Devils Tower National Monument stands as an awe-inspiring geological wonder in northeastern Wyoming. This iconic landmark, sacred to Native Americans and popular among outdoor enthusiasts, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences for hikers and photographers alike.

Devils Tower is a striking geological feature in the Black Hills region, rising dramatically above the surrounding plains and rolling hills. The monument is in Crook County, approximately 27 miles from Sundance, Wyoming. Devils Tower is relatively isolated, but it is accessible via State Highway 24, which connects to Interstate 90 about 27 miles to the north.

Despite its semi-remote location, it is a popular destination for visitors exploring the American West, often included in trips to nearby attractions such as Mount Rushmore (about 107 miles east in South Dakota), and the Black Hills.

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Why is it Called Devils Tower?

The name “Devils Tower” has an interesting history, and it’s important to note that this name is relatively recent and not the original name used by Native American tribes. Here’s an explanation of how it got its current name:

1. Native American Names:
   • Before European settlers arrived, the tower had various names given by Native American tribes.
   • Some examples include “Bear’s Lodge” (Cheyenne and Lakota), “Bear’s Tipi” (Arapaho), “Tree Rock” (Kiowa), and “Aloft on a Rock” (Crow).
   • These names often relate to the tribes’ spiritual beliefs and legends about the formation.
2. Early European Exploration:
   • The first documented European Americans to reach the tower were members of Captain William F. Raynolds’ 1859 expedition.
   • At this time, they recorded the Native American name “Bear Lodge.”
3. Origin of “Devils Tower”:
   • The name “Devils Tower” is believed to have originated in 1875 during an expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge.
   • According to reports, Dodge’s interpreter misinterpreted a Native American name to mean “Bad God’s Tower,” which became “Devils Tower.”
4. Official Naming:
   • When Devils Tower was declared the first National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the name was made official.
   • This was despite some awareness that this was not the name used by Native Americans.
5. Lack of Apostrophe:
   • You might notice that there’s no apostrophe in “Devils Tower.” This is due to a standardization of geographic names by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which eliminated possessive apostrophes.
6. Ongoing Controversy:
   • The name has been a source of controversy, particularly among Native American groups who feel it misrepresents the sacred nature of the site.
   • There have been proposals to change the name back to “Bear Lodge” or another Native American name, but so far, the official name remains “Devils Tower.”

It’s worth noting that many Native Americans and others continue to use traditional names for the tower, reflecting its cultural and spiritual significance beyond the official designation. The National Park Service acknowledges these various names and the importance of the site to numerous tribes in its educational materials and presentations at the monument.

Devils Tower Hikes

The Tower Trail: An Iconic Start

If you’re visiting Devils Tower, the Tower Trail is a must-do hike. This 1.3-mile loop offers an up-close view of the tower’s massive hexagonal columns.

• Distance: 1.3-mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Red Beds Trail: The Photographer’s Favorite

For those seeking the best views of Devils Tower and the surrounding landscape, the Red Beds Trail is your go-to hike.

• Distance: 2.8-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 1.5 to 3 hours

This trail offers panoramic vistas of the tower from various angles, showcasing how its appearance changes depending on your perspective. The Belle Fourche River Valley provides a stunning backdrop, especially during golden hour.

Joyner Ridge Trail: Off the Beaten Path

For a unique view of Devils Tower with fewer crowds, consider the Joyner Ridge Trail.

• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: About 1 hour

This trail takes you along a ridgeline, offering distinct views of the tower and the surrounding prairie landscape.

Photography Tips for Devils Tower

Devils Tower offers some great photographic opportunities. Here are some tips to help you capture the best images possible:

Landscape Photography

• Golden Hours: The best light for photographing Devils Tower is often during the golden hours – just after sunrise and before sunset. The warm light dramatically enhances the tower’s colors and textures.
• Blue Hour: Don’t pack up right after sunset. The blue hour can provide an ethereal backdrop for silhouette shots of the tower.
• Foreground Interest: Incorporate elements like prairie grasses, wildflowers, or the road in your foreground to add depth to your compositions.
• Varying Perspectives: Shoot from different trails and angles. The tower’s appearance changes depending on your vantage point and light.

For editing your photos be sure to read – From Good to Great: 11 Editing Tips For Landscape Photography

Night Sky Photography and Stargazing

Devils Tower’s remote location and low light pollution make it an ideal spot for astrophotography.

• Dark Skies: Devils Tower’s remote location offers excellent dark sky conditions. Plan your visit around the new moon for the darkest skies.
• Star Trails: Use long exposures (30 minutes to several hours) to capture star trails circling around the tower.
• Milky Way: During summer months, the Milky Way core aligns with Devils Tower, creating stunning compositional opportunities.
• Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release for sharp night sky images.
• Exposure: Experiment with long exposures

Check out my article on How To Capture Stunning Milky Way Photos: A Comprehensive Guide

Gear Recommendations

1. Wide-Angle Lens: Essential for capturing the full scale of the Tower and expansive landscapes.
2. Tripod: A must for low-light and night photography. Also useful for creating sharp images in windy conditions.
3. Filters:
   • Polarizing filter to enhance sky color and reduce glare
   • Neutral Density filters for long exposures.
4. Remote Shutter Release
   • Most cameras come with a built-in intervalometer (timer control), a separate remote will usually have more functionality.

For must-have gear – check out What’s Inside My Camera Bag.

Best Photography Spots Devils Tower

• Photographing Iconic Subjects: Capturing unique images of frequently photographed landmarks, like Devils Tower, can be challenging due to limited viewpoints. Creativity is key.
• West Road Meadow: The open meadow along West Road offers a prime location on the west side of Devils Tower. It’s a great spot for sunset photography and for capturing the Milky Way and star-filled skies with the tower.
• Panoramic Views from the Visitor Center: Located at the end of the main park road, the Devils Tower Visitor Center provides a panoramic view of the tower. This spot is perfect for photographing the tower’s majestic presence against the surrounding landscape.
• Exploring the Tower Trail: The Tower Trail encircles Devils Tower and offers numerous vantage points, allowing you to find different perspectives for your shots.
• Scouting Locations: Before the best light hits, scout potential shooting locations in advance. Being familiar with the area will help you be ready to capture the perfect shot as soon as the light is just right.

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Camping and Lodging Near Devils Tower

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Devils Tower experience, camping is an excellent option. It allows you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty from dawn to dusk and even into the starry night.

Belle Fourche River Campground

Located within Devils Tower National Monument, this campground offers the closest overnight accommodations to the tower itself.

• Sites: 46 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Season: Open mid-April through November
• Amenities: Potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire grates
• Cost: $20 per night (as of 2024, check the NPS website for current rates)
• RVs: Can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long

Photography Tip: The campground’s proximity to the tower makes it ideal for capturing early morning light on the monument or late-night astrophotography.

Private Campgrounds & Lodging

Several private campgrounds are located just outside the monument boundaries:

1. Devils Tower KOA:
   • Located right at the entrance to the monument
   • Offers tent sites, RV sites, and cabins
   • Amenities include a pool, convenience store, and nightly movie screenings of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
2. Devils Tower Lodge
   • Offers rustic bed and breakfast lodging experiences with stunning views of the tower
   • Ideal for climbers, as they also offer guided climbing services
3. Devils Tower View Campground:
   • Features unobstructed views of Devils Tower
   • Offers both RV and tent camping options

Dispersed Camping

For a more rugged experience, dispersed camping is available in the surrounding Black Hills National Forest. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and check local regulations before setting up camp.

Camping Tips

1. Reservations: While the Belle Fourche campground doesn’t take reservations, private campgrounds often do. Book in advance, especially during peak season (June-August).
2. Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions. Summers can be hot, while spring and fall can bring chilly nights.
3. Wildlife: Store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
4. Night Sky Viewing: Camping provides excellent opportunities for stargazing and night photography. Bring warm layers for cool nights under the stars.

Planning Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Each season offers unique photographic opportunities, but spring and fall often provide the most dramatic lighting and comfortable hiking conditions.
• Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Free with an America the Beautiful Pass.
• Hours: The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Remember to respect the sacred nature of this site to Native Americans. You may see colorful prayer cloths tied to trees – these are offerings and should not be disturbed or photographed without permission.

Conclusion

Devils Tower National Monument offers a wealth of opportunities for sightseeing, hikers and photographers. From easy walks to moderate trails, and from dramatic landscapes to intimate wildlife shots, there’s something for everyone. Pack your hiking boots, bring your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure at this iconic American landmark.

FAQs

1. Can I fly a drone in Devils Tower National Monument? No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks and monuments.
2. Is climbing Devils Tower allowed? Yes, but you must register at the visitor center first. Climbing is suspended in early April to protect nesting falcons and in June for Native American ceremonies.
3. Can I stay overnight? There is no lodging inside the park, however there is a first-come, first-served campground. There is lodging and camping outside the park
4. How tall is Devils Tower? Devils Tower rises approximately 867 feet (264 meters) from its base to its summit. When measured from the Belle Fourche River, it stands about 1,267 feet (386 meters) tall. The summit is 5,112 feet (1,558 meters) above sea level.

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