Is Devils Tower Worth Visiting? (2024)
Have you ever wondered, “is Devils Tower worth visiting”? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Devils Tower is one of our favorite off the beaten path destinations.
While we were only there for a short time, it was definitely one of the highlights of our larger road trip visiting National Parks around the US.
You can check out our complete itinerary from our visit in this video on our YouTube Channel.
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Is Devils Tower Worth Visiting?
Yes, Devils Tower is absolutely worth visiting.
It is a unique, natural formation that is truly a great experience to visit.
Devils Tower is 1,267 feet tall and rises above the Belle Fourche River.
It’s the world’s largest example of columnar jointing, which is a type of rock formation that occurs when lava cools and contracts.
If you are interested in Native American history, Devils Tower is also a significant site for the Lakota people.
Overall, Devils Tower is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.
It is a must-see for anyone traveling to the Black Hills region.
Devils Tower Half Day Itinerary
There are a few different ways to experience Devils Tower.
You can hike around the base of the Tower, which takes a little less than an hour.
You can also climb the Tower, but you will need a permit.
There are also a few trails that lead to viewpoints that offer stunning views of the Tower.
The drive up to the parking lot is nice and scenic.
When visiting Devil’s Tower, you just take a loop trail around the base.
You can start in either direction, but we chose to go left.
I think by going to the right you don’t have to go uphill as much.
It took us about 45 minutes to do the entire loop, but we stopped for lots of pictures and to read various plaques.
If you have the National Park annual pass, it will cover your admission into the monument.
This was the only place we’ve visited in the National Park system where they had us verify our pass with an ID and they checked for the signature on the pass.
During our hike we saw a few deer, including some babies.
It was nice and cool early in the morning and the trail was very shaded.
There were also a few rock climbers which was cool to watch.
Devils Tower Trading Post
Devils Tower Trading Post is right outside of the park entrance and has all the souvenirs you could want and some delicious ice cream that is perfect after hiking.
Where To Stay When Visiting Devils Tower
There is a KOA campground right at the foot of Devils Tower National Monument and it is one of our favorites we’ve ever stayed in.
They do a nightly movie night where they play Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which takes place at Devils Tower.
Our campsite had a great view of Devils Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Devils Tower National Monument
Here are some other things to consider when deciding if Devils Tower is worth visiting:
The time of year you visit can affect your experience.
Devils Tower is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
If you are interested in climbing, you will need to obtain a permit in advance.
There are a few different places to stay near Devils Tower, but most of them are small and rustic.
The entrance fee to Devils Tower National Monument is $25 per car, unless you have a National Park annual pass or another valid admission pass.
✔️ How Much Time Do You Need At Devils Tower?
The amount of time you need at Devils Tower depends on what you want to do.
If you just want to see the Tower and hike around the base, you can do that in about 1.5 hours or less on the 1.3 mile loop trail.
Climbing the Tower, you can spend several hours here, as long as you have a permit.
The climbing season is from April 1st through October 31st.
If you want to hike some of the other trails in the park, you will need more time.
You can hike the Red Beds Trail, which is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that takes about 2 hours.
It offers stunning views of Devils Tower from a different perspective.
✔️ What Is So Special About Devils Tower?
Devils Tower is a significant site for the Lakotas.
They believe that the Tower was created when a giant bear chased a woman up the rock.
The woman was saved by a bird, who flew her to safety.
The Lakota people still hold ceremonies at Devils Tower today.
✔️ How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Devils Tower?
The loop trail is only about 1.3 miles.
Most sites say that it can be hiked in about an hour and a half, but we hiked it in 45 minutes, even while stopping to take photos along the way.
Resources For Planning Your Trip To Devils Tower
If you need help planning your trip to Devils Tower, check out our Tips For Planning A Trip To Anywhere (A Step-By-Step Guide).
Also, read our Best Tips For Staying Safe When Traveling During Extreme Weather if you’re traveling during extreme heat in the Summer or the snow in Winter.
Check out our Best Tips For Staying Well While You Travel if you’re prone to getting colds or allergies when you travel or have other ailments.
Lastly, if you’re traveling on a budget, read up on our Best Tips For Traveling On A Budget: Your Guide To Planning An Affordable Trip.
More Fun Things To Do Near Devils Tower
The Black Hills of South Dakota are part of the area that Devils Tower is in.
In the Black Hills, you can visit Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and more all in one day.
Also nearby is Badlands National Park, which is known for their Notch Trail which has a huge ladder you can climb up.
Check out our Badlands National Park one day itinerary for more details.
If you are looking to venture a little further toward the other side of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited places in the US and is well worth the drive.
In just one day you can visit places like The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Old Faithful Geyser.
Check out our Yellowstone National Park one day itinerary for more details.
Just south of Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park.
It’s known for Jenny Lake, the Inspiration Point hiking trail, and Mormon Row Historic District.
This Grand Teton National Park one day itinerary is perfect for seeing all the park’s highlights and enjoying the local culture in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Conclusion: Is Devils Tower Worth Visiting?
If you’ve been wondering, “is Devils Tower worth visiting?”, now you know it’s worth the trip!
