campground is available seasonally. The campground is usually fully open by mid-May and fully closed by mid-October.
For optimal weather and campsite availability, visit the park between late May and early October. Nighttime temperatures do get cold. The average nighttime temperature during peak summer is 50°. If you’re camping in the spring or fall, nighttime temperatures will reach the low-30s — occasionally dipping into the 20s.
Average Temperatures (°F)
How to get there
Devils Tower National Monument is located in eastern Wyoming. It sits just off Highway 24. Highway 24 is most easily reached via Highway 14 by way of Interstate 90.
The tower is approximately 60 miles from Spearfish, South Dakota — the location of Black Hills Airport — and 107 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota.
From the west, the park is approximately 60 miles from Gillette, Wyoming and 130 miles from Buffalo, Wyoming.
All roads leading to the park are paved.
Where to stay
While you can find additional lodging the farther you move away from the tower, I very highly recommend staying at one of the few available lodgings near the base of the tower. Spending your evening/morning at the base of the tower is a wonderful experience you’ll never forget.
Options are very limited, so you’ll want to plan and make reservations (if applicable) well in advance.
NPS Photo / Avery Locklear
Belle Fourche River Campground
A 2-loop, 46-site campground with 4 accessible sites and 3 tent-only group sites. There are no reservations for this campground. It is first come, first serve only. The campground is only available from May to October.
The 46 sites include pull-throughs with room for RVs up to 35’. However, there are no hookups. There are no RV-only sites.
You will typically be able to find a site if you arrive before 6pm. During the summer months, the campground will occasionally fill up.
There are no food storage lockers, no store selling ice or firewood, and no dump stations.
Drinking water and restrooms are available.
Individual and accessible sites are $20/night. Group sites are $30/night.
Pets are allowed in the campground, picnic areas, and paved areas. Pets are not allowed on any trails.
View from the Devils Tower KOA tent area.
Devils Tower KOA
I highly recommend staying at Devils Tower KOA. The campground offers a wide array of lodging options ranging from tent sites to RV sites to cabins of varying sizes.
The campground includes showering and bathroom facilities, laundering facilities, and a pool. There is a nightly viewing of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on a small outdoor screen near the main building. Bring blankets.
You are extremely likely to encounter deer in the campground, especially in the evening.
Park Model Cabins sleep 6 and include a kitchenette and a 3/4th bathroom. One Room Cabins sleep 3, and each has a picnic table. There are no amenities at the One Room Cabins cabins other than lights, wall sockets, and a small heater. Bedding is not provided. The view of the tower from the One Room Cabins is exceptional. The Belle Fourche River runs immediately behind these cabins.
The campground has both pull-through and full hookups (up to 50 amp). Some RV sites have good views of the tower, and some do not.
There is a 30-acre tent area allowing tent campers to choose their own campsite. This area is immediately next to the One Room Cabins, and the entire area has exceptional views of the tower. Stay on the southern portion of the tent area for immediate access to bathroom facilities.
I stayed here in early September of 2019. Half of the cabins were empty, and almost the entire tent area was empty. The RV area was nearing capacity.
Pets are allowed at the campground. While outside, your pet must be leashed. However, the campground includes a fenced-in dog run where your dog can run around without leash restriction.
Everything requires a reservation. To check in, visit the main building/gift shop along Devils Tower National Monument Rd.
Photo www.devilstowerlodge.com
Devils Tower Lodge
This bed & breakfast on private land sits north of Devils Tower National Monument and is open from May 1st through September 30th.
Though the land is private, reaching the lodge requires a drive through the park and a drive down a dirt road. The dirt road is absolutely passable with a passenger car. However, if driving a rental, you should check your rental agreement before proceeding.
Home-cooked dinner is served family-style at 7pm for $15. Children under 10 eat free. Breakfast is also offered.
The lodge has a nice view of the tower and is surrounded by forest. One of the best overlooks in the park (Joyner Ridge Trailhead) is along the dirt road on the way to the lodge.
I have not personally stayed here, but if camping is not your thing and you want to stay within eyeshot of the tower, Devils Tower Lodge should be a great place to stay.
There are no refunds for cancellations within 30 days of reservation. Pets are not allowed.
Favorite trails
Tower Trail
Tower Trail is a 1.3-mile trail that begins at the Visitor’s Center. This trail is paved and allows you to walk around the perimeter of the tower. The trail moves through a forest and a boulder field. Please do not touch the prayer cloths attached to the trees.
Red Beds Trail
This 2.8-mile trail is another trail that circumnavigates the tower. However, this trail moves farther away from the tower, giving you a better view of the surrounding landscape enveloping the tower. This trail does have some elevation gain as it eventually descends down to the river valley and back up again.
Joyner Ridge Trail
The trailhead for this 1.5-mile loop is arguably the best place to photograph the tower from. It is the location where I took this guide’s header photograph. Reaching this trailhead requires driving on a dirt road. However, it is absolutely passable with a passenger car. The trail itself starts with a great view of the tower, and eventually winds through a forest.
View from the north/south stretch of Devils Tower National Monument Rd. just west of the tower.
Campgrounds
Since campgrounds are the primary lodging experience for Devils Tower National Monument, my ‘Where to stay’ section covers most relevant information.
Permits
Hiking
There are no backcountry permits required for hiking.
Climbing
Anyone planning to climb or scramble the boulder field must register prior and deposit a return slip afterward. Registration is free. Find more climbing information here.
Special Use
Weddings, ceremonies, and other gatherings require a special use permit. There is an administration fee of $100. Some gatherings require monitoring from park staff. Monitoring fees range from $25/hr to $60/hr.
Filming
Commercial filming and photography requires a permit. Permits are not required for personal use. If you need a filming permit, you are asked to submit your application 60 days in advance. Information about fees can be found here.
Drone filming is not permitted under any circumstances.
For more in-depth information on all permits, click here.