Devils Tower National Monument Reviews

If you're lucky the colors at sunset and sunrise can be far out. On a previous visit I took a picture from Devils Tower at sunrise in early november...it was like a golden rock....I always stay here overnight when I'm in the neighbourhood. The KOA plays the Spielberg movie Close Encounters of the Tird Kind, which was filmed at this location.
If you're lucky you'll get a dashing sunset and possibly a wonderful sunrise. After breakfast you can break up your tent and drive your car up to the visitor center and hike around Devils Tower. Spot game and climbers. You can also go for a whole day hiking and leave the car on the parking lot at the opposite side of street and follow the trail up to the visitor centre. Early in the morning you will see a lot of game.....
Absolutely worth to stay one or two nights and explore the National Monument and surroundings.

Amazing site to see the monument up close. Driving in we could see if from miles away. This park is really remote but I can say it was worth the drive to see if up close. Because we could not take the dogs on the path around the monument we could not get the full experience but still we got a lot great views.

This is an amazing site! I came here with my husband not fully knowing what to expect. There was a good sized crowd of people visiting when we arrived, but we found a parking space fairly quick. It’s an easy hiking trail that loops around with plenty of places to take a break and just enjoy the spectacular view. It’s important to read about the history and understand why there are pieces of cloth that hang from some of the trees. Respect why they should not be disturbed or photographed. While there, we saw several rock climbers and I was completely amazed.

My wife and I, when she was alive, visited this in February, 1986. Fresh snow, deer all over, and had the place to ourselves, but we didn't hike the trail Just wanted to see it, and move on, since we were in the process of moving cross country.
This time, I was on my own, since my wife died two years ago. I still like travel, and since this was on the way, I thought I'd check it out again, only hike the easy trail around it this time. It was worth the stop.
It's an easy trail. I am 74 and in reasonably good shape. This trail is a 1.3 miles (2.1 km) loop around the base. If you want the easiest way, go right to left at the place the trail goes either direction, since there is a bit of a slope you will go up if you hike left to right. Either way, the elevation gain is minimal.
There is a visitors center by the parking lot, as well as restrooms. Along the road up to the visitors center, you will encounter two things: a prairie dog colony, and a stoplight. The prairie dogs are used to people. They come right up to the edge of the road, and will even cross right in front of your car, so stay alert and go slow when you are around them.
The stoplight controls traffic when the parking lot is full. Fortunately, I arrived later in the day and didn't have to wait.
Also, I came from the highway 212 side, not from the freeway side. So, if you come that way, Broadus was a small, but interesting town. Stopped at an antique store there.

Quite a sight to behold - easy to walk around. We were excited to learn a new Native American origin story. Parking is a nightmare especially large vehicles (they make you drop any trailers on the road in. You won't find a ranger because they're too busy managing the parking lot. Junior Ranger and Stamps are self serve and set up outside the visitors center.

Great to see because of the movie. If you like to hike you can do the trail around and see lots of animals and enjoy the area.

Wanted to see this since the close encounter movie. It was quite a drive here but worth it. It was really packed the day we got there.

This phenomenon is hard to describe but must be seen. First of all it is immense. If you have seen the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" you've seen this tower but the size of it will amaze you. As you come over the hill heading for the tower, you will see it in the distance and be amazed at it's size. As you get closer, it is just unbelievable. How did this happen? And it's rock composition is very very rare. Well worth a visit. If you're staying overnight, drive north instead of south and stay in the cute little town of Hulett...it's adorable. Be sure to eat at the Ponderosa Cafe.

The amazing wonders you see when you are road tripping! This National Monument did not disappoint. We got there at 9:30 in the morning and it was already busy. After waiting for 15 minutes or so we did get parking at the monument. There are plenty of restrooms at the parking area, and a small gift shop and visitor center. We did the walk around the tower. It is a very easy hike. After the hike, we went back to the car and drove down to the picnic area. We enjoyed a picnic lunch, and restrooms were very clean here. We had a lovely few of the tower from our picnic table.

I was disappointed. Drove almost two hours from Rapid City to see this.

Took the 1.3 mile Tower Trail and it took about 90 minutes with stops. This trail goes around the base of the mountain.

This is a moderately strenuous walk with ups and downs.

The visitor center was smaller than usual.

Note that this is a recreational National Park. You go to walk the trail.

Much bigger than I thought it would be with a rich history surrounding the land. A quick 30-45 minute hike around the base of it is good enough to see it all. Some of the best views are actually from outside of the park along the highway and by the entrance to the park.

I love the drive to Devil's tower. The first view of it from driving through the Black Hills heightens one's enthusiasm. After parking, the walkway around the tower is very pleasant. It is not too long and it offers views from many directions. There have always been climbers on the tower when I've been there, and they are fun to watch. This is just a great experience.

We visited this intriguing landform on a clear day in January and hiked the shorter 1.3 mile loop which circles the base. We had to be very careful because of ice on the trail and recommend the use of spikes at this time of year. It is a spectacular bit of geomorphology and because it is a National Monument your experience will be enhanced by the presence of the dedicated National Park Service personnel that do such a wonderful job.

Sacred to Native Americans, this landmark is an igneous rock formation which encompasses an area of about 2.15 square miles, the top of which is the size of a football field and is covered in plants. The 1.3 mile tower trail allows one to see the rock from different angles. This is a popular walk that can be completed in an hour, including stops for photos.

This is absolutely amazing. Pictures do not portray the true awesome-ness of this sight! We walked all around the base and could not take my eyes off of it. We went a little in the off-season and although there were alot of people, parking was much simpler.

They are not joking about coming early or late being recommended. We got there around 10.15 which was a little later than we hoped and we had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. When we left around 12 the line was crazy. They have a very small parking lot at the top, so they actually stop people with a stoplight on the main path in and only let in a few cars at a time. I do actually love this concept though so that you don't have people fighting over spots and stuff. We did the hike around the base of it. It was not a super easy stroll or anything, lots of uphill, but paved the whole way. Honestly I think the views were just OK on the path, and it was very crowded. If I were to do it again, I think I'd walk to the right of the path and up just 25% of the way around. You get expansive views of the valley, get to see a ton of boulders, and we saw 5 people climbing from that side. The rest of the path along it was just OK, with peekaboo views throughout but mostly in the woods and I probably would have liked to spend more time just looking at the formation itself.

One of the US sights that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime! The 1.6 mile trail around the Tower is paved and navigable for an old timer like me! The Tower is so unique, like nothing I have ever seen.

Wonderful views! The red beds trail is a great hike and much less crowded than the shorter trail that goes right around the base of the monument. Some steeper uphill sections, but not too bad! The prairie dog field near the entry way is fun to check out!

A nice and interesting place to visit. It has much historical significance to the native Indian tribes who live in this area. It is somewhat isolated but easy to get to during the summer months..
The visitor center has many souvenirs and can answer any questions you may have about this national monument.

There isn't anything I can say that can prepare you for the view of this giant monolith standing above the forest. It is stunning. The trails are well kept and low difficulty to transverse. Wildlife is plentiful and always fun to see in their natural habitat.

This was such an awesome sight. We hiked around the bottom of Devil’s Tower. Many places to stop and rest or just sit and enjoy the sight. Very scenic. Loved it.

This site is far cooler than it even seems. You start by being thoroughly impressed when it just shows up over the horizon as you drive in. Strongly recommend you get there early, as the parking lot was completely full by 11 AM on Wednesday in the early summer. Visitor center is small but helpful. We did the devils trail “hike“ around the site. The entire thing was paved and very accessible, providing multiple excellent viewpoints of the site along with well placed at NPS style infographics. We did not see anyone climbing, though that would be impressive as well. This is definitely worth a drive out to see.

This was my 2nd visit to "America's first National Monument." The first visit, last summer, we had our pooch with us, & the trails are not dog-friendly. So, we each did about 100 yards up to the base trail, while the other walked the dog in the parking lot. Also, we happened to go on a day that the Visitor Center wasn't open. THIS time, we got a very unique experience for us!! As we approached, we could see the Tower clearly, & the clouds were absolutely beautiful. When we arrived, we stopped to photograph the prairie dog town alongside the main road. And then the bottom fell out. Before we could get from the prairie tog town to the base of the tower, the sleet, then snow, was so thick it was unbelievable. So, we again did not get to walk the base trail, but we got a wonderful perspective of the Tower in the snow, & we spent a bit of extra time in the Visitor Center. We will return some day to actually walk the various trails & more new perspectives on this geologic odditiy & spiritual place.

We rounded a curve somewhere in eastern Wyoming that there above the trees, there it was – Devil’s Tower. I had forgotten what a huge presence it is in the area. Pretty amazing. While we lost sight of it a number of times in the trees, when we did see it, it was overwhelming. Since we were so close, we decided to go to the Monument. It’s a few miles off the road. We drove up into the trees to the parking lot. Lots of people and few parking places near to the action. But I found one as other folks were pulling out. Off to one side there’s a small Visitor Center. Across the parking lot is a trail that goes around the Monument with a number of viewing areas and some descriptive panels. There were lots and lots of people. More than at any attraction we’ve visited on this trip. We were quite surprised. It was early summer on a weekday. And the place is out in the middle of nowhere. Not supposed to be this crowded. But it is also pretty amazing.

The Visitor Center is small! Almost embarrassingly so. The Center was built by the CCC in the 1930s. It’s a nice little building. But little. There’s a few displays. Not many. And a small gift shop. Off to one side there’s an information desk staffed by a Ranger. And no video. We did a pretty quick tour of the Center. Faster than most.

Short Walk – there are several trails around the Tower, from 1½ to 2½ miles long. Both seem inviting going through the woods with intermittent views of the Tower. We didn’t have time for a walk around the ‘rock’ but we did walk a ways on the trail to some of their descriptive panels. From here we could get a view of that amazing feature and read about its creation and some of the Native lore about it. An interesting short walk.

Nice stop.

It is very frustrating to try to visit during the summer. It was a 2 hour drive for us. We get to a mile within the tower, and we are put into a holding line. No communication from the National Park rangers or signs about the parking problem at the monument. Once you are in line it is nearly impossible to turn around. No indication that the wait is over 45 minutes to get near it. No bathrooms. Just a LONG line of cars. Just soured our whole experience

Devil's Tower is literally the only structure in the area. It's amazing really. As you drive, you can start seeing it miles away. Get there early! We went after labor day and when we were leaving, there was a long line to get to the parking lot. Once there, take the tower trail to experience the best views.

We were visiting the western side of North and South Dakota and, being big Close Encounters of the Third Kind fans, decided to make the trek over to Devil's Tower (or Bear's Lodge according to the Lakota people). We were not disappointed. It is an amazing experience to behold. The site itself is immense, you can hike so many different paths, you can watch (crazy) people climbing it, you will see sacred prayer cloths that have been put on trees for remembrance and prayer or you can tour the gift shop. It is a popular site, so go early, the line of cars waiting to be admitted in grows long as the day goes on. We went at 10 and our wait was about 20 minutes.

I don’t normally review natural sites, but this one is absolutely incredible. I was really blown away by the size, the drive up to the monument was just as good as being next to it. Referred to as “Bear Lodge” by many indigenous communities, I really wish the national park service would change the name to reflect its true history. My friend and I did the short loop trail around the edge, and it was a great way to get up close. There is an admission fee ($25) but we were able to get in using my national park annual pass.

Devil's Tower has much to live up to: America's first national landmark; shrine of Lakota spirituality; and movie star.

On the beautiful September morning that we experienced, Mato Tilipa, "bear lodge," to the Lakota, Devil's Tower did not disappoint.

During Theodore Roosevelt's administration, this natural wonder was our first designated landmark. It looked most deserving as this sunsplashed monolith, supposdly volcanic in origin, shimmered as we entered the park.

A fee is required, but because we requested a senior annual pass and the supply was depleted, the entry guard let us in for free. A very nice surprise!

A one-hour traffic jam greeted us as we drove to the small upper parking lot. Arrive before 10 am and after 3 pm to avoid crowds. We arrived at 11. Summers are reportedly even more crowded.

The wait was worth it. The upper lot affords multiple stunning views even if you decide not to hike the base. A selfie stand has been thoughtfully provided.

The visitor/gift shop is small but filled with lots of tower information and a fine collection of memorabilia and books to purchase. Humorously, a "visitor" reminiscent of the Hollywood hit "Close Encounter of a Third Kind" greets all who enter the facility.

One final note: A community of playful prairie dogs is located along the lower section of the park road. Be sure to stop and photograph this "town" in action. You'll be tempted, but do not touch these furry charmers. A flea-induced infection has impacted the colony.

All in all, Mato Tilipa, aka Devil's Tower, should be on everyone's bucket list.

We had a fun ride from Deadwood to Devil's Tower, taking the scenic route. On your way, don't miss stopping at the Wyoming Welcome Center for a quick break. The grounds surrounding Devil's Tower are beautiful and it's a good location for a picnic. Also, there are several nice places to get food nearby.

We're rock climbers who had been wanting to climb this for years, but never seems to find the time/inclination to divert 500 miles from the Rockies across the plains of Wyoming to make it here.

But we're sure glad we did. It's a tough route, 5 pitches, 4am start, a sandbagged 5.7+ grade on trad gear (more like 5.9), and a 12h day. But one of the most fun climbs/achievements we've had in America. Enjoy :)

We took the 1.3 mile trail around the base (not ADA compliant). Watched a group of climbers with the high power binoculars mounted on the south side. Marveled at the scale of the monument. We could see it from 10 miles away.
The visitor Center was only marginal.
Get there early so you done spend an hour looking for a place to park.

This is a very impressive monument located in northeastern Wyoming. It's relative size is awesome. The only problem is the parking at the visitor's center. Traffic Lights control the number of vehicles allowed in. On the road in and out of the monument there's a very large Prarie Dog village to be viewed. Be sure to check out the legend about the girls and the bear.

Incredible site! If you do nothing else, at least do the 1.3 mile hike around the base. Beautiful, easy, and fun ! Definitely worth the visit.

Amazing place to visit. The drive up was beautiful, the walk at the site, the views, watching the rock climbers, all wonderful.

Small, quaint construction - built primarily by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930's. Very historical and worth stopping by! The restrooms downstairs around the back of the facility are older and dated, but kept in good repair. The US Government does a pretty good job of maintaining this site for future generations!

This is an awesome piece of nature. There is a 1.5 mile walk around the tower that provides many types of views and is worth doing. The drive up is nice with good views. This is not too far from Rapid City and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

I had seen pictures of Devil's Tower for years but this was my first visit. Besides the tower itself I was very impressed by the trails that encircle it and the facilities. Very family-friendly as well. It is quite a sight to see, checked this one off my list!

It begins when one sees this majestic monolith erupting from the horizon, miles away. The closer one approaches, from either direction, the more engrossing it becomes. (As other reviews have noted, some of the most dramatic photo opportunities may actually be outside the site).
There is, however, an impact from a closer proximity that is almost impossible to describe. It is a somewhat surreal feeling seeing the structure of the stone; it's as if nature is mimicking a man-made attempt to bundle massive thin stone columns (like a "bundle of pencils" as some have observed).
Whatever the words, it is awe-inspiring.
Being early May, there was very little traffic; and we were able to easily park by the Visitor's Center. The staff were friendly and informative (letting us know that in a few weeks, our easy accessibility to their building would be almost nonexistent).
As we spent a bit of time sitting on one of the benches outside the Center, and taking in the last of our close-up views; we met a family beginning their 5/6 week journey up to Alaska.
As we were, they too were struck by the grandeur of this natural marvel.
When we finally left the Monument, and it began receding in the distance behind us; we were still somewhat in awe of what we had experienced.

This is a great place to visit. We did a couple of hiking trails. The tower trail takes you all around the tower. There are some amazing views from up there. It’s only about 1.5 miles and it’s all paved with many benches throughout. The other trail I did was the prairie dog town. Gets you pretty close to them. This trail is very thin with lots of wildflowers in the field.

It's worth making the detour to visit this monument.
Some will remember it as the location for the finale of Close Encounters, but it's better in real life.
There are a number of walks of varying lengths and difficulty around the site, but to be honest, you can see 90% of it from the parking lot.
Very impressive rock tower, a bit like thos in Monument Valley, but more impressive because it just rises from teh plain by itself.

Nice paved trail around the base with plenty of places along the way to stop and rest. The views from the highway as you get close are amazing. It's easy to see why this is a sacred place.

Photos really don't do this place justice. It is an incredible place to visit that you need to put on your trip list. Be sure to walk around it as well.

Plan to arrive before 10:00 a.m. to avoid a long wait. There is one traffic lane into the park at the “Entrance Station” where fees are collected. My wife and I sat in a line outside the park for about 20 minutes and wondered why the entrance had not been renovated to allow more traffic in. Later, we came to a traffic light and sat in a line of cars for at least another 20 minutes. Traffic is metered to the Visitor Center at the base of Devils Tower due to the lack of parking. If you can, I recommend you park at one of the trailheads and hike to the base, about 1.3 miles. The Visitor Center is not very large and has a small gift shop. There is no movie, but a written history of Devils Tower and animals in the area. The Visitor Center can get crowded. A 1.3-mile hiking trail goes around the base of Devils Tower, and it may be asphalt. My wife and I hiked to the base from the Visitor Center, and the trail was all asphalt. Take water and food if you plan on doing a lot of hiking. Don’t forget to observe Prairie Dog Town. Whether you wait in traffic or hike to the base, it is well worth it. Seeing the Devils Tower was on my bucket list. I’d blow off visiting the Visitor Center in preference to a hike around the base. My wife, however, found the entire thing less than thrilling, saying that crowd management was lacking, and the price was way too much for an attraction you can see from the side of the road in multiple spots.

Some places you need to go to just because they’re so iconic. This is one of them. The trail that goes around Devils Tower is fairly easy. Great views all around. Should be part of anyone’s stay in the Rapid City area.

It really is a spectacle to see, and we did a nice 1.6 mile hike around the base which was perfect, although a bit rough terrain as expected.

We saw a few people climbing up and down the rock side which is simple awe inspiring. Very neat place to check out!

It's a drive to get there. However, it's an impressive site. We enjoyed the surrounding area as well.

Such a neat place to visit! It is so worth the time to walk the trails around the tower. The trails were easy and taken care of. A family could definitely take a stroller if they wanted. A lot of beautiful areas to stop and enjoy an amazing view. You can even see people climbing the tower.

How can this not be rated a 5 star review? Simply amazing 👏. The walk around this monolith was so different, being able to see the tower completely. We were there when it was a touch wet and the aroma of the wet air on the pines and forest floor was from heaven. Well, until we walked by the outhouse! Well worth it!

It is closed for Covid. However, NPS employees were out and about around the tower and parking lot answering questions and assisting. The restrooms were open and the were informational items provided in newspaper boxes at the front entrance. Views from the VC of the tower were very good.

An amazing natural feature. We did the 1.5 mile loop around the rock, saw climbers and some wildlife. The hike is a bit more challenging than what it sounds like but doable. Just make sure to budget extra time to do it. For extra fun points, make your teens sit through Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Devil’s Tower was recommended to us by those who knew we were traveling to nearby Mount Rushmore. It is an amazing natural phenomenon of a rock formation that soars high into the sky and is sacred to area native tribes. It is a bit of an incline to walk up to it but you are able to walk on a sidewalk to get up close and walk all around the formation and see the grooves up close. There is a small welcome center that explains the geologic information, a gift shop, and restrooms. Benches are at the welcome center and a few other places near the rock. Free but limited parking. We were there on a day in October with little traffic but signs indicate that at other times there may be a wait for a line of cars.

An amazing detour off the I-90 - stunning to see on our road trip. Lovely visitor center/gift shop too. Parking is limited but we arrived at around 4pm when the queue (with access controlled by traffic light) was much shorter.

This visitor center is very small with a few displays, a video playing about rock climbing, and a very cramped gift shop. The ranger there was friendly and had maps and information about various hikes around the tower.

this is a must do while at devil's tower. there is plenty of free parking. there are many interesting displays and an interesting video of rock climbing showing the top of the tower.

The intrigue prior to seeing the ‘tower’ in person included speculation that it may have been a giant tree. After experiencing the majestic form, that assumption seems accurate. Regardless of what one might believe, it’s a must see if you’re in that area. We saw rock climbers on the sides and top. What an amazing experience that must be! We loved walking around the base, seeing mule deer and chatting about its history. If you’re planning to visit, research the giant tree theory. It will make your visit even more interesting!

This place is in the middle of nowhere (seriously), but we decided late in the day that we were going to try to fit it into our vacation and drove there from Deadwood, SD. We got there just before sunset when the sun was breaking through the clouds. I don't know what it is about Devil's Tower (my daughter said it "looks like a tree stump"), but I thought it was totally worth the drive and found it to be a special and magical place. Maybe it was the sunset. Maybe I was exhausted after a long day of driving, But I was in awe of this place and am so glad we made a point to visit.

Worth while going to on a 4 day weekend. The campsites are first come first serve with good views of Devils Tower from the A Section of the campground. The hiking is Easy with Moderate sections sprinkled throughout.

Incredible! I have always wanted to see Devils Tower since I was a young boy and it didn’t disappoint. Parking was easy. The visitor center was informative and everyone was friendly. We did a couple of the trails and loved them both. Definitely worth the drive and visit.

The monument is quite a ways from civilization, but still attracts large crowds. Parking is very limited and I'd suggest getting there early - we arrived about 9am and had to wait a few minutes for a spot, and by the time we left around 11, there was a huge line of cars and not enough people leaving to open up spots. The hike around the tower was great - parts are in shade, others are not - and we're really glad we came. On another note, the month of June is requested as a voluntary pause on climbing by tribes who view the monument as sacred, but there were multiple climbers on the day we were there. Very bad taste by those folks and you just had to shake your head.

Unique in the fact that it rises 860’ above the ground. Unique in the fact that millions of years ago the top was at ground level. Take the paved Tower Trail (1.6mi) around it. Some up hill but plenty of benches. I think better to go counter clockwise. Make sure when you are on the backside you look away from the Tower at the river valley below an added bonus.

The nation's first national monument is worth the trip to see it. I took the time to walk the almost 1.5 mile path around the base of the tower and had great views of the tower and even watched high angle rescue training taking place. You can climb the tower if daring enough.

Conveniently located near the base of Devil's Tower, this is a typical National Park type gift shop. It has most of the same inventory as other shops except with a Devil's Tower theme. There is a small informational area within the store. It is small so can be quite crowded. Prices always seem a bit high at these gift shops. There are at least two larger gift shops which may have more to offer near the entrance of the park.

You can see the Devils Tower from at least 15 miles coming in from US 14. While we weren't crazy about the wait at the entrance booth or halfway to the visitors' center (A stoplight was set up to control the limited parking near the visitors' center) the wait was definitely worth it. Even got to see climbers try to scale the monument, something I'd never do. Enjoyed seeing the prairie dogs active near the entrance. One of the more beautiful in our National Park Service.

First National Monument of America and famously appeared in "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind". This is a unique land mark and well worth visiting.
We parked easily and did the trail walk around the base of the tower which is easy and boarded in some parts.
There were plenty of climbers scaling the tower which is interesting to watch and the contrast of the tower against a bright blue cloudless sky was really impressive.
The nearby prairie dog town is a cute stop on the road out of the park.
We spent a couple of hours in the area but you could easily take a picnic and make this a longer detour or even a day trip. It's impressive and something that you will remember for years to come.

We only had time to walk the Tower Trail but recommend spending more time hiking some of the other trails. The Tower Trail circles the tower and offers spectacular views from all angles. It is an easy trail.

We drove across the state of Utah from Moab to see this monument on our way back to Canada and it did not disappoint. We went a fair ways up the path once we got there and it sure looks better up close with the detail of it. the prayer clothes were interesting. Parking was a bit rough later in day for longer vehicles its further away to park and not to many spaces. Go early or later in day for better parking. Great gift store and washrooms. A storm went through in August but it did not look like it impacted our time there. The history is interesting so be sure to check it out. Dont miss out but this really does look like a petrified tree stump from another time and age!!

Our family of seven (4 generations) from Texas visited Devils Tower on our way to South Dakota for Fall Break! The tower is so impressive and it was very interesting learning about the tower and how it came to be. Our grandsons are homeschooling for the first time this year and this was an amazing lesson for them! We hiked the Tower Trail. A little strenuous but not too bad. We had ages 7 to 78 complete the hike! We were amazed that you could still see the original ladder that Willard Ripley and William Rogers used to climb the tower!! We were a little disappointed that we did not see any rock climbers the day we were there, but we did experience an Amazing sunset!! Definitely recommend a visit to Devils Tower National Monument!!

The visit to this beautiful monument was amazing, worth the trip for sure. Highly recommend going. The only problem we encountered was an angry park ranger. I failed to completely stop at a stop sign and Ranger Rick ( not his real name) came over after I parked and berated me for not making a complete stop. I apologized and he continued to scold me, I apologized again but he just didn’t stop. After he let out his anger on me I heard him yelling at some other people but not sure what for. Ranger needs to find a new occupation where his contact with the public is limited.

The drive, the visitor centre and the trails are all excellent.

Being a National Park a mask is required to enter The Visitor Centre, This is a very popular park and parking can be somewhat scarce.

Going early or later usually means that you can find a parking spot.

The Tower is a good drive (2 hours or so) from Rapid City. We drove there from Medora, ND. Most of our drive, we were the only ones on the road. Desolate location. $25.00 entrance fee unless you have a NP pass. Plenty of parking at the small visitor center and gift shop. We did the circle hike around the base of the Tower. I think just over a mile. We think the NPS should be taking better care of the area on the trail, it’s such a lovely walk. A lot of downed trees etc. we saw some climbers on the Tower (by permit). We spent 2 hours or so and enjoyed our visit very much. We stayed in the town of Haley, which is about 15 minutes away. I highly recommend visiting the Tower. 5 STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind, you’ve already seen the tower. But it’s much more impressive in real life, even without the UFOs ;) Parking is a problem, but if you don’t find a spot right away, just circle around, people constantly come and go, there is not much to do once you’ve seen the tower and taken some impressive pictures of it and yourself in front of it (!)

When we planned a weeks long trip to the Black Hills to visit Mt. Rushmore, and all the other attractions in the area, we didn’t realize Devil’s Tower would be within a reasonable driving distance from Hill City SD. It’s a little over 2 hours. We’ve always wanted to visit this monument after seeing it in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We combined it with the Spearfish Scenic Drive and an afternoon in Deadwood. This itinerary is very doable in one day, although it is an early start, and a long day.

We traveled the northern route through Belle Fourche which is a little more scenic than taking the southern I-90 route through Sundance. It’s not every day you see a sign like the one for the small hamlet of Aladdin, Wyoming, Population 15! Wonder how often they update the sign? If you follow this route make sure you stop at Culver’s in Spearfish for the custard flavor of the day. Yummiest, creamiest ice cream we’ve ever tasted!

When approaching Devil’s Tower from Belle Fourche, you can first spot it on one of the elevated sections of the road about 60 miles away, very impressive. The Tower actually sits on a shelf making the elevation even taller than just the actual monument. We had a national pass, so the $25 admission was free. We arrived around 8am, and found a parking space, although parking is very limited. The park site recommends you arrive early to beat the crowds. We didn’t actually hike the trails, but just walked to the base and took some great morning shots. Pretty cool!

If you don’t have the pass, you can take some great pictures from the road without actually entering the park. But if you want to hike the trails, $25/vehicle isn’t a lot to pay. The national park pass has saved us so much money in entrance fees over the years, we highly recommend it. If one person has it, its good for 3 more people on the same pass, so its a good deal.

The Visitor’s Center is small, but has some very good informational exhibits on how the Tower was formed, how tall it is compared to known structures, and its importance as a sacred place for the Lakota and other Indian tribes. It also has a small but pricey gift shop. $40+ for a simple short sleeve t-shirt, Yikes! Instead, make a stop at the Devils Tower Trading Post. Its a decent store right outside the park, can’t miss it. It has a much larger variety of reasonably priced t-shirts, magnets and other souvenirs, including some with the fun Close Encounters alien theme.

The Trading Post also has much appreciated free WiFi. Cell service is non-existent since you really are out in the middle of nowhere! We printed some paper maps for directions, and also downloaded maps offline from Google Maps on our laptop for this trip. We referred to them a number of times during this vacation. It’s good insurance to have traveling through these isolated areas.

On the way out, we viewed the Circle of Sacred Smoke sculpture. There are no signs on the main roads in the park directing you to it. We referred to the park map, and followed the road that runs behind the Administration Building, toward the campgrounds. You can view the tower through the sculpture, sort of “framing” it. This sculpture is one of seven “peace sculptures” planned for different sites around the world. It was created by Junku Muto, a famous Japanese artist whose purpose was to acknowledge this site as sacred among American Indians. We also stopped at the prairie dog town at the front of the park to take some pictures of these adorable little guys.

It was definitely worth the ride to visit this iconic national monument.

Our second day exploring the Black Hills region, and today was Devil’s Tower Wyoming. Really amazing hike around the base, and you do have a choice of trails The paved, 1.3-mile (2 km) Tower Trail starts across the parking area from the visitor center. It is the easier trail. There is a gift shop Devils tower trading post just after the entrance of the park. Plenty of parking and restrooms..

This is such a unique and special place. The park service has done a nice job with signage and the paved tower trail. It is a sacred place to many people so be respectful of that.

The exit fee is ridiculous, the line is so long. They should have it so we pay before we exit not at the exit.

Overall a must see if passing by.

I was not sure I would be impressed by this, but I loved seeing it, reading the Indian folklore about it, and taking pictures of it. We saw it during the day, but then went to a restaurant right near it and had a view of it in the evening light. So, I took some more pictures. It is worth a visit if you are traveling through, for sure! We were on our way through from seeing Yellowstone and heading to the Badlands.

Just a wonderful thing to see and honestly worth the drive from most places in the area. If you are going to do some of the hikes, give yourself time to enjoy them. More than a few fun places to explore.

The parking area was pretty full, but I was able to fine a spot in a few min. I could see how this could be a problem as there were not lots of spaces.

While I am sure you could just pop out and do a photo op and drive on, I do think you will be missing a lot of interesting things if you don't get out a look around the area.

Depending on the time of day you stop buy and how much time you spend you could combine it with a trip to Rushmore for a quick stop there if you wanted to.

We didn't even know this was on our driving route, and it was recommended to us by a friend. It was a wonderful time!! We got there nice and early, around 6:30 am. It was already bright daylight by then, but there were no lines. It was a beautiful walk, and we got many nice pictures and selfies! Once we were leaving, around 10:30 am, I was astonished at the line formed to park! There is a red light that only allows so many cars at a time. The line was over a mile long! I felt so bad for the people waiting to get in, especially the ones in the RVs, as there was no way to turn around if you changed your mind! So my advice is to get there early!!

Of note, the prairie dog town is adorable! The animals are mostly active at dawn and dusk, and I wish we would have stopped there first on our way in because they were so active at 6:30! But there was only minimal activity when we left at 10:30 am.

Incredibly unique scenery. Make sure to stop on lookouts along the route in from the highway to get the sense of scale. The Red Beds trail was worth -- most crowds stick to the shorter trail; it had great views of the tower but also the surrounding landscape. Very limited parking, so during busy seasons, be prepared to wait to be let in.

We visited on a Sunday afternoon in early October, and the site was pretty busy. Parking was also a bit limited. There are two trails you can choose to walk around the monument- one is paved and just over a mile, the other is a natural path and a longer distance. Use the restrooms attached to the visitor's centers or gift shops, avoid any others. We spent about two hours here which gave us time to take plenty of photos and walk the paved trail.

Awesome landmark to visit. The parking lot was congested so I can’t imagine this during peak season but it was worth the visit. The visitor center was not open & I don’t know why. Did the loop trail around the base which is paved & easy to navigate with plenty of opportunities for photos. There are stunning views at overlooks off to the right. There were some climbers which was fascinating to see as well.

We were driving East from Cody and planning to stay near Rapid City.
Devil’s Tower was better than expected, and worth the side track

One more spot off the bucket list, bit out of the way but worth the drive!

Even if you don't want to drive all the way up, they're some veiw points along the way. There is some RV parking but limited and would be hard to do in peak season.

Bathrooms and gift shop in area.

Our next stop is Devil’s Tower Wyoming. Anyone who watched Close Encounters of the Third Kind marveled at the plateau. It rises from the ground and draws my attention to its magnificence. As we were driving, the plateau was visible from a great distance. The closer we were to the tower; the more details were visible.
The large grooves on the sides slowly became noticeable and more defined. Before we arrive at the welcome center, a stop light system holds drivers until the parking lot has vacancies. Getting there early can save a long wait if it is a busy day. Once we arrived at the welcome center, I noticed two parking lots. The upper lot is closest to the welcome center. Oversized vehicles park in the lower gravel lot. Make sure to use the facilities at the welcome center before you take the trails around the monument. The toilet at the beginning of the trail smells awful. It is an outhouse with no place to wash your hands. It is not good to need the restroom halfway around the tower. There are two trails around Devil’s Tower. You can even bring your dog. The short trail is about 1.3 miles. This does not include the steep walk uphill to the trail. This paved path goes all the way around the monument. This gave me a view of all sides of the tower. Take time to enjoy the small things that most people ignore. The tower's view can obscure thoughts of anything else. Often missed are the rock formations, flowering plants, and smells. There is a wonderful smell of pine when walking the trails. The other trail is longer. I did not take this trail due to the length. The short path meanders up and down as I wound my way on the path. Some of the uphill parts of the trail are a little strenuous. Most people there were able to make the trip. Many had to take multiple breaks to complete the trail. There are benches for visitors to enjoy the scenery while they rest. The walk around the monument is beautiful. The trail provides numerous opportunities to photograph the different sides of the monument. One area of the tower is the window. It looks like an inset window on the tower. If you are lucky, you may see climbers on the tower. Posted signs provide information on the viewed area of the trail. June, the summer solstice, is a sacred month for the local Native Americans. They tie ribbons to the trees as prayer bundles in preparation for their ceremonies. The park asks climbers not to climb the tower voluntarily in respect of this sacred time. The experience of Devil’s Tower should be on everyone's bucket list. It was a wonderful day. The vision and smells of the tower will stick with me.

Another bucket list destination checked off my list that didn't disappoint!! I have wanted to visit this site ever since the movie Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind hit the theaters! What a remarkable place!
It is a sacred place to Native American Tribes, and it has the feel of a really extraordinary place. The native people tie prayer bundles around tree branches and they sway with the wind. Do not disturb them.
There is a paved trail all along the base of the monument that is easy to walk. It is an extremely unusual monolithic formation that I couldn't stop looking up at. There were rock climbers making there way up and down that were interesting to watch. Great place for everyone!
The visitor's center has displays and information on the formation of the tower. It does not have a lot of souvenirs. There is a trading post just before you enter the gate, so stop and buy things there.

Devil's Tower has been on the TV a lot lately From National Geographic, and History Channels Ancient Aliens. These shows talk about the Science and the Myths/Legends behind this Very Spiritual Location.

Even if you believe that the Great Bear made the markings on the side of this formation from chasing the 7 Sisters or if you believe the Science of Volcano magna pushing through the surface and hardening into hexagon shapes that have fallen down over the years due to wind and erosion, we will all agree this spot is Beautiful.

There is an entrance fee for coming here unless you have the national park pass ~ you can hike multiple trails, climb/scale the tower (permission NEEDED) picnic etc..

Totally awesome experience. The hike up the trail was manageable for both of us (One 76 and the other 72) and the view from all sides fabulous. Plenty of placards with information along the trail. We took the Tower Trail (1.8 MI. Round trip) and there was a second for a more strenuous trek. This is another fine example of the diverse beauty in our nation.

We had spent several days in the Badlands of South Dakota, and were planning a full day drive across Wyoming to Yellowstone. Devils Tower is only about an hour and a half or so from Rapid City. You can see it from miles as you approach, and it is such a cool site! We got there fairly early in the morning, so managed to find a parking space, but it was definitely filling up. We spent time walking around the base of the tower taking in the views. It is so magnificent when you get up close, it is definitely worth the stop. There are public restrooms, and visitor center. But it gets crowded, so the earlier you can arrive the better. It was definitely worth our time to visit!

Mato Tipila is the native name for the place. A beautiful igneous rock formation with great indigenous folklore tied to it.

What a epic journey! Loved the trail around the tower, climbers, attentive staff, parking, education! Clean restrooms! A true must see!

This monument is quite easy to miss if you are visiting the black hills/Mt. Rushmore, but definitely don't skip it! Completely worth the detour and amazing to see up close. It's not too much of a commitment either, since you can do the tower trail in under an hour. You could also do a longer hike if you wanted as well.

Recently traveled out to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that about a 2 hour drive west was Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. Word to the wise, if you’re short on time, you can get great pictures without entering the park. I think it’s totally worth the time for photo ops. There really is nothing like it on earth. It’s sticks out like a sore thumb. If you’re into nature photography, Devil’s tower is for you. If you decide to enter the park and go to the actual
rock, you’ll see it’s surface is made up of almost perfectly straight vertical pillars. Afterwards, grab some mashed potatoes and carve it out (Close encounters of the 3rd kind style!) Doooo dooo do doooooooooo.

This is sn amazing natural phenomenon that is worth seeing up close. We took about 75 minutes to walk the inner tower loop around it. We stopped a lot. While on the trail we also saw deer and a lot of birds. The views are spectacular. There is a bottle refill station befyou start up the trail. Take plenty of water. Even if it's not hot, the trail involves a lot of uphill walking and it's fairly dry and dusty. The trail itself is easy. It's paved and we saw people of all ages on it. On the drive to the parking lot (which does get crowded. You may have to circle a few times to find a spot.) we also passed a Prairie dog field. They were quite fun to watch.

This has been one of my boys' favorites to visit on our South Dakota and Wyoming trip. We waited until after 7 pm to go and there were no crowds! We walked the Tower Trail and saw just a handful of people. There were tons of interpretive signs throughout the trail. The boys were excited to climb on the boulders to the base - if you go past the boulders you have to register to climb. We even had a doe and 2 bucks walk within feet of us! Lots of lookout points. Very interesting and when you get up close it's amazing that people climb this! So glad we visited!

America's first National Monument !!!
This is quite an amazing sight... you can see it along the drive to the entrance. It's really quite enormous as you get closer. There is a visitor center, restrooms and RV parking. You can take a trail to the tower it's about 1.7 mile.
There are lots of cute prairie dogs along the drive up (after you have entered the monument entrance)

the devils tower is just sitting their t=in the middle of farm and nowhere. as I was reading the history, it make me even wonder about the experience of seeing her beauty. gods creation is really amazing that no one can't believe the purpose of staying there.

Always wanted to visit this spot. I knew it was going to be awesome. Family also had an opportunity to meet ranger Dana and hear her education session. We were fortunate to have met her. Very nice person. The kids think she is super awesome.

Driving up to the monument hidden in fog was disappointing, but as we walked around the Tower Trail it slowly emerged. It was before 10 o'clock so there were only a few people around. It was so nice walking around in the mist and freshness of the morning after the recent rain. With the spiritual bundles hanging from the trees, there was definitely a cool vibe. Every side of the tower looks different. By the time we came full circle, the fog had lifted and we could see the tower in all it's glory. By 10 though, the crowds had arrived.
Really cool place to be. I can understand why it is a spiritual place.
I would recommend hiking the Tower Trail counter clockwise, as there is an informational sign about a ladder you won't want to miss which points you to viewing binoculars. We went counter clockwise to the binoculars first and then we saw the sign and didn't want to retrace our steps.
Limited parking. I would get there early.

Such expansive views of Devils Tower as you drive towards it. It can be seen from a good distance away. There is very limited parking at the top so we waited quite a while in line for parking. Small gift shop but spectacular views.

HEAVILY attended and very small visitors center and gift shop. Smallest gift shop for a National Monument we have ever been in. Many items out of stock - or barely relevant to venue. Visitor center desperately needs to enlarged and updated. We did find good stickers and walking stick medallions. Tight parking facility. Surprising - some RV/Trailer parking is available. This is a very special Monument, it needs to be expanded slightly to allow a better visitor experience!

Great place to visit. Great views. Great hiking. Great dark sky location. Incredible geological history. We visited early on a fall (October) Sunday morning; with government shutdown, no $25 admittance fee or crowds. Parking was easy, though generally very, very difficult. A must see and visit. Really. Enjoy.

What a fantastic monument! It rises out of nowhere, and it is just beautiful. Our family of four with a 14 year old and a 10 year old opted for the longer Red Bed trail, and it was just difficult enough to be challenging but still enjoyable. Eat at the restaurant right at the entrance/exit… the Gulch. Good food and locally owned.

Although it is a bit out of the way, this park is well worth a visit. We arrived in the area the night before so that we could get an early start. There is a beautiful drive up to the base of the tower, but there is limited parking, so a stoplight is used to hold traffic lower down. It may be better to take the shuttle from below to reach the tower during the day.

We hiked the trail around the base of the tower and enjoyed the views of the surroundings as well as the tower. We saw groups of climbers scaling the cliffs of the tower too. The visitor center offers information about the tower and the available trails in the park.

My husband and I were taking a group trip to the national parks and one of the stops was Devil's Tower. There were breathtaking photo locations and a wonderful trail around it for a nice hike. It felt peaceful and spiritual as we walked the trail. Had a picnic lunch afterwards just down the road where we found more wonderful locations for taking photos and making memories. Highly recommend!

The primary feature of this national park is the Devil's Tower Monument and while it is visible at various points outside the park, it is really worth going inside the park to see the Tower up close. There is a very manageable easy to hike trail (about 1.8 miles) around the base to see the tower from all angles. The trail offers places to sit and view the Tower and other visitas. It also has informational signs along the way. There is parking and restrooms close to the Tower. There is a gift shop with also with some informational displays. There are picnic areas.

We visited this unique geological feature the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The parking area is quite small so they created a traffic light system that worked but you need patience. Once there the crowd dispersed so it was not so bad. There is a small visitor center. We did the hike around the base. Seeing it from different view points was very interesting. Luckily there were benches along the way to rest. Allow at least two hours.

A natural wonder that is a geological abnormality in the middle of basically flat land it stands over 800 feet tall. You must see it.

The Visitor Center at Devils Tower National Monument is small but offers very helpful park staff, books and other gift items, and educational exhibits on the geological and cultural history of the mountain. I highly recommend a visit.

This is worth a detour to see, since it is such an unusual geologic formation. Very interesting and a great natural feature to feast the eyes on. Cute prairie dog town nearby. Beware of crowds approximately 10:00 to 3:00.

You really should go to Devils Tower if you are in northeastern Wyoming or in the nearby Black Hills. At first we were taken aback by the kitsch at the bottom of the monument, but once you enter the monument itself, he feel as if you’re back in the National Park System. The place was very crowded, with many Europeans (Germans, French, Poles) and many other foreigners from around the world. It shows you what a special place this is. We did the Tower Trail, easily circumnavigating the tower in an hour despite many photo stops along the way. We marveled at the climbers making their way down the monument (one said they went up and down in under two hours-with supervision from NPS of course). We in particular liked the north side of the monument, which seemed far less crowded. On the way out, we stopped and looked the prairie dogs, a special treat. If you haven’t seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind, watch it before you visit. But no matter what, if you’re in the area, just go! It’s worth a detour.

This is a really cool site, and it has something for everyone of all fitness levels. If you want to just drive and see it without even really getting out of your car, that would be possible. With our small kids we did the tower trail of about a mile, and if we didn't have them with us we would have tackled one of the loops that was a little further out. it was cool to see some climbers who really make you appreciate just how big it is. Seeing it close up or from a distance, both were great. If you have kids with you ask for a junior ranger booklet, my kids love them and the badge they got when they completed it.

Do be aware it can get warm here. On the tower trail there were many benches and even a few shaded spots, but make sure you have water with you in summer.

We could see this spectacularly large formation from quite a ways away. It was even more spectacular up close! We didn't hike around it due to ice but would've had we visited in better weather. The prairie dogs were fun on the left side after entering at the ranger's station. It was the first time we had seen any (and some other animals, too). Staff were friendly. We visited using our 4th grader's get into national parks for free pass.

Wow. To start, we lost a lot of time because we waited in a very long line of cars waiting to get in—just over an hour, but it was totally worth the wait. Probably we could have avoided this if we'd arrived a little earlier, but it had been a long drive in from Rapid City, SD.

The little visitor center was cute. We hiked the Tower Trail and the views were just incredible. It was a very hot day and we hiked it in the early afternoon, which wasn’t ideal—it slowed us down a little bit, but it was an awesome experience and one of my favorite parts of our trip!

It is a very excellent experience driving up to Devil's Tower National Monument! Worth the drive since there aren't many large population areas around the Monument. When you go, plan to walk around the Monument on a path, so bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing and water, depending on the weather. Take the time to read the informational signs as you walk around it.
The Monument is cultural and historical, the Native American Indians have many myths about it, and they are honored there, and there is the beauty of nature around it.
If you are lucky, bison will be grazing in a pasture as you enter or leave, which makes a fantastic picture.

Magnificent, take the time to walk around this hillock, drawing inspiration from Indian legends

This massive rock formation rises dramatically from the landscape, creating a sight that’s both unique and unforgettable. The hiking trails around the monument offer fantastic views and a chance to appreciate its size and natural beauty up close. The visitor center provides great insights into the tower's geology, cultural significance, and history. Whether you're a hiker, a climber (like me), or just someone who loves nature, Devils Tower is a must-visit destination!

Even though you can see this from the road, make sure you go into the park. It is well worth the park entrance fee. When you get to the visitor center, take the 1.3-mile loop trail around the base of the tower. It's very easy and it gives you close-up views to see how large it really is. You'll also see beautiful prayer flags. Be sure to look for the rock climbers scaling the sides!

Wyoming is amazing and Devils Tower is a great part of that. Easy to get and the walk around the Tower is well worth it. Lots of things to look at in the process and who are those climbers? A morning of Monday was really easy to access the area and unique views. Should have done this years ago.

I found visiting "Devil's Tower" impressive but have unfavorable feelings about the park's procedures.I found the entrance fee rather excessive($25),I had to wonder why you pay as you leave,not enter.I prefer knowing a price beforehand.And why you are mandated to pay by credit which I feel no one has a right to insist on.I could not help feeling there was something underhanded taking place.

Really a great site to see. There are hiking trails around the monument that are pretty easy for families (maybe not strollers on some). Parking and entry can be a little backed up depending on the time of year that you go

You have to experience this in person and walk the trail. We had a beautiful day and the air was so fresh and only added to the amazing fews. Too scared to climb it but loved the trail. A little over a mile walk wide enough for 2 side by side. Great ranger activities for kids. Lots of benches to rest and take it all in.

Not on our normal vacation route so it was great to stop and visit. We didn’t enter the park itself but hit the souvenir shops out front and took plenty of pictures. We had already hiked Glacier National Park so didn’t want to hit the slopes here. It’s an amazing sight to see

Spectacular Natural Scenery. You must go early as the line to get to the visitor center can be over 1 mile long. Take pictures from the road as you approach!

We were visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, and took a day to drive to Devil's Tower, and we are glad we did. You begin to see the Tower from miles away. The walk around the Tower was very worthwhile, although it is uphill and downhill and not suitable for someone with mobility problems. But observing the Tower from different angles and different lighting was wonderful. As I was finishing the walk, I noticed a climber climbing the Tower - they look like a speck. At the base of the Tower is a lot of rock debris which has fallen from the Tower many years ago. There is very little for tourists in this area, so you would be coming just for the Tower. It is not far off of Rt 90, one of the major east-west roads.

While we have driven through Wyoming in this general direction many times, we have never actually stopped at Devil’s Tower in the past. On this trip we decided to make a point of stopping at this historic landmark. It was a nice place to hike.
We hiked the 2.8 mile loop called Red Beds Trail. This is good for photography. There is also a shorter 1.6 mile loop around the base. The boulder base is cool to look at.

The ride around this area was just breathtaking. Even though many spots to see the tower and take pictures, would highly recommend entering the National park. Many trails to walk and getting up close to this structure gives so many varying views. Read about the Indian legend and talk with some rangers. Parking was well managed and restrooms available. Hard to describe felling when there in person. Take the time to enjoy this site.

Well worth your time. If you can hit it when the weather is nice, it is sublime. During the busy summer months, they control how many cars go in, so there is enough parking. That line moves pretty well, and there are pretty changing views as you wait in your vehicle in line. Once you go in, you can walk on an asphalt walking path around the tower. Wear good shoes for walking, and maybe carry water. This National Monument should not be missed.

Forgive me if I gush, but this was my first trip to Wyoming. I was mesmerized by the incredible beauty of the land, and Devils Tower National Monument was the best of the best for me.

Yes, it looks, from a distance, like a mashed-potato volcano with gravy running down the sides. Up close (and you can get quite near it, even scaling the walls [pass required] if you’re that adventurous) it’s simply stunning.

I took the trail that went around Devils Tower to see it from all sides. It was generally an easy, paved path, although there were places where my breathing was labored. A few minutes of resting and I was back at it.

As it is part of the National Park Service, your America the Beautiful pass will get you in. And, to me, it was worth every second spent gawking up at that stunning formation.

This wasn't our first time at Devil's Tower. It was hotter this time and packed with tourists as we arrived close to Noon. I advise going earlier in the morning as it's less crowded and cooler. Always beautiful. There were climbers on the tower. Be sure to bring binoculars or a zoom camera. Many photo opportunities. The trading post at the road entrance has excellent ice cream and rest rooms!

We arrived into the park about 9:30 am on a beautiful Thursday and had no trouble getting in. We walked around the base of the tower which was a mix of concrete and asphalt sidewalk path the entire way with many up and down minor inclines which made it very nice. Beautiful views all the way around including seeing some rock climbers on one side. By the time we left a bit after noon the line to get in was increasing. So glad we came in the morning. Small gift shop and lots of restrooms at the visitor center.

I honestly enjoy visiting this NPS site. It is so peaceful and calming there. I also always remember to leave a token of appreciation for the spirits. I also love watching the playful Prarie dogs.

This was a really cool stop on our trip ..we actually stayed in teepee outside the park. It was a neat experience waking up yo look at the Devil's Tower monument. We also enjoyed the Prairie dog town as you leave the park

Beautiful views and great family hike! Nice place to spend an afternoon with the family. Hiking trail Is all paved so easy walk.

Devils Tower was amazing. We drove from Rapid City (about a two hour drive) which was so scenic. Wyoming is truly a beautiful state. Walked around the Tower the first day which was cloudy with drizzle so not great. We stayed overnight in nearby Hulett then drove back to DT in the morning. It was a beautiful day and we did the complete circuit around the Tower early in the morning. It was a nicely paved walking path with changing gorgeous views of the Tower as well as the surrounding countryside. One word of caution- the parking lot is not very big and gets filled quickly so get there early!

We came in from the north and as we traveled through a curve in the road and it first appeared I gasped at the wonder of it. Once there, as we passed through the ranger station, there was a warning that was an hour to the monument. They were right. There is a stoplight that let's in 6-7 cars every 5 mintues. There are signs showing how far to the stoplight so you can see how far you have to go yet. Once inside, there is a nice center with the obligatory gift shop and clean restrooms. It was nearly 100 degrees when we were there so we didn't do the 1.3 mile trail--it was too dang hot! Also there were signs to beware of rattle snakes. Prarie dogs village at the beginning of the drive in. Be sure to see these cuties. You don't pay on entry to the monument, but on the way out. Our National Park lifetime pass was accepted.

Nice trails, beautiful campground. Camp sites offer an excellent view of the tower. Clean facilities.

Peaceful. Awesome. Inspiring. Wonderful.

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May, 2025 Visit

Devils Tower is America’s first National Monument.

Devils Tower is featured in Stephen Spielberg’s movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Devils Tower’s name is an incorrect translation; the indigenous name properly translates to “Bear’s House,” or “Bear’s Lodge.”

It makes sense to suspect a huge bear scratched its claws and gave the tower its unique look.
And we now expect that the tower was created as magma cooled amid surrounding rock, and the surrounding rock eroding away over millions of years, leaving the tower, with its phonolite porphyry rock… the twin Missouri Buttes are visible 3.5 miles away and are also made of the same kind of rock.

There is no apostrophe in the current spelling.

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Devils Tower is in northeast Wyoming, about an hours drive from the Gillette, WY airport and about six hours almost due north of Denver.

Devils Tower is beautiful in and of itself, and is surrounded by natural beauty for hours in all directions.

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Devils Tower has hiking trails, and offers climbing.

The Park Rangers are friendly and helpful.

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A tornado hit the tower in 2024; the tornado damage was evident; it looked like the tornado hit the tower straight on, as trees were felled on both sides; we later saw much more damage as we drove toward Gillette. The Tower… unphased… strong.

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We visited in 2017 and again in 2025… this is one of our favorite places

While at Devils Tower, you might hear the noise of an occasional truck as it drives by; otherwise it is nice and quiet and peaceful… it might take you by surprise when you realize how nice it is to not have the many noisy distractions that so many of us experience throughout most days back home.

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There are hotels nearby, and yet there are only two locations where you can see the Tower from your window as you fall asleep - the KOA Campground right at the park entrance and Devils Tower Lodge (DTL), which is on the north side of the park, and they offer climbing excursions, too - we recommend staying here (the KOA would be great for camping, too).

We encourage you to go and see the Tower (and to climb it… safely, with the DTL team) and enjoy the peace and beauty it offers.

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THANK YOU, National Parks Service, for maintaining Devils Tower, and all our national parks and national monuments!!

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Great views and a nice trail around the tower where you can get great pictures. This place has been attracting visitors for a century but, somehow, isn't a national park yet (still a monument). Wonder why.

We happened to go on fee-free day (Juneteenth) and it's a good thing we got there very early because when we left there was a backup of hundreds of cars waiting for parking to open up.

The shop it's self is very cute and plenty to choose from and the staff is pleasant and there is a small museum and history in this building.
BUTT... there was some confusion on the restrooms! There was signs for some close to the monument upon getting to them they were closed for the season ~ then again at the visitor center more signs say located in back and closed again!!! BUTT.. we finally found ones that were open separate and closer to the parking's lots entrance and once we got in NOT ONE roll, one sheet (nothing) of toilet paper in the men's or women's bathrooms. We had to run to the car and get napkins we had from a restaurant we stopped at to clean up. Informed staff and they said they were aware and were waiting on a shipment.

One day in a beautiful January, we trekked a short 1.3 mile loop across the bottom of this interesting terrain. Because there is ice on the path, we had to be extremely careful and advised to use a spike this season. Because it's a national monument, having a dedicated National Park Service staff to do amazing work will enhance your experience with this amazing terrain.

We debated the detour on our trip to head here. Heading in it looked small and insignificant. Upon arrival and a great hike around it we found it amazing and definitely worth the drive. If you are thinking about going here just do it!!!

I didn't know what to expect visiting Devil's Tower. It has been on my husband's bucket list, but I was indifferent about going. However, I really enjoyed it! The paved path around the tower was beautiful and offered views from every angle. We saw several people climbing the tower. There are other paths to hike as well, but we did not go on them. Parking is very limited. There is a stop light that allows people in as others leave. We got there around 10:30 and didn't wait long, but the line of cars waiting to be allowed in was very long when we left. There is a path near the prairie dog town that will connect to the paved path around the mountain if you want to avoid waiting for parking; however, there is very little space to park there as well. Best to go early in the morning or wait till later in the afternoon.

it was worth the extra 3 hours of driving to see Devil's Tower. we loved the experience, and would have loved it even more if it wasn't 98 degrees that day! loved seeing the formation and doing the easy hike around. ranger at the visitor center was knowledgeable and pleasant. the visitor center was a bit cramped and the store was not great. the hike was paved all the way around and was extremely lovely!

if it wasn't such a blazing hot day we would have spent lots more time here.

Visiting Devils Tower is an amazing experience different from all of our other national park experiences. It's not a mountain or a canyon or a butte or a fumarole. It's just very different. And anyone who's watched the 1977 movie can't help but think of the mysterious nature of this place. We love the native American story of the bear who chased the children and of the rock that mysteriously saved the children by growing taller.

We had planned our itinerary so that we would have only a one-hour drive and arrive early before the heat of the day. But the rain forecast for the planned day encouraged a change of plans, and we arrived a day early after a 3-hour drive. Arriving mid-morning meant a long car line waiting for entrance to the parking lot, but that still seemed better for us than visiting in afternoon heat or the next day's rain.

We enjoyed Devils Tower and would not have missed it. The foray into Wyoming during our South Dakota trip was worth the additional time on our trip.

This was a great day trip! We took off early in the morning from Custer, SD and got to the Monument early in the morning.
It was a beautiful June morning with the sun rising behind the Tower, it was a wonderful view. It was a hilly- but paved walk around the tower, we enjoyed the history the Lakota Stories that we learned. The visitor's center was nice and clean as well.

We stopped here on our way to Yellowstone and it was incredible. You can see it starting for over 20 miles away and the drive in is really good. The visitor center is nice and bathrooms are clean. We took the shorter trail which still takes you around the tower. It is a pretty straight-forward trail, but some of the inclines in the higher elevation may affect some people. Overall a great experience.

Highly recommend. Hiked around the base and it was easy. Views are amazing. Go earlly because parking will be an issue during the summer months.

Whatever you do, if you are ever in the Northeast corridor of WY, make sure you drive by and stop at the Devils Tower National Monument. It is so surreal as you are driving on the main road, and BOOM.... there is the Monument with its mighty height and girth. Take the stroll around the monument as they have paved a nice walkway/path that you can walk or jog around. Lots of photo opportunities await you.

You should plan on spending 3 or 4 hours here. It was the highlight of our week long trip to the area. There are two trails around the tower and both are worth doing. The Tower Trail is paved and is 1.3 miles. The Red Beds Trail is longer and sits lower than the Tower Trail. The Red Beds Trail is 3.1 miles and took us about two hours to walk. The Red Beds Trail has views of the valley as well as the tower. Arrive early or late to get a good parking spot.

First time here. The Devils Tower was part of the movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Good:
Gift shop has great items.
Dog friendly areas except in the gift shop and on the walking trail up to the Devils Tower.
Restrooms are down the stairs next to the gift shop or pit toilets at the beginning of the trail.
Easy drive from the exit to the parking lot.
**Make sure to stop at the big Trading Post before you enter the park. Great prices on T shirts, gifts and huckleberry items. Great, yummy ice cream. I had the huckleberry and it was amazing!
Go early before it gets too hot. Also, parking is limited. Get their early for a parking spot.

Larger than it seemed in pictures. A very scenic walk takes you up to the base of the monolith. Some people were climbing it. All the cute little prairie dogs were an extra bonus.

It was fantastic. I can't add to what thousands have said other than if you are heading toward Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, stop here first and pick up your America the Beautiful card for Seniors and save big bucks.

From Rapid City, South Dakota to Devil's Tower Wyoming ( 1 hr 35 min drive). It was worth every minute spent here. Just wonderful gift from nature! We then went to see the "Wind Circle" sculpture. Also went to Wind Cave & did the cave tour.

While it can be seen on a drive, taking time to stop at Devil’s Tower is worth it. Nice hiking areas around the base are well maintained and there’s plenty of wildlife and some great views.

We are on a huge road trips and saw this and just had to go! It is amazing piece of Native American history and should be seen and explored.

This was a beautiful location and very scenic. Be sure you allow time to do a 45 minute wait “prior” to arriving. Red light will only allow a couple vehicles to enter AFTER 2 leave the Devils Tower. This allows enough parking available when you finally do arrive. This was a peak time. If going by RV you will park and walk a considerable distance.

What an amazing national (and natural) wonder! Steeped in history. Breathtakingly brilliant! If you are within a day of this site, and you have not visited - make sure you take the time to visit it. This was such an educational experience with our teenage children. Any words I find are simply inadequate. See it for yourself!

Cool, huge, geological formation -- a magma intrusion which has lost the softer dirt around it, leaving the igneous columns standing exposed. Very pretty, and with some good trails around it to allow picture-worthy views from all sides.

Which, after you've done that, and visited the small gift shop and Visitor Center, is about what you can do at Devils Tower.

(Yes, this is the place where the climax of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is set. The government has managed to camouflage the alien encounter center quite well.)

This is an amazing geological formation that is a must see. Very easy to get to and the land around it is easily accessible for hiking and walking. It's much bigger than you think!

Even despite visiting during the (damn) government shut down in late Sept/early Oct 2025, we thoroughly enjoyed our 1/2 day at Devils Tower.
Due to the shut down, the Visitor’s Center was closed, so no maps, no brochures, no informative movie, no park rangers, no souvenir shopping, etc. While that was disappointing, we were super glad to be able to get into the actual park and enjoy some of the hikes, including the 1.8 mile hike around the base of the Tower. The sheer size of Devils Tower is jaw-dropping and the closer you get to it the more astounding it is.
We enjoyed a picnic in one of the lovely picnic spots, and a drive around the surrounding area. Lovely was to spend a half day in the beauty of unique nature.

Went to Devils tower and was well worth it. Awesome site. Best way to describe is like someone drove their fist below the earths surface. We got there before 10am and was able to find parking. The roads and parking are limited. Also, there were some bus tours when we visited

We were last here about ten years ago and again found it a powerful and moving experience. We were there early in the morning before crowds and could hear the whispering of the wind and watch the squirrels storing their pine cones while walking the base...you can’t stop looking up to see another view and wonder at its majesty. Watching the climbers is breathtaking. Do not miss the prairie dog town on the way in or out.

This place was absolutely worth it for us. We left the car at the picnic area at the Circle of Sacred Smoke sculpture and hiked up the hill from there to the Visitor Center. A beautiful trail through Prairie Dog towns and with views worthwhile. We also really liked the subsequent Tower Trail Loop. The trail is beautifully made with information boards and benches. The different views of the rock formation were interesting. It's worth spending a little more time here.

We had a great experience. We arrived at around 2:30. The sign at the entrance said to expect an hour wait. We waited 10-15 minutes. We also had no trouble finding a parking place. After reading other reviews, we felt lucky. The tower is amazing. It was exciting to see climbers. This was a great stop on our trip. If you don’t have much time it can be easily seen and photographed from the roadway. There are pull off spots for that. In a time crunch, that’s a great option.

Great place for a leisurely walk. Plenty of photo ops. Paths are shaded and paved. The Tower trail is 1.3 miles and fairly easy. The Red Beds trail is longer at 2.8 miles. It also has more challenging topography. The Tower is considered sacred by native Americans and you will see prayer bundles hanging from trees.

Hint: there is a "selfie" stand to the right of the visitors center

I've seen it. I've hiked around it. I've climbed to the top of it. It's an absolutely awe-inspiring spectacle every time I see it. I don't know where you're coming from or where you're going, but if you're traveling anywhere near the area you have to stop and visit. It's absolutely worth the drive. You WILL feel closer to God.

Extremely impressive natural wonder, in our opinion more impressive from Highway 24 with it set against the surroundings. And yes, you can’t help humming the Close Encounter tune….

We camped inside the park at the base of the tower. The campground is first, no reservations. It is basic, dry camping, and a generator was a must because of the 104 temps when we visited in August. Water is available, but you cannot attach a line to fill tanks, Spicket only and no dump station ( they possibly were renovating it because there was one near the campground host site/restroom but locked)
Payment is the honor system and Rangers DO CHECK! We saw a group getting arrested that had pulled in during the night with no tabs from the envelopes on their posts and they set up tents on the “no tents” grass area.
I would go back.

Solo visit, never been here or any national park, two hiking trails - one is shorter and is along the base of the tower, the other is further out - both are a little challenging, the longer one that goes further out is definitely a hard hike (1 1/2 hours). If you do both paths, you'll get just over 10,000 steps. Great place to visit, parking and public restrooms, small but nice gift shop. $25 entry fee if you don't have a National Park permit.

Beautiful and interesting marvel of creation. One of the first stops on our trip. There is so much beauty and splendor in this country. Enjoyed watching people climbing the tower.

Amazing place! The hike around the base of the monument is really nice. Its paved and while it has a lot of ups and downs its not super strenuous.

We got to the face of the monument at sunrise and it was spectacular. Took us 2 hours from hotel in Sundance to reach park and then 45 mins hike to face. Saw climbers halfway up on the side view. Well worth it!! We walked the circumference and were out of the park before 9 am.

So beautiful! Definitely worth going to see. My friend that was with me has a hard time walking but she was able to make it quite a ways to get pictures.

Very dramatic national monument - a slight detour on the route from Spearfish to Cody. On the day we visited it was very foggy so not a great view. A few small shops just before you enter the monument area.

this is a must see in America. you will be awestruck. be sure to walk on the paved trail around the formation. there are plenty of benches along the way. there is a $25 entrance fee per car and $20 for seniors. There is plenty of free parking. the visitor center is very interesting which shows a video of rock climbing and the top of the monument. featured in movie, close encounters of the 3rd kind by steven spielberg.

We arrived about 9:15 on a Friday in late September. Few cars in the main lot by visitors center. Nice restrooms there and we made a purchase in the VC. We then headed back on the road and parked by the Joyner Ridge trail head. We had a wonderful day hiking the connected loops of Joyner Ridge, Red Beds and the Tower trails. Each one gave us different views and perspectives of the tower. Interesting terrain and elevation changes. By the time we got around the tower trail, we could see a line to get in to the monument and at least one tour bus.
We enjoyed seeing four climbing groups going up the monument.
Tower trail was busy but not crowded midday. We met occasional hikers on Red Beds and nobody on Joyner Ridge. We ended up tailgating a late lunch with a spectacular view before heading out. A very enjoyable day!

As reviewers state, get here as early as possible, or come here and stay for the sunset. When we left at mid day, the line of traffic grew quite a bit. There is a "flow light" that controls the amount of cars are allowed into the parking area. The area is a good size, however, this is so popular!

It is amazing to see how massive the formation is. We did the 1.6 miles tower loop trail. It is completed paved, but with lots of ups and downs. Bring your binoculars for a good look at the climbers, they are so fun to watch! The trail has a lot of shade, and some fantastic panorama view points.

Clean restroom facilities and a nice ranger station and visitor center. If you are lucky like we are, you get to spend a few hours here and not just a highway drive by.

Thank goodness I read a review regarding parking RV’s. We got there around 10:45 and was the first to park in the designated area. There is only room for maybe 6 at the most. I was disappointed that I couldn’t bring my dog in the walk that’s why I gave it a 4. Otherwise it was amazing. So glad we went.

The Devils Tower is a true natural beauty. We took our granddaughters on a 1.6 mile walk around the bottom of the tower that was fairly easy. They enjoyed climbing the rocks along the path. We saw quite a few people climbing the tower. Our granddaughters received their Junior Ranger badges.

This was our second visit to this unbelievable and absolutely beautiful formation. Take your time to walk around the towers and sit in the benches to enjoy the massive beauty!

The Devil’s Tower is a site in itself😮 The easy hike around it was beyond beautiful😳 I could sit at the many benches around the base and watch climbers all day😮 The views around the walking base are breathtaking😮 Parking can be a nightmare, we lucked out😃 Visitors center is small😳 Outside composting bathrooms are a little rough🤢 Still, we loved it!

From the first glimpse of Devils Tower some 14miles prior,you know it's going to be special...Just walking by its base you realise it's sheer beauty,

During our 12 day summer vacation to South Dakota, decided to make a day trip from Spearfish, SD to Devils Tower National Monument. Had been going back and forth with my husband whether we wanted to use one of vacation days to do this. Given that it was approx. an hour's drive we decided to do it. Well, that was one of our best vacation decisions ever.

The round trip drive from Spearfish, SD was beautiful - we took one route there and another route back. Just seeing the tower in the distance and then it getting closer and closer was worth the trip alone. But once there - the hike around the base is so lovely.

Couple of tips: We fortunately stopped at a grocery store in Spearfish and picked up some sandwiches, snacks and drinks as we didn't know what to expect when it came to eating options. It turned out to be a good decision as there isn't many options. After our hike, we selected a nice spot and had ourselves a beautiful picnic lunch.

As many others say, advise that you arrive early. We arrived a little after 10:00 am and knew as soon as we saw the line of cars (which was surprising as during our drive there, saw hardly any vehicles) we knew we should have pushed and been there by 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. The entrance line moved slowly as there was only one attendant, who was very efficient and nice, but she was on her own. We had about a 30 minute wait - however - it's not the wait to get thru the entrance that's a concern, it is the lack of parking. We were lucky as there were still spaces available.

So if you're anywhere within the area of Devils Tower National Monument, even a couple of hour drive, it's well worth it.

Truthfully, ever since I saw Close Encounters, I thought why would anyone go there. But during our trip to S Dakota, we decided to go see it. SO worth it. I never knew that it was made of lava (the lava I've seen has been black - or red). And the thought that it was just pushed up in the air. Besides that, there are a couple of trails around the base - we took the "easier" one, but still a bit "up and down." Again - so worth it. The scenery from the top point (around the base of the Tower) is breath-taking. And, you can watch the goofy people who think it's a good idea to climb the tower ;-)

They had a small place outside the Visitor's center to get your National Parks Passport stamp, and a Jr. Ranger button supply there too. Inside is a little small, but a nice place to get supplies or mementos of the trip. Rangers were great at explaining the trail and any sights that you wanted to take in or can't miss tips and tricks.

Very dramatic and spiritual experience. This looming rock in the middle of nowhere surrounded by pine trees. The two trails around the tower are both worth the walk - neither are too difficult or long. Very well maintained facility. Well worth the visit.

We stood in aww. It is truly amazing. Hiked all the way around the rock. Watched climbers on two sides. We loved the Native American tale on how it was developed. Anyone can stop on the highway and take pictures, but the experience is getting up close and personal with it.

Devils Tower is a must-see for US National Park and Monument enthusiasts, geology enthusiasts, and anyone who just loves the outdoors. Movies and pictures don’t do the beauty and uniqueness of this rock monolith justice.

I have waited to see this for over 40 years and was definitely not disappointed. We walked all around Devils tower and explored multiple paths. We went in June so there was literally no one there late afternoon when we arrived so we had the whole place basically to ourselves. A must see if you’re driving through Northeast Wyoming.

The only detraction to the place was the sheer amount of people in and around the Tower and the parking situation. Everyone was itching to travel after being Covid Couped Up...so we got here around mid-day...and it was a wait just to get into the gates. Probably 1-2 hours just for the wait and the parking. That being said...once you're here...it's a awe inspiring view. I would take some photos at several points as you're making your way...and then compare them to the photos you take here. Hiking around it wasn't too bad (little hot in July). Start at the visitor's center, and make the trip around, taking pictures as you go (lots of people doing the same thing, and you can have them take a photo of your group in exchange for you taking a photo of their group). If you can come early and make this your first stop of the day.

There was an informative display on how the columns were formed and a ranger there to explain more about it. The gift shop side had a nice selection of stickers!

We were really impressed with the “tower” and are so glad we took the time to visit. Unless you have a reason to enter the park to climb or a hike, the best photos are taken from outside the gate as you can see the entire profile. You are too close inside.

This has to be seen to be believed, very famous from the film Close encounter of the third kind. We took photos without going into area as there is limited parking and can take a while we were told.

If you want to see the Devils Tower and get to the top of the mountain to the visitor center go early! We waited in a car line for over an hour and still hadn't made it to the top by the time we decided we had run out of time to see it. Got pictures of Devils Tower so that will have to do.

Next time we'll go early.

Worth the detour from the highway! Highly recommend watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind prior to visiting just for fun. There are times when you are looking at nature and get awed by the sheer unique nature of different phenomena. This is one of those places. It is easy to understand why it is sacred ground for Native Americans. There is something about it. Beautiful!!

This is an awesome place! We pulled in here about 4:00 in the afternoon because we had read that this place gets really crowded earlier in the day during the Summer. I would definitely recommend doing this as by the time we got there, there was plenty of parking and the trails were no longer crowded. We hiked the Tower trail in relative solitude. Wow! Spectacular! Daannng! That's all I can say. You can't take your eyes off the monolith...it is just that amazing. We did take a minute to go to the visitor's center. Nice exhibits. Useless staff...forced us to mask up.

Went on a Tuesday afternoon and were caught in a traffic line to get to the parking lot - over 1/2 mile long to get to a regulated stop light allowing cars to proceed to park and limiting traffic. It was just over a 1 hour wait to move that 1/2 mile to the stop light. Many people were splitting up leaving one in the car while the others walked the distance to the actual attraction information center and parking. Be prepared for a long wait to park. At the lot we found many open spots and had no trouble parking. There is an information/gift shop and indoor restrooms on the backside, as well as other restrooms outside and benches to sit on and view the Tower. There are two train options - a 1.6 mile paved Tower Trail which circles the tower at the base, and a 2.8 mile Red Beds Trail that circles further away for views of more of the area, landscaping and the tower from a distance. We did the Tower Trail and were able to see the climbers (we took along binoculars) and enjoyed all the information placards and views. Very interesting unusual landmark and monument.

We were traveling for a few weeks through a couple states, and decided to make a last minute trip. It was out of the way, but worth it. We didn’t stay long since we were heading elsewhere, bit it wasn’t crowded. It’s truly an amazing site to see. We noticed a climber that seemed to be about half way up. Beautiful place!

All I knew of Devil's Tower (known by many of the local tribes as Bear's Lodge or Rock Tree) was what I had seen in Close Encounters of the Third Kind decades ago--but since seeing that film, I always wanted to come here. Driving to it from the south, there is a pull-out where you see all of it close up and I honestly got goosebumps. There is something so strange and magnificent and weirdly beautiful about it. And the surrounding area has the most beautiful deep red-brown soil. The campground is so sweet as are the campground hosts for whom this is their 8th summer! We ended up spending an extra night in order to really have time to soak it all in.
Also, the rangers up at the visitor center were so friendly and helpful. A must see if you're anywhere close by!!

Unique rock formation in northeast Wyoming. Very pleasant in the morning. There is a trail that goes around the base of the tower. The trail is fairly level;

A suggestive and sacred place for many American Indians and made known because some scenes of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" were filmed here.
It is a monolith of volcanic origin about 400 meters high.

This national monument will take your breath away. It just seems to sprout up in the middle of nowhere and the views from all sides are impressive. The trail around the base of the tower is paved and an easy walk (when you're not stopping every 20 feet to gaze up at the climbers trying to scale the formation). We went early on a Monday morning (drove 2 hours from Rapid City, SD) and I would definitely recommend getting there before 10:00 a.m. The visitor center was closed on Monday, but there are lots of informative signs and way stations along the trail, so I'm not sure we missed a great deal there. By the time we left just before noon, it was getting crowded!

You can see it from the road but well worth the visit to appreciate the enormity and the importance to Native Americans. Past peak season but for some reason took 15 minutes to get in. Good easy walk round it with 10 climbers to watch at various points.

Visitor centre and restrooms easily accessed and plenty parking though I imagine it will get very congested in peak season. Get yourself an annual Park pass for a free trip.

We stopped here as an after thought on a month long camping trip. Found a spot at Belle Fourch CG which was amazing as we gazed at the tower.
The campground was clean and tidy and sites not too close.
Not sure of the story of this bench but how wonderful.

We looped in Bear Lodge (aka Devil's Tower) on a mostly South Dakota trip. Both my husband and I had seen it from afar as kids, so we wanted to get up closer to it with our 11yo son. We planned to arrive early in the morning, but decided to head over in the mid-afternoon the day before to check it out. It wasn't super busy and we had no problem parking and doing the Tower hike. It's a beautiful path, relatively easy walking. Plenty of benches at opportune moments with great views of the tower and surrounding area. The visitor center was small but nice - with information about the tower and it's formation, plus a small gift shop/bookstore. The Junior Ranger information and badges, plus the National Park stamps are outside, so accessible 24/7. Unfortunately, that means that things get stolen, like one of the park stamps. We were a bit disappointed that when we got done, the Ranger had "already left for the day" and we were unable to ask a few questions we had (one of the activities in the Junior Ranger book). Overall, a stunning natural formation and a nice couple of hours or so!

We planned a trip to the Black Hills, but I could not be this close without coming to Devil's Tower. While the view was slightly obscured by smoke from western fires, it was an amazing visit to see. This is the first US National Monument and it is located in the Wyoming Black Hills but no trip of the Black Hills is complete without a visit here. It is not far from Spearfish, about an hour out and an hour back, but you can drive a beautiful circle around the Wyoming Black Hills.

The tower dominates the sky and it was made for pictures from every angle. There is a fee that you pay when you leave the park, but it is included in a National Parks Annual Pass. Once here drive to the main parking lot and take the time to walk around the tower on one of 2 trails. It is impressive to see the tower from so many different perspectives.

Before exiting the park there are two sites you also must see, the Wind Circles Sculpture in the camping ground and the Joyner Ridge Trailhead parking lot. Both places offer incredible pictures of the tower.

Again this is an amazing attraction in the Wyoming Black Hills. Like so much of the Black Hills, Devils Tower has great wildlife with our group seeing several deer and prairie dogs as well. Do not miss this close encounter if you have come this far.

This place has amazing views! We ended up on the 2.8 mile trail and the heat and elevation made it extremely hard to do. But the views were fantastic. My SIL had inky done the 1 mile loop and said it takes you around the base of the tower so I guess it depends on what fitness level you area & what you want to see most.

We loved learning the lore about how the monument got its gouges. You can still see a ladder wedged in the crevices where Willard Ripley ascended the tower. There are free binoculars to see the tower and where you can see the ladder. There are 2 sets of trails to walk around the tower. Looking up at the tower looks like the tower is touching the sky. Just a beautiful natural wonder.

The thing that makes this stand out is the enormous size standing all by itself. There is a nice trail that goes around the perimeter and gives a great view from all angles. While we were hiking the trail there were climbers making their way up the side of the monument. They made great progress in a short amount of time. Information along the way describes how the tall formation was created. It's neat to imagine Close Encounters and remembering that movie.

Monument was great! Visitors center was underwhelming and small. Stamps and Junior Ranger are self serve in front of the building. Flush toilets around back. Small gift shop, minimal interpretive displays. Not a ranger to be seen as they are all managing the parking lot. (super hard to park large vehicles - you have to drop trailers on the road in)

Excellent visit. Walked the 1.6 mile loop. Great views and wildlife. This place apparently gets busy fast. We were there at 8 am on a Tuesday and there were few spots left at that time already. Trail was easy to walk.

Although we had to queue for 45 minutes as the location was extremely busy, it was well worth the wait - took the 1.6 miles walk right around the tower - only downside for us was lack of references to Close Encounters of the third kind although did get picture of my wife with an alien in the visitors centre

Get up close to the monument on the tower trail. Walk all the way around it on the 1.6 mile paved path. It is awesome to see at close range. Definitely worth a trip to see it. I recommend.

My husband did NOT want to go out of his way while in South Dakota, but it ended up being his favorite place. Well worth the drive, and the wait to get in. You have to go up and take a walk around the tower to make it complete!

Devils Tower was a bucket list destination for me. I spent the night in Gillette, Wyoming which is about 65 miles to the west. Even though it was an easy drive it took me a little longer than 90-minutes to make the trip because once I left the Interstate I stopped several time for photos, especially after I got my first view of the tower some 15 to 20 miles away. As I approached the entrance station, I found a line of cars waiting to get in. The advice I received from a gentleman in Gillette was I would be well advised to arrive early as later in the day, the wait to get through the entrance station could be an hour or longer. As it was, I arrived just a few minutes after 9 a.m. and the wait was only about 15 minutes. I used my National Park Senior Pass to waive the $25 per car entrance fee. From the entrance Station its about a 3-mile drive up to the visitors center at the base of the tower. Be advised that parking here if limited and tend to fill up very quickly. I was able to find parking in the small parking lot. Once parked you can stay as long as you like. The visitor’s center is well staffed, and I found the rangers to be very helpful. I decided to take the hike around the base of the tower. The trail is a little over a mile and a half in length and is paved almost the entire way. I found it to be mostly level with on gradual up and downs. I had no trouble at all even though Temperatures this morning was already pushing 90. Before leaving the visitors center, I fill my water bottles. There are absolutely no Facilities on the trail, although there are benches where you can take a break at regular intervals. It took me a little over an hour to make it all the way around the trail as I stopped several time for photo and to admire the view of both the landscape and tower. Overall, I spent a little more than an hour and a half at the Tower and Visitors center. As I was making my way back down traffic had certainly increased. I did make a brief stop at the lager and very active Prairie Dog Tower in the valley below the tower. It is just a short distance from the visitors center and there is a large pull out where you can park. Leaving the park just to the south of the entrance stations there are several tourist traps selling everything from BBQ and Cold Drinks to souvenirs. These businesses are located outside of the park and not affiliated with the National Park Service. I really enjoyed my visit and if I could offer just one piece of advice it would be “Go Early”

We arrived when the park opened to get a spot in the parking lot. It was crowded even that early. Early in the morning, the top is shrouded in fog. We took the 1.3 mile loop trail around the tower. It was up and down & felt long, but it is all paved & has several places to stop along the way. It takes about an hour. We thought it was worthwhile. There is a visitor center here & a prairie dog town. There are also cafes & souvenir shops not far from the entrance.

A convenient visitor center located at the base of Devil’s Tower. Displays explaining the geological formation of the tower along with gift items, postcards, etc. National Park stamps and Junior Ranger booklets, badges, are self-serve out in front of the center. Clean, modern restrooms around the back of the center. I was pleased with how clean they were with soap, running water, flush toilets, paper towels. Thank you! You can fill up your water at the water station before the tower trail entrance. I recommend that, too.

Truly, One of the most amazing natural wonders in the United States and maybe the World! This was our second trip in the past 5 years after not being there since the late 1960’s. Need to see it in person to appreciate it!

This is a special place. To experience it make sure you view it from several sides. Also read the Native American legends about its creation. The tower is off the beaten path and is not crowded. We drove in from the west and enjoyed the drive through the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations.

This has been on our bucket list for a long time. It certainly did not disappoint. The trail we took was amazing and very comfortable to walk. The views from the edge make it feel like you are on the edge of the world.And the monument itself is absolutely amazing. If you have been wanting to see this please do you will not be disappointed.

Ok, parking was a pain. People were driving the wrong way in a one-way and you could see that the ranger was ready to tear his hair out as he tried to direct traffic. But after we finally parked, it was a great experience.
The littlest trail is only a bit over a mile but it's hilly. If you aren't in great shape, be prepared to huff and puff. But my 70-year-old mother did it no problem. The trail markers are full of fascinating information. If you don't read it, you're missing half the experience...and why did you drive all that way not to be educated?
I wish we could have done some of the other trails but we had come from pretty far and it was a gloomy day with off-and-on rain. I was afraid we'd get a mile from our car and be stuck in a downpour. But if you have the time, I hear they are great.
The visitor center is SMALL. It has a good little gift shop and a very helpful and kind ranger but it gets very crowded, very quickly.
Be sure to stop on the way out and admire prairie dog town. They are cute, unafraid of people (but do carry the plague so don't get close).

OMG! What an amazing experience to see this wonder in person! This has been a bucket list item for over 50 years. Thrilled that I was able to do it! A must do!

Fantastic road for a drive, then the tower is great looking. Nice view of the tower from many pull off points

What a beautiful place! Of course remember hearing about it thru the Close Encounters movie. Saw a few buffalo and prairie dogs too. Worth a visit if in the area.

Have wanted to visit here for decades, finally made it and it didn't disappoint. A stunning natural feature that really does take the breath away. My only problem was the number of people not respecting the fact that this is an important spiritual site for native Americans, the strips of material in the trees should be left alone and not touched.

Wow, what a cool place. Photos don't do Devils Tower justice. It was neat to see the Native American prayer fabric pieces that are hung in trees blowing in the breeze. The paved trail around the base is a must if you are able. The views of the area were stunning. Go visit America's first National Monument.

Traveled from deadwood SD. Wasn’t sure if we wanted to go in or just look from the road. Decided to go in. Absolutely amazing! We got to see numerous hikers scaling the tower. Very beautiful. Trail around was very nice and easy. Traveled with teenagers and they love it too.

Truly spectacular and amazing. Must be seen up close and in person if possible. There are many stops on the way to get distant views which are beautiful but walking the base and seeing the climbers is breathtaking. It is truly special and well worth the visit. Absolute must do! Be sure to drive by the wind circles too.

What a great sight to behold and explore! The trails and viewpoints are amazing. It‘s humbling to see how Nature (and God) have made such beautiful areas for us to enjoy. More parking would be nice, although there is an attempt to control traffic with temporary stoplights.

Amazing place. Definitely a bucket list place worth seeing. Make sure you take the hike around the mountain

If you just want to look at a chunk of rock sticking out of the ground then that is what you will see; but if you are willing to get out and walk and climb (dangerous, but permitted; suggest appropriate attire and gear if you plan to climb the boulder field or summit) and explore you will be amazed.
The area surrounding the tower is excellent for geological formations and landscape. Great for energetic kids to run around.
Native American spirit is a strong force and is to be respected in the vicinity. Do not touch the cloth hanging from trees.
Educate yourself regarding the history & culture of the area (and then do the same at Mt. Rushmore a few hours away!).

So excited to see Devils Tower, but when we arrived we couldn’t go in because a bad storm the evening before we got there. Still we got close enough , we got as far as the park entrance. We will definitely try to go back sometime.

About an hour’s drive from Rapid City in Wyoming. Take a short detour along the way in Deadwood for more history. You don’t have to go all the way to the park entry if you just want some photos but it is worth the extra time. Depending on your equipment you can take some nice shots about 10 miles out. Don’t skip in the winter as it is beautiful with snow caps. If the road is impassable you will have plenty of warning or check travel at 511.

It's visible from miles away as you approach. Once you arrive and see it up close, it doesn't disappoint at all. The Rangers are friendly and the wildlife that surrounds the area, especially the prairie dogs, are awesome.

From Hill City, SD we drove to Wyoming to view Devil’s Tower. Well worth the drive and time. Amazing beauty. We saw so many prairie dogs on the drive back to the tower. We also saw some absolutely beautiful skies on the drive.

Very cool igneous thrust near the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. Although not a primary stop on our cross country drive to get the kids back to school, we were awed by this giant protrusion from the earth’s surface. You really have to see it to believe it.

This place is so cool, from both a geological perspective as well as a spiritual Native American one. We got to watch three people rock climbing, and read a sign that said the oldest person to climb was 91 and the youngest was 6. There isn't a ton of parking, so getting there early is a good idea, especially during busy times. The whole area is handicapped friendly.

This place is really beautiful and peaceful. It’s a little out of the way but worth it. The restroom at the visitor center is clean . The trail around the monument is very easy to hike. It’s fun to watch the people climb the monument.

After visiting Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse the day before, it took us almost 2 hrs to get to this amazing site from Rapid City.
You see it miles before you reach it - a truly spectacular site rising from the flat Wyoming plains.
Unfortunately, it was very busy that sunny September day and it took us hour and a half to enter the park, drive to the parking lot and find a free space. However at no time we thought giving up.
Entry fee is 25$ per vehicle, but included in America the Beautiful pass I highly recommend.
Devils tower is the first US National Monument, formed millions years ago from volcanic origin, and is Native Indian's sacred place. According to their tradition you need to walk around it in clockwise direction. There're two paths - shorter paved we did and longer unpaved. It took us around an hour to hike around it, taking many photos from different angles.

You must walk around this amazing beauty that God created but do not let the name fool you because it has nothing to do with the Devil but the amazing creation God gave us on earth.

Nice drive just getting there. Small museum display and gift shop. Paved and unpaved trails around the tower. It is a beautiful site to explore, as is the area around the tower.

Well worth the stop. Hollywood took great liberty to make that monument friendlier than real life in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." No way Richard Dreyfus could have scaled that rock or anything on top of monument! Nature is amazing and a must see if in the area.

You don't need to pay to see it, unless you are planning on hiking. You can see this from afar. There are 2 souvenir places, they have different things.

Very friendly and helpful rangers. Small gift shop. Bathrooms as well downstairs. Stamps for National Park passport books are outside in a little wooden box

Get there early--the parking lot is hellacious otherwise! I almost didn't notice this warning on their website, and I'm so glad I did--we arrived just as they opened, and had no problem getting a parking space; by the time we left in the early afternoon, the line to park was miles long.

Gorgeous National Monument. Well marked trails and nice little gift shop. There’s no potable water on the trails and several signs warning of this. The main trail around the monument is well maintained and fairly easy to traverse, with benches in several areas. The biggest downside is heading into the park. During the summer it is very crowded. There’s a stop light to limit the incoming cars, and it felt like forever to finally get into the park (actually was only about 35 minutes), but once inside, the parking is pretty obvious and easy. We were told that it’s busiest in the morning and early afternoon. We got there early afternoon.

We were not expecting this to be much but decided to stop to check it out. It’s much more impressive in person than in pictures. The story behind the name of the Tower and that indigenous people still use it is very interesting. There’s a few trails in the area, but we just did the circle around it. There’s a nice rest room there.

I last was here in the 1967, the place hasn’t changed much. Get your ET vibe going on and have a little fun.

Part of the weird and wild America on the road least traveled.

Not sure what I was expecting, but this place was fantastic. It takes a while to get there, but once you're there, you can take as long as you like to go through the small visitor's center and go on a hike. We just did the easy hike that goes around the base of the tower--took us about an hour, but we stopped at all the signage and took our time. It's so impressive to be so close to it. Highly recommended.

I’ll be honest, we went to Devils Tower NM mainly to get a stamp in our book and take a few pictures. After a year of reading about crowding and bad behavior in some of the Parks, I had some hesitation about going, but I’m glad we went. Yes, it was crowded, but we waited at the entrance maybe 15 minutes. The parking lot at the Visitor Center was crowded, but we found a spot. So far so good. A tour bus had just unloaded and every restroom had long lines. That’s nothing new. Been seeing that at every Park for many years before Covid. There were orange barrels across the area in front of the Visitor Center for construction and the VC was closed, unmanned, sorry for the inconvenience. BUT, a sign informed us that the cancellation station was outside the building. Someone had made a small cabinet and inside was an ink pad and stamp. There was just enough room to lay my book, map and brochure. (I stamp everything connected to the park I’m visiting.) It was 90 degrees and I opted to forego the hike up to the Tower. I’m grateful to those who so kindly accommodated the Passport junkies among us by providing a stamp opportunity regardless of staffing. I like the Parks but I love the Rangers!

We enjoyed hiking around Devils Tower. We took the longer 2.8 mile hike which provided many beautiful views of the tower as well as the surrounding area. The ranger said it was considered moderate to strenuous. I would rate it moderate. Well worth the time!

Oh my goodness!! This was one of the most inspiring monuments I have ever seen. Pictures can not do it justice. It is a stunning natural phenomenon. Out in the middle of nowhere, which makes it that much more spectacular. Definitely make the trip!

We stop by Devils Tower every time we are in the area. The trail around the base is well maintained and no walking sticks are needed. Very peaceful and just a great feeling being there.

Amazing to see up close. It was very busy on the Sunday we went. We parked at the Administration Building and hiked up to the tower and did the loop. This was a 5 mile strenuous hike but if you are up for it, there are some awesome views of the river and surrounding hills.

Pictures don’t do Devils Tower justice. It is amazing in person. Trails were wheelchair accessible and the area was absolutely beautiful. Great information center and gift shop. This is a must see.

We were staying in Rapid City, SD for a Mt Rushmore trip and a friend had told us about Devil'e Tower. We almost didn't go because its a nearly 2 hour drive but I'm sure glad we did decide to go. What an amazing geological formation! Truly breathtaking. If you are physically fit, park in the campground down just inside, then hike the SouthSide trail up the side of the mountain that takes you right through the Prairie Dog Town, then pick up the Red Beds Trail around the monument. The Red Beds trail is an almost 3 mile trail with better views and much less crowded than the main tourist loop right up next to the visitor center. Stunning views.

It was an amazing sight even from a distance. We decided to hike around the base and glad we did. It might not be easy for some as it's steep. As we reached the back side, we could see climbers scaling to the top.

Scientific expedition in 1875 discovered the formation. The Indians called the shaft "Bad God's Tower," which was modified to "Devil's Tower. Magma from the Earth's mantle pushed up between sedimentary rock. Devils Tower was probably formed about 65 million years ago. The tower's columns are amazing to see. We walked around the base of the tower. Nice trail but has steep inclines in some areas. During our visit, there were about 12 climbers. It was interesting to watch them plan each calculated move of their climb. There are a few benches and many rocks to rest on. Restrooms near start of trail and log building near visitor's center. America the Beautiful Pass is accepted here. As you leave be sure to pull over to see Prairie Dog Town.

The hike around the Tower is a must do for anyone who can. All angles offer wonderful views. Most definitely worth the effort. I was not a fan of the prayer flags, many of which were just dropped Covid masks hung in a tree. But they encourage people to leave the trail damaging the flora and distract from the views.

What a fascinating piece of nature. Well worth visiting. The 1.5 mile trail around the base of the tower is definitely something you should do. There are informative signs along the way. We were here on a Monday afternoon in September around 3pm and there was plenty of parking.

Very nice , plan on lots of walking and having a hard time to find parking. Please leave the cloth and such on the trees ,easy hike around the base of tower taking our time it was about 1 and a half hours

We took the 1.3 mile trail that is a loop around the tower. It is paved the entire way with a number of benches for resting along the way, and signage about what you are seeing. It was not overly difficult as the pavement made it easier but it does go up hill a bit. This tower and how it was formed is truly amazing!

Took the family on a Sunday in August. We knew it would be crowded, but did not expect that there was essentially no access to the main hiking trails. And the park staff were not in a position to provide that information until after we entered the fee portion of the park.

At the base of the entrance to the paid portion of the park there wa a shack to pay the entrance fee. But in the window where a person would normally would be taking payments there was a sign stating that park fees would be paid upon exiting the park. Seemed kind of weird, but we drove through past the pay window. A few hundred yards past the pay station was a sign saying parking was extremely limited and to expect long wait times. What they meant by that was a quarter mile backup at the parking lot entrance with everyone in that line waiting for a parking spot to open. After waiting in the line for 20 minutes while only advancing a few cars forward we turned around….and paid the park fee upon exiting. Essentially the park knew that getting a parking spot at the base of the tower would be a multi-hour wait and shifted the pay window to the exit side so people would enter the park before they were aware of that and if they decided to turn around they would have to pay anyway.

I accept the fact that space is limited and can’t accommodate the traffic on a busy weekend. But knowingly changing the pay window so they could still collect fees of people who would otherwise turn around is disappointing. Plenty of other natural attractions like this have ticketed entry times exotically to avoid this. They could even just have a big parking lot at the base and bus people up to the tail entrances.

While the tower is amazing to see, I’m not sure I would’ve taken an hour round trip from I-90 to just be able to see it from a distance.

Very cool place to visit. They have multiple trails you can take that accommodate all levels of fitness. The park staff were very kind and informative

Beautiful monument and beautiful hiking. If you have time, check out both the tower trail (1 hr) and the red beds trail (2 hr). You see tower from up close from the tower trail but some amazing views from the red bed trail as well! Parking lot was empty at 9 in the morning but was full at 12. The morning sun illuminates the window side of the monument and the after sun shines on the opposite.

Since "Close Encounters" came out when we were dating, we had to see this in person! It is an awesome site! We did the Tower Trail and, while it's not a long trail, and it is paved, it's uneven and hilly - a bit of a challenge. It was definitely worth the trip.

Our morning stop on the drive to Yellowstone was at Devil's Tower. The trading post has a nice viewing area. I was able to get some nice photos from there.

Of course, you know this, still, let me tell you- it is America’s first established national monument. 2-3 hours northwest of Rushmore on the Wyoming side of the Black Hills, you’ll find this minus less crowd. Teddy Roosevelt gave Devils Tower the designation in 1906 but it become famous later. Geologists today still are uncertain exactly how it was formed, though they have theories.

we reached 3 pm and did the tower trail (60-70 minutes round loop around the tower- that's the closed you can see it). it was July 4th, 2022 and there was not any crowd. The park rangers recommend that you spend 2-4 hours at Devils Tower. We think you should budget for a half day in the park to give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Because of the lack of artificial light, Devils Tower is a great place for night sky watching. During the summer months, there are ranger-led programs on constellations.

Open 24x7x365 (but the visitor center gets close in winter.
Fee: $25/vehicle

Fun Fact: once a daredevil landed with a parachute atop the tower and somehow lose the rope attached to it. it was a 6-day tireless rescue mission. (saw the info while doing tower trial)

Tip: The area surrounding Devils Tower is definitely light on services. Make sure to fill up gas tanks when you see gas stations that are more common close to I-90.

Beautiful and easily accessible. The hike around the tower is magical and good for all ages. There is a lovely Kia below that is tent camper friendly.

Beautiful drive. The view was amazing. Took lots of photos. Go to Sundance, WY and get a selfie with the KID! Be prepared for weather. End of April was cold and very windy. Easy hiking trails. Bring water. No pets on the trail. Be prepared to pay. We have a lifetime pass, othewise $20.00. Stay in Wall, SD it's about a 2 hour trip then you can take in the Badland Nt'l Park. Several places don't open until May. Check before you go.

I learned a lot, hiking around this monument and visiting the museum center. It was fantastic to finally be there and to hike around the whole thing. I stayed locally and went back the next morning and did the bigger loop. Different views, different lighting. Different people climbing it.

Very cool to see!

We drove through Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, Lead, etc on our way to Devils Tower so we didn't get there until early afternoon. We did have a wait on the road once in the park, but were able to find a parking spot in the gravel lot easily.

We did the loop around the base of the tower and my father was able to walk it with a cane. There are benches periodically along the path.

We did see several people climbing that day.

Wow! We could not believe this natural feature actually exists. It is in several space alien movies, so you can understand that it does look "out of this world". The closest that scientists can come to an explanation is that it is the core of a volcano, where the outside of it has eroded away. That sounds plausible, as it is 1,267 feet of molten rock with rather flat land surrounding it.

If it's your thing to do, you can actually climb it at no charge, but you will need to register first. There are entrance fees to the park. ($25/car) There is a large boulder field at the base and very interesting vertical markings up the height of the tower. It was declared a National Monument President Theodore Roosevelt. Pictures simply do not do it justice.

It’s a very special place that would be better served if you could visit by appointment. There is no parking! The park rangers are no help! Sad!

Being early May, there was not a great deal of traffic; so we were able to drive up to the Center, and easily found a parking spot right in front.
The Center is well-maintained; with the usual National Park mix of useful information, as well as a nice variety of items available for purchase. The staff were friendly and attentive; and informed us that in a few weeks, our easy accessibility to their building would be almost nonexistent.
There were a number of benches outside the structure, allowing for some comfortable close-up viewing of the Monument.
This Center is a nice addendum, to an amazing and awe-inspiring natural wonder.

We visited here as part of our US road trip. It was amazing! No entrance fee to pay during to the shutdown but, thankfully, the Visitors' Centre and restrooms were open. Staff were very helpful and friendly: there's lots of mech available too. We did the Tower Trail and, after a wee rest, the Red Beds Trail. Both were great fun, with degrees of challenge and trails. The TT took about two hours but we were stopping all the time to look at DT and the surroundings. We ventured into the boulder fields a couple of times too. The RB Trail is much longer with lots of ascents and descents. However, we were rewarded with different views of DT and lots of wildlife along the way. It took about two hours too.

It's a great way to spend a few hours. Everything is well laid out, and there were no queues to park which was a bonus. Stop and see the prairie dogs on the way back down. Thoroughly recommended!

Lovely drive to see this monument. Wear good shoes so you can walk around the perimeter. Beautiful to see from all sides with lots of photo ops. Majestic and amazing!

Called here on a coach tour nice to see in real life. Seen it a couple of times on film 🎥 close encounters of the third kind. A few of the group walked around the base but I chose not to

We came during the government shut down, so the visitor center was not open, but the restrooms were. It was a Friday, somewhat off season, so we got a place to park right away. We started the hike around the monument, but the walkway was so slippery, even though it was perfectly dry and we had good shoes, that we didn't do the hike around the monument. Hubby slipped and fell early in the walk. The views were amazing from far away and close up and I really want to come back and walk around. There is a lot of history and cultural importance and a lot of exhibits that explain it all. When you get back out of the park and stop at the Trading Post, walk up the parking lot a bit and you can get an amazing picture of the monument, the American flag and the trading post. Plan on a couple of hours.

We went to Devil's Tower on a rainy, cloudy, dreary day and it was so worth it, gorgeous. In fact, the weather lent itself to the sacredness of the site and we aren't even Native American. We felt the need to practically whisper even after we left. You cannot leave the sight without knowing you were in the presence of something much greater than you.

What a majestic site! My friend and I hiked around the base (took about an hour) and it was fascinating to see the various perspectives, plus there were useful signs about what to look for. On the back side we watched half a dozen climbers making their way to the top.

This is an original national monument with a decent hike option for families. Take water for your hike in July. That said, it is just one thing. What I mean by that is that there is not much else to do for kids in the area. You probably just need 2 hours to "experience it." My kids rated it a 3.5 ... I was more on the 4.5 side of things: so a 4.

Staying at Devil's Tower Campground was delightful. There are good views of Devil's Tower from many places in the campground. Birds everywhere, beautiful scenery. Just one negative: This campground has no hook-ups, and no dump and fill station.

While attending the Sturgis motorcycle rally we rode over to Devil's tower in Wy. Nice ride near perfect roads for motorcycles and worth the drive. A short walk up to the base is not for everybody but not a hard walk and worth it if you can, ABOUT A MILE AND A HALF. Riding motorcycle in this area is the best. If you can stop at Aladdin, Wy. a fun little stop that is general store, ammo supply, antique store, gift shop and full-service bar. Who could ask for more ????Just east of Devil's Towner and between Hulett and Belle Fourche. Make both a stop on your trip out west.

It is quite moving and quite beautiful. America's first Monument. The "Visitor Center" was not too impressing. But, as we were leaving the center and looked through the provided telescope, we saw people at the top of the Tower, and then they started to dissend the Tower. WOW! it made me sick to my stomach...heehee

Spent a couple hours at Devil’s Tower during cross country trip. It’s easy to walk the Tower Trail, and you will probably get a glimpse of people climbing. Prayer bundles line the path as this is sacred ground for the indigenous people. The only problem is parking. We arrived early( before 9 am) and there were only a few spots left. By the time we left people were waiting for spaces. They are working to improve the situation but it’s something to be aware of.

This natural wonder is one of the most striking and beautiful landscapes we have ever seen ! The visitor center was also one of the nicest we have visited in our national parks ! The 1.3 mile hike around the base of the tower is a must do activity !

We arrived around 3PM and had plenty of parking and no wait/line/backup. Note that in summer, you pay or show your pass as you exit, not enter. There are also several spectacular viewpoints from the road before the NP gates if you don't want to wait or don't have time to visit. However, the hike around the base is well worth it. A small gift shop and rather rustic bathrooms round out the offerings here. Don't miss the prairie dogs on your way out!

This is a sight that is definitely worth seeing. We had hoped to park at the base and walk around the tower, but there is so little parking at the base that, after waiting in line for a long time and only moving up by a couple of car lengths, we took note of the large line of cars in front of us and gave up. We settled for seeing and photographing the tower from a distance.

Perfect stop for any Wyoming/ South Dakota road trip-- it's absolutely unique! Don't miss the hike around the tower- easy and paved but there are several other hikes worth exploring. One caution-- it's really busy in the afternoons. Parking is impossible and there's a long wait just to enter the park so visit in the morning!

Prior to our trip to South Dakota, I had only talked to two people that saw the tower as they drove by. I watched a Youtube video and was skeptical on if my family would want to drive from Custer SD the 2 hour trip to see the monument. I'm glad we did. The drive is pleasant as a result of the scenery on our way. Once at the tower, take the mile long walk around it. Pretty cool. No regrets. Going into this drive, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.

Great day, walked trail around the base. Well worth the trip out from Gillette. Enjoyed seeing prairie town and all the prairie dogs.

Great side trip/stop on our way to Montana. Amazing sight and the trail around the tower give you all different views. Trail is pave with some incline areas. FYI - there are snakes in the area which includes rattlesnakes. Someone was up close to take a picture was bitten. Be aware and careful. Stopped for a few minutes to see the prairie dogs and then on our way

Absolutely awesome experience.

There is a long drive from the highway to the tower, but it is well worth the drive.

Parking is limited at the site, so plan your day carefully. I would strongly recommend going early in the day to find a parking spot or drive a small car as some SUV's and pick-ups might struggle to fit in the existing spots.

The restrooms are a bit rustic, but functional and clean enough to take care of business.

The tower itself is amazing to see close up.

There are some hiking trails of varying difficulty that are well worth the effort.

The drive from Sturgis was absolutely stunning. There are several pull over spots as you get close to view and take pictures. We got there 11am and were happy because the wait as we left was a long line of cars. We took the trail around Devils tour that is 1.8 miles. It was easy trail. We were lucky and got to see 2 climbers 3/4 of the way up. Highly recommend stopping and taking the hike around. They had a cooling station which was nice for people not acclimated to the heat. It was in the 90’s when we went. We drove back to Sturgis taking the northern route to Montana. Loved the entire drive!

We drove from Rapid City SD to Devils Tower for a day trip. It was the favorite day of our trip. Wyoming is absolutely beautiful! I would definitely recommend visiting Devils Tower!

Superb monument. It's worth the visit. The place is quiet and surrounded by greenery. Breathtaking view of the valley. A path goes around the mountain.

Wife and I stayed overnight in Sundance on Monday, 7/24, and were on the road by 6:30 the next morning for a really pretty drive to the park, arriving there by 7. There was nobody at the entrance booth at that time. We drove to the upper parking lot and were the third car there. It was a beautiful, breezy morning and it was really neat hearing nothing but the wind blow through the pines as we walked the Tower Trail. Remember, don't touch or take pictures of the Indian prayer bundles...there are quite a few around the tower. We took our time, stopping to take pictures (the different views of the tower as you walk around it, as well as the surrounding valley below are beautiful) and observe 3 different sets of climbers scaling the tower, and it took us about 1 1/4 hours to do the trail. As others have said, the parking lot isn't all that large, and by the time we got back to our car the lot was full. As we traveled back down to the entrance, we passed quite a few cars heading up to that full parking lot...so get there early if you want a spot and a nice peaceful hike around the tower. Just a few hundred yards inside the entrance is a prairie dog town next to the road with quite a few of them; great for observing them and taking pictures.

It was so cool to finally visit Devils Tower National Monument! I've wanted to see it in person since watching Close Encounters in my youth.

We made a day trip from Rapid City, and it was well worth the drive. As you approach, from miles away, it is so exciting to catch your first glimpse. We arrived at the monument around 9:30. The parking area winds through the woods, and it looked like there was still plenty left. We visited the restrooms and the visitor center, then walked the Tower Trail. It is so awesome to view the mountain up close and from all angles. It is so impressive.

I highly recommend a visit to Devils Tower National Monument.