Devils Tower, Wyoming

Overview

Devils Tower doesn't just rise; it ERUPTS from the Wyoming prairie like some ancient god got bored with flat and decided to punch the sky! This colossal, fluted column of igneous rock is a staggering 867 feet of raw geological power, a sacred site to numerous Native American tribes, an irresistible magnet for rock climbers, and an undisputed icon of sci-fi cinema thanks to its starring role in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Teddy Roosevelt himself knew this place was special, designating it as the FIRST U.S. National Monument back in 1906. Located about 100 miles west of Rapid City, Devils Tower is a potent cocktail of the surreal and the spiritual, a place where ancient geology and deeply held mythology shake hands under a sky so vast and starlit, it'll make you question everything. Get ready for your jaw to drop, your mind to wander, and your camera battery to die a noble death, because the photo ops here are relentless!

Top Attractions (Where the Wonder Never Ceases!)

Devils Tower (The Main Event!)

The monolith, the legend! Stand at its base, walk the Tower Trail, or simply stare and wonder at its sheer scale.

Tower Trail (1.3-mile loop)

Easy, paved, and circumnavigates the base. Great for sunrise, up-close gawking, and feeling the Tower's presence.

Joyner Ridge Trail

Scenic and quiet, offering sweeping views of the Tower framed by golden grass and ponderosa pines.

Prairie Dog Town

A surprisingly hilarious highlight! Hundreds of squeaky, twitchy-tailed greeters doing their prairie dog thing.

Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture

A modern sculpture honoring Native American spiritual connections to the Tower. A place for reflection.

Night Sky Programs

Seasonal ranger-led stargazing. Expect Milky Way madness, telescope time, and cosmic wonder.

Unique Stories & Facts (This Rock Has Tales to Tell!)

• Not a Volcano, You Say?: Despite its explosive looks, Devils Tower is likely a laccolith – igneous rock that never quite erupted. A geological tease!
• The Great Bear's Claw Marks: Native legends tell of a great bear clawing the Tower's sides to rescue children, creating the vertical striations. Powerful stuff!
• Spielberg Was Here (Cue the Music!): The 1977 film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" made Devils Tower a sci-fi icon. UFO jokes abound!
• Climb with Respect (The June Dilemma): Climbing is legal, but discouraged in June out of respect for Native prayer ceremonies. A rare blend of sport and sacred.

Best Travel Seasons (When to Heed the Tower's Call!)

Popular Activities (Get Your Adventure On!)

• Hiking at the Base & Beyond: Tower Trail is a must! Joyner Ridge & Red Beds Trails offer more seclusion and perspective.
• Photography That Pops: Sunrise & sunset create dramatic light on the Tower's columns. Tripod strongly encouraged!
• Climbing the Colossus (Respectfully!): Hundreds of routes, but June is a voluntary no-climb month for sacred Native ceremonies.
• Wildlife Paparazzi: Spot deer, turkey, prairie dogs, hawks, and maybe even a sneaky bobcat.
• Stargazing & Cosmic Contemplation: Minimal light pollution makes it an astrophotographer's dream. Prepare to be humbled by the Milky Way.
• Story Circles & Cultural Talks: Park rangers & tribal representatives often lead discussions on indigenous significance. Don't miss out!

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

Not in This Sacred Valley! Devils Tower is about high-stakes encounters with nature, not card sharks. Closest major casino action is Gold Dust Casino in Deadwood, SD (a good 65-mile trek).

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - Keep Wyoming Weird!)

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Prairie Ghosts & Tower Glows!)

• Old Hulett Schoolhouse (Hulett, 9 miles): Locals whisper of flickering lights and phantom footsteps. History lesson with goosebumps!
• The Tower's Ghost Light?: Some claim an unexplained glow from the Tower itself on certain nights. Not a confirmed UFO... yet. But who knows what secrets this monolith holds?
• Abandoned Ranch Site Vibes: Ruins of old ranches in the area definitely have that "don't-go-in-there-after-dark" atmosphere. Spooky!

Local Events & Festivals (Tower Power Parties!)

• Tatanka Native American Cultural Festival (August): Vibrant celebration of Plains tribes' cultures with dancing, food, and powerful storytelling.
• Devils Tower Bike Rally (Coincides with Sturgis - August): VROOM! Thousands of motorcycles thunder in for scenic rides and serious chrome.
• Full Moon Hikes (Seasonal): Ranger-led hikes under moonlight with tales of geology, history, and spirituality. Magical!
• Close Encounters Rewatch (Summer Nights): The KOA campground hosts nightly screenings of the iconic movie right beneath the Tower. Unbeatable!

Lodging Options (From B&Bs with Views to Camping Under Stars)

Luxury-ish: Devils Tower Lodge

Cozy B&B with INSANE Tower views & a hot tub for stargazing. (From $250/night).

Mid-Range: Devils Tower KOA

Cabins, tent sites, RV hookups, and that classic camping-with-a-movie twist! (From $110/night).

Budget: Belle Fourche River Campground

(In Park) First-come, first-served sites with epic Tower views right from your tent! (From $20/night).

Rustic: Sawin' Logs Inn (Hulett)

(9 miles) Cozy, log-style B&B serving up a hearty breakfast to fuel your Tower adventures. (From $120/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Grub Near the Giant!)

Ponderosa Café (Hulett)

(9 miles) Get your cowboy cuisine fix! Perfectly cooked steak, fresh trout, and juicy buffalo burgers.

Café at Devils Tower KOA

Grab a hearty breakfast before hitting the trails – pancakes, eggs, and coffee with a Tower view!

R-Deli (Hulett)

(9 miles) Perfect for grabbing delicious sandwiches, essential snacks, and soaking in authentic small-town charm.

Broken Spoke Saloon (Sundance)

(28 miles) A bit of a drive, but worth it for classic burgers, cold brews, and true Western vibes after a dusty day.

Travel Tips (How to Tackle the Tower Like a Pro!)

• What to Pack: Layers (Wyoming weather is a chameleon!), sturdy hiking boots, ALL your camera gear, good hat, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need.
• Safety First, Space Cadet!: Wildlife is WILD – don't feed prairie dogs (no matter how cute!). Respect sacred sites – NO rock collecting, NO drone zones.
• Accessibility: Tower Trail is paved & accessible. Other trails vary. Check with the visitor center for current conditions & suitability.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Hulett, WY (9 miles): Classic cowboy town with cool art galleries, down-home diners, and a few rowdy biker bars (especially during rally time!).
• Mato Tipila (The Tower Itself!): Remember the Native American significance. This area (Bear Lodge & other tribal names) is sacred to over 20 tribes. Visitor center has info!
• Belle Fourche River Overlook: Just off the park road – THE spot to watch the Tower glow pure gold at sunset. Unforgettable.

Recommended Duration of Stay

1-2 Days: The Sweet Spot! Enough time to hike the base, be mesmerized by stars, hear ancient legends, and rethink everything you knew about big rocks.

Target Travelers (Who Needs This Monolith in Their Life?)

• Spiritual Seekers & Soul Searchers: Sacred ground, silent skies, ancient wisdom, profound connection. This is your place.
• Sci-Fi Fans & Movie Buffs: Come for the "Close Encounters" monolith, stay for the nightly KOA reenactments & alien fun!
• Photographers & Shutterbugs: Dramatic, moody, endlessly inspiring from every angle, in every light. Your sensor will weep.
• Adventure Nomads & Road Warriors: The perfect, awe-inspiring stop for road-trippers, climbers (respect guidelines!), & national park completists.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Devils Tower: Close Encounters with Geology, Legends & Prairie Dogs!" - Your audio guide to the epic monolith!