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Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The visitor center is open early April through late November, then closes for the season. Information can be obtained at the administration building during the winter. The Administration Office is open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Information, publications, and restroom facilities are available. No services are available on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The Devils Tower Visitor Center is located about three miles from the entrance of the monument. Interpretive exhibits explain the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the area. The Visitor Center staff provide information about climbing and trail conditions and park activities. The Devils Tower Natural History Association Bookstore is located in the Visitor Center. It is stocked with publications and educational items about geology, history, and climbing for children and adults.

April visitor center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. May visitor center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., open every day. Beginning late May the visitor center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. In early September, hours change to 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Recognizing its unique characteristics, Congress designated the area a U.S. forest reserve in 1892 and on September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower as the nation’s first national monument to preserve and protect the geologic formation known as Devils Tower and the surrounding forests and meadows.

Northern Plains tribes worshipped at this remarkable geologic formation long before white men wandered into the West. The Tower is sacred to several Native American Plains tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne and Kiowa. Some Indians called the Tower Mateo Tep, meaning Bear Lodge. Other American Indian names include Bear’s Tipi, Home of the Bear, Tree Rock and Great Gray Horn. In 1875, on an expedition led by Col. Dodge, it is believed his interpreter misinterpreted the name to mean Bad God’s Tower, later shortened to Devils Tower.

American Indian legends tell of six Sioux girls who were picking flowers when they were chased by bears. Feeling sorry for them, the Great Spirit raised the ground beneath the girls. The bears tried to climb the rock, but fell off, leaving their scratch marks on the sides.

Another version tells of how two Sioux boys wandered far from their village when Mato the bear, a huge creature that had claws the size of teepee poles, spotted them, and wanted to eat them for breakfast. He was almost upon them when the boys prayed to Wakan Tanka the Creator to help them. They rose up on a huge rock, while Mato tried to get up from every side, leaving huge scratch marks as he did. Finally, he sauntered off, disappointed and discouraged. Wanblee, the eagle, helped the boys off the rock and back to their village.

Fur trappers, explorers, and settlers alike were awed by the Tower’s majesty. Fur trappers may have visited Devils Tower, but they left no written evidence of having done so. The first documented visitors were several members of Captain W. F. Raynold’s Yellowstone Expedition who arrived in 1859. Sixteen years later, Colonel Richard I. Dodge led a U.S. Geological Survey party to the massive rock formation and coined the name Devils Tower.

Devils Tower boasts a rich and colorful climbing history that dates back to the late 1800s. On July 4, 1893, local rancher William Rogers became the first person to complete the climb after constructing a ladder of wooden pegs driven into cracks in the rock face. Technical rock climbing techniques were first used to ascend the Tower in 1937 when Fritz Wiessner reached the summit with a small party from the American Alpine Club. Although early rock climbing techniques have left an indelible (though slight) scar, contemporary rock climbers leave little trace of their ascent. Pitons, the steel “pegs” that were historically hammered into cracks, have almost exclusively been retired from use.

Devils Tower rises above the surrounding grassland and Ponderosa pine forests like a rocky sentinel. Devils Tower is 867 feet from its base to the summit. It stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and is 5,112 feet above sea level. The summit of the Tower is approximately 1 1/2 acres, about 200 ft. by 400 ft. or about the size of a football field. The summit is slightly dome shaped and rocky. The circumference of the base of the Tower is 1 mile. The Tower Trail is 1 3/10 mile. Hundreds of parallel cracks divide Devils Tower into large hexagonal columns, making it one of the finest traditional crack climbing areas in North America. The longest of these continuous cracks are almost 400 feet long and vary significantly in width.

One scientific hypothesis states that Devils Tower is the neck of a small volcano. Another theory says that it is part of a laccolith. A third theory is that Devils Tower is a plutonic plug – an igneous intrusion that failed to reach the surface. The Tower is made of phonolite porphyry, it is similar in composition to granite but lacks quartz. Phonolite refers to the ringing of the rock when a small slab is struck, and its ability to reflect sound. Porphyry refers to its texture, large crystals of feldspar embedded in a mass of smaller crystals.

Numerous theories have evolved since the official discovery of Devils Tower. Geologists Carpenter and Russell studied Devils Tower in the late 1800s and came to the conclusion that the Tower was indeed formed by an igneous intrusion. Later geologists searched for further explanations.

In 1907, scientists Darton and O’Hara decided that Devils Tower must be an eroded remnant of a laccolith. A laccolith is a large mass of igneous rock which is intruded through sedimentary rock beds but does not actually reach the surface, producing a rounded bulge in the sedimentary layers above. This theory was quite popular in the early 1900s since numerous studies had earlier been done on a number of laccoliths in the Southwest.

Other theories have suggested that Devils Tower is a volcanic plug or that it is the neck of an extinct volcano (an unlikely theory, for there is no evidence of volcanic activity – volcanic ash, lava flows, or volcanic debris – anywhere in the surrounding countryside)!

No one yet has a definite answer as to how exactly Devils Tower was formed – other than that it was an igneous intrusion into the sedimentary layers above and that the molten rock comprising the Tower did not surface.

In any case, geologists agree, the igneous material intruded and then cooled as phonolite porphyry, a light to dark-gray or greenish-gray igneous rock with conspicuous crystals of white feldspar. As the lava cooled, hexagonal (and sometimes 4-, 5-, and 7-sided) columns formed. As the columns continued to cool, vertical cracks developed as the columns shrank horizontally in volume.

Most of the landscape surrounding Devils Tower is composed of sedimentary rocks. These are rocks which are formed from broken or dissolved fragments of other rocks and are usually deposited by water or wind. The oldest rocks visible in Devils Tower National Monument were laid down in a shallow sea during the Triassic time, 225 to 195 million years ago. This dark red sandstone and maroon siltstone, interbedded with shale, can be seen along the Belle Fourche River. Oxidation of iron minerals causes the redness of the rocks. This rock layer is known as the Spearfish formation. Above the Spearfish formation is a thin band of white gypsum, called the Gypsum Spring formation. This layer of gypsum was deposited during the Jurassic time, 195 to 136 million years ago.

Seas retreated and returned. Climates changed and changed again. Gray-green shales (deposited in low-oxygen environments such as marshes) were interbedded with fine-grained sandstones, limestones, and sometimes thin beds of red mudstone. This composition, called the Stockade Beaver member, is part of the Sundance formation. The Hulett Sandstone member, also part of the Sundance formation, is composed of yellow fine-grained sandstone. Resistant to weathering, it forms the nearly vertical cliffs which encircle the Tower itself. Seas again retreated and advanced. Landforms were eroded; new sediments were deposited. About 65 million years ago, during the Tertiary time, pressures within the earth climaxed, uplifting the Rocky Mountains and the Black Hills. Molten magma welled up toward the surface of the earth, intruding into already-existing sedimentary rock layers.

Until erosion began its relentless work, Devils Tower was not visible above the overlying sedimentary rocks. But the forces of erosion – particularly that of water – began to wear away the sandstones and shales. The much harder igneous rock survived the onslaught of erosional forces, and the gray columns of Devils Tower began to appear above the surrounding landscape.

As rain and snow continue to erode the sedimentary rocks surrounding the Tower’s base, and the Belle Fourche River carries away the debris, more of Devils Tower will be exposed. But at the same time, the Tower itself is slowly being eroded. Rocks are continually breaking off and falling from the steep walls. Rarely do entire columns fall, but on remote occasions, they do. Piles of rubble – broken columns, boulders, small rocks, and stones – lie at the base of the Tower, indicating that it was, at some time in the past, larger than it is today.

The summit is slightly dome shaped and rocky, with native grasses, cactus, and sagebrush. The rolling hills of this 1,347 acre park are covered with pine forests, deciduous woodlands, and prairie grasslands.

The following list includes some of the wildflowers that are commonly seen along the trails and around developed areas of Devils Tower National Monument. Biscuitroot, Oregon Grape, Mountain Waterparsnip, Groundplum, Bluebell, Larkspur, Pink Phlox, Shooting Star, Prairie Goldenpea, and Yellow Violet can be seen in April and May. Arnica. Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Stemless Hymenoxys, False Dandelion, Bladderpod, Downy Painted Cup, Crazyweed, Blue-eyed Grass, Beardtongue, Indian Breadroot, Canadian Violet, Woodland Star, Miner’s Candle, and Missouri Pincushion can be seen in May and June. In July you will see Gumweed, Sunflower, Wild Licorice, Green Milkweed, Fleabane, Locoweed, Silverleaf Scurf-pea, Purple Fringe, Showy Milkweed, Purple Coneflower, Scarlet Globemallow, Prairie Rose, Stinging Nettle, Cutleaf, Groundsel, Goldenrod, Pinedrops and Evening Primrose. August brings Golden Aster, Yellow Coneflower, Wallflower, Watercress, Plantain, Scarlet Gaura, Horsemint, Wavy-leaf Thistle, Purple Prairie Clover, Purple Aster, Virgin’s Bower, Chickweed, Penny Cress, Yellow Flax, Wood-sorrel, Buttercup, Yellow Avens, and Goldtongue to dress up the end of summer. Remember these are but a few of the wildflowers to be seen.

Climbers from all over the world consider Devils Tower to be a unique and premier climbing area. Currently, about 4000 visiting climbers come to Devils Tower each year. It is generally assumed that rock climbing is inherently very damaging to the Tower. Today, most climbers rely solely on their physical strength in order to make a climb. The modern technical equipment that is used for safety is designed to be efficient, removable, and non-damaging. Time of ascent depends on skill, route difficulty, and the number of climbers in the group. The average time for two climbers to climb the Durrance Route (the easiest) is between 4-6 hours. In the 1980s, Todd Skinner – a Wyoming native – free-soled (climbed alone, without ropes or protection) the Durrance route in 18 minutes. Climbers rappel to descend off the Tower. One rope is passed through permanently installed anchors (expansion bolts) in the rock and then tied to a second rope. Climbers place both ropes through a mechanical friction device (attached to their harness) and slide (rappel) down both strands of rope until they reach the next rappel stance and anchors. In order to retrieve their ropes for the next rappel, one of the ropes (the knotted side) is pulled down – pulling the other rope up and through the anchors. Eventually, all the rope is pulled through the anchors and the process is repeated (3 or 4 times) until the ground is reached. It takes about one hour to rappel down. The National Park Service considers rock climbing to be a legitimate recreational and historical activity at Devils Tower.

American Indians have regarded the Tower as a sacred site long before climbers found their way to the area. Recently, American Indian people have expressed concerns over recreational climbing at Devils Tower. Some perceive climbing on the Tower as a desecration to their sacred site. It appears to many American Indians that climbers and hikers do not respect their culture by the very act of climbing on or near the Tower.

A key element of the Climbing Management Plan is the June Voluntary Climbing Closure. The National Park Service has decided to advocate this closure in order to promote understanding and encourage respect for the culture of American Indian tribes who are closely affiliated with the Tower as a sacred site. June is a culturally significant time when many (not all) ceremonies traditionally occur. Although voluntary, this closure has been very successful – resulting in an 80% reduction in the number of climbers during June.

During June, the NPS asks climbers to voluntarily refrain from climbing on the Tower and hikers to voluntarily refrain from scrambling within the inside of the Tower Trail Loop. Please strongly consider the closure when planning a climbing trip to Devils Tower. Alternative climbing areas are located within 100 miles of Devils Tower National Monument.

There are 7 miles of hiking trails at Devils Tower National Monument. The most popular is the 1.3 mile paved Tower Trail that circles Devils Tower itself. Other, longer trails traverse tranquil forests and meadows and afford different views of Devils Tower. Winter activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, and climbing.

The Tower Trail is the easiest and most popular trail in the monument. You will enjoy close up views of the Tower, while walking through strikingly different environments. Expect close views of the boulder field, ponderosa pine forest, and the fringe of meadow habitats. Interpretive exhibits along the way point out such natural processes as the formation of the Tower, erosion of the landscape, local wildlife, and the flora of the base. The Tower Trail is paved with benches provided at various points. The steepest part of the trail is the very beginning but soon levels into a rolling trail. Plan to take 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete this loop trail.

The Joyner Ridge Trail is 1.5 miles long and provides visitors with the full picture of different life zones of the area. Located away from the Tower in the northern section of the park, it takes hikers on a tour of the ridgetop forest, and provides fine views of the north and west faces of Devils Tower. The trail drops past sandstone cliffs into a secluded meadow, where you can often see deer and a variety of birds. Meander through a grove of deciduous trees and shrubs, into the prairie, and back to the trailhead. A few interpretive exhibits provide insight into the ecological checks and balances of the area. Joyner Ridge is a spectacular sunset hike with wonderful photographic opportunities. Allow 1 1/2 hours to complete this loop trail.

The Red Beds Trail is the longest trail in the monument at 3 miles long. In a counterclockwise direction, the trail leaves the Visitor Center and takes you through pine groves and meadows with good views of the valley floor and distant hills, winding down toward the Belle Fourche River. You may choose to take a 30 minute loop down the South Side Trail through Prairie Dog Town to the campground or continue along the river via the Valley View Trail. The Red Beds Trail continues through the iron-stained bluffs known as the Red Beds and emerges into a broad prairie with good views of the Tower. From the prairie you climb back up through the forest to the Visitor Center. Allow yourself 2 hours to complete this loop trail.

A Junior Ranger Program is available for children. Junior Ranger booklets may be obtained at the Visitor Center. Children will need at least one hour to complete the program. Junior Ranger Certificates and badges are issued upon completion of the booklet, and Junior Ranger Patches may be purchased in the bookstore.

Ranger Programs are presented mid-June through mid-August. Programs are subject to change. Information about programs is available at the Visitor Center. Interpretive talks explore the natural and cultural history of the monument. These 15 – 20 minute talks meet in front of the Visitor Center and are handicap accessible. Subjects and times vary and will be announced prior to each program. The Tower Walk enables visitors to explore Devils Tower with a ranger on the Tower Trail. This one-hour guided walk begins in front of the Visitor Center. Good walking shoes and water are recommended.

Evening Programs are offered Wednesday through Sunday nights at the Devils Tower Amphitheater, located near the campground and picnic areas. Topics vary and are listed at the Visitor Center. Programs begin at 9 p.m. The Cultural Program Series brings special guest speakers to Devils Tower to share their expertise and demonstrate their unique talents. Check at the Visitor Center for information about these multi-cultural programs.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place each August in Sturgis, South Dakota, about 80 miles from Devils Tower. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists come from all over. Many of them visit Devils Tower during the rally. The Wednesday of rally week is usually the busiest day at the park. Some visitors like the rally, however others would rather avoid it. In order to help plan your visit, check out the dates for the upcoming rallies which usually occur in early August.

It is not always possible to maintain a completely natural ecosystem within this small 1347 acre monument. Many outside influences affect the plants, animals, and landscape at Devils Tower. Humans manipulate the environment for their own purposes; fires are suppressed; non-native plants and animals make their way into the area. The Resource Management staff at Devils Tower are involved in many projects to inventory, monitor, and allow natural systems to occur within the monument which maximize the health and diversity.

Many old, dead cottonwoods line the Belle Fourche River near the entrance to Devils Tower National Monument, and no young cottonwoods or willows are replacing older trees. Other native vegetation along the river corridor (called the riparian zone), is being replaced by non-native species.

Long ago, the Belle Fourche River flooded in the spring, inundating the river banks with water and allowing regeneration of the cottonwood seeds. But the river no longer floods in the spring, and the cottonwoods cannot regenerate. Because the Belle Fourche River often washed out the bridge, in 1937, the Park Service changed the course of the river. Concrete tetrahedrons (which can still be seen from the bridge) were placed along the bank, forcing the river out of its original meandering streambed and into a straight course. In 1952, the Keyhole Dam was constructed, eliminating flooding altogether. Today, without seasonal flood water, it is difficult for cottonwoods to produce new seedlings, and the old trees are dying off. Resource Management personnel have embarked on a long term restoration program planting native cottonwoods and willows along the riparian corridor.

Fire is as natural – and as important – as spring flooding to the natural ecosystem. Long before people began manipulating the environment for their own ends, fires occurred every 15 to 30 years in the Ponderosa pine forests of the Wyoming Black Hills. The fires removed dead needles, branches, and trees from the forest floor, thinned competing trees, and helped to maintain a diverse ecosystem.

But ranchers, settlers, entrepreneurs, and, until recently, even the Park Service saw fire as “bad,” something which destroyed a beautiful and useful forest. All fires were suppressed. Instead of promoting a rich, diverse ecosystem, fire suppression has decreased species diversity, resulting in one basic species – Ponderosa pine. Plants requiring sunlight and open space are seldom seen. If fires were to occur naturally, the overstory canopy would remain open, allowing plants that require sunlight to thrive.

Fire suppression has also allowed a tremendous build-up of pine needles, branches, and fallen trees on the forest floor. Such an accumulation of fuel could prove disastrous in the event of an accidental fire.

Resource managers now realize the importance of fire as a natural tool for maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Prescribed burns – fires set intentionally when weather and natural fuel conditions are most advantageous – are utilized. Prescribed burns help eliminate the accumulation of dangerous fuel and open the forest canopy to sunlight, thus encouraging the cycle of regeneration. Resource managers will eventually be burning on the 15 to 30 year cycle that occurs naturally in this ecosystem.

Here in the monument, burned trees are not salvage logged, for they provide habitat for birds, insects and other life forms. As the burned trees decompose, nutrients are added to the soil.

The prescribed burn areas which are visible at Devils Tower today were burned in 1993 and in the spring of 1998.

The top of the Tower is a fragile environment and is easily damaged. Minimize your impact by stepping on rocks rather than on plants or soil. Approach trails to climbing routes have been established to minimize impacts to wildlife, plants and soil at the base of the Tower. Check at the Visitor Center for approach and route information. Stay on trails. Please pack out all litter. Practice “Leave No Trace” ethics. Solid human waste should be packed out. Supplies are available at a minimal charge at the Visitor Center.

Many non-native plant species have made their way into Devils Tower National Monument, competing with native plants, and, in many cases, out-competing them. Biologists have identified at least 56 exotic (non-native) plant species in Devils Tower. Three of these – Leafy Spurge, Houndstongue, and non-native species of Thistles – are being actively managed.

Leafy Spurge is primarily controlled by biological means. Spurge Beetles have been introduced from Eurasia. These beetles live on and eat the plant. Beetles lay their eggs on the roots, and when the beetle larvae hatch, they eat the roots. This opens the roots to fungal invasion. It is actually the fungus which kills the Leafy Spurge. Although not a native species, Spurge Beetles eat only Leafy Spurge and do not affect other plants.

Houndstongue is a biennial and requires two years to complete its growth and produce seeds. During the plants’ second year of growth, the seed heads are manually removed, preventing regeneration.

Three species of Thistles (Scotch, Musk and Bull) are controlled with herbicides. Biological controls are used on Canada Thistles. The Stem-mining Weevil attacks the stem, eating a hole in the stem and killing the plant. Gall Flies create galls on the thistle, preventing the plant from producing seeds. The Seed-head Weevil eats the seeds.

The climate is usually mild and typical of the Black Hills region. High temperatures can range from the mid 90s in the summer to the 50s in the spring & fall. Winters can be cold with extended periods of below zero temperatures possible.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in this area. Obtain forecast information before beginning your climb and observe changing weather conditions. Severe storms are possible at any time, particularly in the summer and winter months involving heavy precipitation, thunder and lightening, and high winds. Thunderstorms can develop quickly bringing lightening, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, and hypothermia. Summer days can bring very hot temperatures.

Observe any posted route closures. Contact the monument for specific closure areas. Camping is only allowed in the designated campground. Park regulations prohibit camping and bivouacking on the tower.

Pull your ropes. Leaving unattended ropes or gear on the Tower is not permitted. Leave the rock as you found it. Chipping holds, gluing holds, gardening, and excessive route cleaning are prohibited. Power drills are prohibited. Do not install new bolts or fixed pitons. Existing anchors may be replaced with a permit. However, the use of hand drills is required.

Routes are typically long and sustained in grade. Carry lots of gear (climbers typically use a double or triple rack on many routes). Two ropes are generally needed for rappels. The National Park Service does not maintain anchors. Inspect all anchors and back them up if you feel they are not adequate. The majority of serious accidents and climbing deaths on the Tower have occurred during rappelling. Make sure that you know exactly where your rappel route is before you begin. Understand and double-check your rappel system before each rappel. Start your rappels over the nose of the columns and take care to prevent ropes from jamming in cracks when pulled. Avoid knocking off loose rock onto climbers below.

Technical difficulties range from 5.7 to 5.13, although many climbers consider the older traditional “trade” routes such as the Durrance and Wiessner harder than the original ratings imply. Most of the routes at Devils Tower are not bolt protected and therefore require an appropriate selection of stoppers and camming devices in order to safely protect them. The few bolted face climbs that exist were established during the 1980’s and early 1990’s and the condition of some of the bolts reflect that era.

After completing new routes, climbers are asked to fill out a form available at the Visitor Center. New route descriptions are made available to all interested climbers. Please remember that the installation of new bolts and fixed pitons is not permitted. This premise must dictate the style of your ascent.

A climbing management plan for Devils Tower National Monument was released in February 1995. This plan provides direction for managing climbing activity at Devils Tower in order to protect the natural and cultural resources present. A climbing management plan update was completed in 2006. Primary features of the CMP Update are an improved climber education program, safety standards, and climbing access routes. The CMP update also provides for a continued June voluntary climbing closure. As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, a review of the impacts caused by the CMP Update was performed by monument staff. The 2006 CMP update can be viewed at: http://www.nps.gov/deto/deto_climbing/detocmpu.html

All persons planning to climb or scramble above the boulder field are required to register before, and immediately after climbing each day. Registration is used for climber safety and also becomes part of a historical database that has been maintained since 1937. Registration also provides documentation of the Tower as a climbing resource. It is in YOUR best interest to register. Registration is free.

From April through October, climbers may register at the new climber registration office located next to the visitor center at the base of the Tower. The climber registration office offers information on weather forecasts, approach and descent routes, current hazards, falcon closure updates, specific route information, the June voluntary climbing closure, climbing history, and other climbing areas. The office is open 7 days a week in an attempt to better serve the climbing community. When the registration office is not staffed by climbing rangers, self registration is available at the kiosk in the center of the main parking lot.

During peak visitation, May through September, climbers are asked to park their vehicles in the lower gravel parking lot. This lot is reached by taking an immediate right at the stop sign located at the entrance to the main visitor center parking lot.

During winter months, climbers register at the self-registration kiosk located in the center of the parking lot at the base of the Tower. Staff is available in the administration building during regular business hours for questions and assistance.

There is no professional rescue-team at Devils Tower National Monument. Make plans for self-rescue or get assistance from other climbers should an unexpected incident arise. Clearly and loudly call out for help. If a phone is available call 911. Available park staff will provide assistance to the limit of their abilities; however help may not arrive on-scene for several hours.

Climbing helmets are strongly recommended due to frequent rock falls. Significant hazards should be reported to a ranger so that future climbers can be warned of the situation. Watch for snakes, spiny plants, poison ivy, falcon attacks, wasps, and falling rocks while climbing on the Tower.

Some routes are annually closed in order to protect nesting Prairie Falcons. Routes are frequently closed between March and July. During this time nesting activity will be monitored by park staff. Routes will be reopened if no nesting activity is identified by early summer. Climbing near raptor nests stresses the birds and often leads to chick death. Defensive raptor behavior is also potentially dangerous for climbers. Please check for route closures when you register to climb. Rangers will strictly enforce these closures. The falcon closure is an annual event established under the national monument’s 1995 Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Prairie falcons are extremely defensive of their nests and are easily driven from the area. The presence of climbers near or above falcon nests is distressing to parent birds. Too much disturbance from climbing activities may force falcons to abandon eggs or chicks. The closure was implemented not only for the protection of the species, but also for the protection of climbers, as falcons are known to defensively dive in order to protect their nests.

Leashed pets are only allowed in developed areas including the campground, picnic area, roadways, and parking lots. Pets are not allowed on (or off) trails. Leaving pets tied-up unattended is also prohibited. Pets should be safely confined inside a vehicle or left in the care of a trusted person. If possible, leave your pet at home (temperatures inside vehicles often exceed 100 F during May-September.) Animals may not be left tied to objects since pets may make unreasonable noise and may present a danger to other visitors. Leashed pets may be exercised in the parking areas, along the roadways and in the picnic area.

Chipmunks, mice and pack rats and the occasional snake are found on top of the Tower. Other small mammals seen are Desert cottontail, Least chipmunk, Thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Black-tailed prairie dog, Eastern fox squirrel, Red squirrel, Bushy-tailed woodrat, and Porcupine. Larger mammals to be seen are the Coyote, Red fox, Mule deer, White-tailed deer, and the rarely seen Pronghorn antelope and the elk.

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) once ranged the Great Plains from southern Saskatchewan to northern Mexico. Originally named “petits chiens,” or “little dogs,” by early French explorers, these highly social animals are not really dogs, but rodents. They are members of the Sciuridae or squirrel family, closely related to ground squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks and marmots. There are five different species of prairie dogs, but only the black-tailed prairie dog inhabits Devils Tower National Monument.

Reptiles in the area include the Common snapping turtle, Bullsnake, Western Plains garter snake, and Prairie rattlesnake. There are also many fish to be found in the Monument. The Common carp, Sand shiner, White sucker, Channel catfish, Black bullhead and Green sunfish are common here. Among the amphibians, the Northern leopard frog is the most common.

There are numerous birds that make this their home and/or are migratory. The bird-watchers will have a field day looking for the Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Rock Dove, White-throated Swift, Red-headed Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. There are many others that are occasional and infrequent visitors, so you never know what you may see.

Always be on the lookout for wildlife on the roads. Driving too fast or being inattentive is never safe, but doubly so in the park as humans invade the natural resident’s space; namely the many forms of wildlife that call the Devil’s Tower area their home. Tens of thousands of people visit this area every year, and do so safely; enjoying the wildlife from a safe distance as they respect one of Nature’s most beautiful regions.

Please do not feed prairie dogs. Human food is hard for prairie dogs to digest and often contains additives that can make them sick. Remember, too, that prairie dogs are wild animals and can inflict a painful bite. They may also be host to fleas that can transmit bubonic plague to humans.

Individual vehicle pass is $10 for 7 days. Pedestrian, Bicycle, or Motorcycle Pass are $5 for 7 days. An annual Devils Tower park pass is $20 – good for 12 months from date of purchase.

The campground and picnic area are mid-spring through fall, weather permitting. The Belle Fourche Campground is located about 2 miles from the Visitor Center along an oxbow bend in the Belle Fourche River. Sites can accomodate tents or RVs up to 35 feet in length. Drinking water and handicap-accessible restroom facilities are located in the campground and at the picnic area. There are no hookups, showers, or dump station. All camping is first come, first served. 50 sites are available and the fees are $12 per day. Golden Age/Access discounts (1/2 price) apply to camping fees. Group Camping is $2 per person per day with a minimum of 6 people per site, maximum 20 people and 4 vehicles per site. There are 3 sites available for group camping.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is about 2 1/2 hours from Devils Tower National Monument. Also located nearby is Keyhole State Park with waterways, Custer National Forest, Thunder Basin National Grassland, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and Black Hills National Forest.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Devil’s Tower:

By Car:

Cheyenne, WY – 305.41 miles

Buffalo, WY – 131.58 miles

Casper, WY – 247.07 miles

Morton, WY – 179.26 miles

Bozeman, MT – 435.10 miles

Rapid City, SD – 107.84 miles

By Plane:

Gillette-Cambell County Airport – 67.54 miles

Rapid City Regional Airport – 118.74 miles

Vehicles may be rented at both airports.

There is no public transportation available to Devils Tower National Monument.

Devils Tower National Monument, P.O. Box 10, Devils Tower, WY 82714-0010
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For FedEx / UPS-Hwy 110 Bldg 170, Devils Tower, 82714
Visitor Information (307) 467-5283
By Fax 307-467-5350

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