9 Fun Things To Do When Visiting Devils Tower In Wyoming
I was not prepared for Devils Tower. You drive through the rolling Wyoming countryside, nothing but open sky and pine trees, and then it just appears.
An 867-foot column of rock jutting straight out of the earth like the planet itself is trying to show off. No buildup.
No warning. Just suddenly there it is.
Wyoming has no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery, but Devils Tower hits differently. This is one of those rare places where photos genuinely fail to capture the scale.
Standing at the base, neck craned back, you feel small in the best possible way. And here is the thing most visitors do not realize before arriving: there is so much more to do here than just look at it.
Hikers, rock climbers, wildlife lovers, stargazers, casual explorers, this place has something for all of them.
1. Devils Tower National Monument
Nothing quite prepares you for your first look at Devils Tower. It rises straight out of the landscape in a way that feels almost unreal at first glance.
Standing at WY-110, Devils Tower, Wyoming, this remarkable formation became America’s first national monument in 1906 under President Theodore Roosevelt, and it still leaves a lasting impression on nearly everyone who sees it.
The tower itself stands 867 feet above the Belle Fourche River, with its distinctive vertical columns creating a pattern that looks almost too precise to be natural. These columns are made of igneous rock formed millions of years ago, likely from magma that cooled slowly beneath the surface.
Over time, erosion wore away the surrounding land, gradually revealing the tower as it appears today.
Beyond its geological significance, the site carries deep cultural importance. Many Native American tribes refer to it as Bear Lodge and consider it a sacred place.
That connection adds another layer of meaning to the experience, reminding visitors that this is more than just a striking natural landmark.
Walking the trails around the base gives you a sense of its scale that photos cannot fully capture. The changing light throughout the day also alters how the tower looks, making each visit feel slightly different.
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area at a relaxed pace. Arriving early helps you avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter, more immersive visit.
2. Tower Trail (Loop Around The Base)
The Tower Trail is the kind of hike that makes you feel small in the best possible way. This 1.3-mile paved loop circles the base of Devils Tower, giving you close-up views of those striking hexagonal columns that look almost too precise to be natural.
Seeing them from this distance really highlights the scale and detail you might miss from farther viewpoints.
Interpretive signs along the trail help explain both the geology and the cultural history of the monument. They break things down in a way that is easy to follow, so you come away understanding more than just what you are looking at.
It adds context without slowing down the experience.
The trail itself is paved and generally easy to follow, making it one of the most accessible routes in the park. Many visitors find it manageable, though there are a few gentle elevation changes along the way that are worth being aware of.
Taking your time makes the walk more enjoyable, especially if you stop often to take in the views.
Located along WY-110, Devils Tower, Wyoming, this is also the most popular trail in the monument, so arriving earlier in the day can make a noticeable difference. Morning light tends to bring out more detail in the rock columns, which is especially appealing for photography.
Bringing water, wearing comfortable shoes, and giving yourself time to explore at a relaxed pace helps you get the most out of this loop.
3. Joyner Ridge Trail
Most visitors skip the Joyner Ridge Trail, and that is honestly their loss. This 1.5-mile loop offers some of the best long-distance views of the tower you will find anywhere in the park.
From the ridge, the tower appears framed by open sky and rolling prairie, giving you a perspective that feels completely different from standing at its base.
The trail begins near 37 W Rd, Devils Tower, WY 82714, United States, just off Joyner Ridge Road. Getting there requires a short drive on a gravel road, but the quieter setting immediately sets this trail apart from the more crowded areas of the monument.
As you make your way along the loop, the path gradually climbs, offering wider and wider views with every step.
The terrain here feels more open and expansive. Prairie grasses stretch out in every direction, and during warmer months, wildflowers add subtle color along the trail.
The lack of dense tree cover also makes this one of the better spots in the monument for birdwatching. Raptors are often seen gliding overhead, riding the thermals above the ridge.
Because fewer visitors make it out here, the atmosphere feels noticeably calmer. You are more likely to hear the wind moving through the grass than the sounds of other hikers.
It is the kind of place where you slow down without even realizing it. Adding this trail to your visit brings a quieter, more balanced experience to a day spent exploring Devils Tower.
4. Prairie Dog Town
Prairie Dog Town is one of those unexpected highlights that ends up being a trip favorite. Located near the park entrance along WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, this active colony is home to hundreds of black-tailed prairie dogs.
Watching them pop in and out of burrows is endlessly entertaining.
Prairie dogs are surprisingly social animals with a complex communication system. Researchers have studied their calls and found they can describe predators with remarkable detail.
Knowing that makes watching them feel like eavesdropping on a tiny, furry neighborhood.
Kids absolutely love this spot, and honestly so do adults. The prairie dogs often come surprisingly close to the road and viewing areas.
Resist the urge to feed them because it disrupts their natural behavior and diet.
The best time to visit is morning or late afternoon when they are most active. Bring a camera with a zoom lens for great close-up shots without disturbing them.
This is also a good reminder that the monument protects an entire ecosystem, not just one spectacular rock formation rising above it all.
5. Circle Of Sacred Smoke Sculpture
Art and nature collide in a surprisingly moving way at this spot. The Circle of Sacred Smoke is a 12-foot bronze sculpture created by artist Junkyu Muto.
It stands along WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, and is designed so that the tower perfectly frames within the circular opening when viewed from the right angle.
The sculpture symbolizes world peace and honors the American people. Muto created it as a gift of goodwill and cultural respect.
Standing beside it and looking through the circle at the tower is one of those moments that genuinely sticks with you.
Many visitors walk right past it without stopping, which is a real shame. Taking a few minutes here adds depth to the whole visit.
The combination of human artistry and natural wonder in one frame is pretty hard to beat.
Photography here is fantastic at any time of day. Golden hour light makes the bronze glow warmly against the tower backdrop.
It is a small stop that carries a big emotional punch, and it costs nothing extra beyond the park entrance fee you already paid.
6. Devils Tower Visitor Center
Starting your visit at the Devils Tower Visitor Center is easily one of the smartest moves you can make. Located at 340 WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, United States, the center sits right along the main park road and serves as the perfect introduction to everything you are about to experience.
Inside, you will find well-designed exhibits that explain the tower’s geology, history, and cultural importance in a clear and engaging way.
The displays walk you through how the tower formed over millions of years, breaking down complex geology into something easy to follow. At the same time, you gain insight into the many Native American tribes who consider this place sacred.
That added context shifts your perspective and makes the entire visit feel more meaningful from the start.
Rangers are usually available to answer questions, and they are a great resource if you want tips on trails, wildlife, or the best times to explore certain areas. They can also point you toward current programs happening throughout the day.
For families, the Junior Ranger program is a highlight. Kids can pick up a booklet, complete a series of activities, and earn an official badge.
It keeps them engaged while turning the visit into something interactive.
Before heading out, take a few minutes to browse the bookstore for maps and field guides. Checking the daily program board is also worth it.
Spending even a short time here helps you get more out of everything that follows.
7. Red Beds Trail
If you want a workout with a seriously impressive payoff, the Red Beds Trail delivers. This moderate 2.8-mile loop takes you through varied terrain with sweeping views of the tower and surrounding valley.
The name comes from the distinctive red rock formations you pass along the way.
You will see the Belle Fourche River valley stretching out below you at certain points. The contrast between the red soil, green trees, and blue sky is genuinely stunning.
It feels like a painting that somehow became a real place you can walk through.
Wildlife sightings are common on this trail, so keep your eyes open. Mule deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species have been spotted regularly.
Moving quietly increases your chances of a memorable encounter.
Found along WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, this trail connects with the Tower Trail at certain points. Wear sturdy shoes because the terrain gets rocky in sections.
Starting early helps you beat afternoon heat and enjoy cooler temperatures on the exposed ridgeline portions of the route.
8. Scenic Drive Through Devils Tower Entrance Road
The drive in alone is worth the trip, and that is not an exaggeration. As you travel along WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, the tower gradually comes into view above the trees.
Each curve in the road reveals a slightly different angle of this incredible formation.
The entrance road winds through ponderosa pine forest before opening up to broader views. The shift from trees to open meadow makes the approach feel especially memorable.
It is the kind of scenery that makes passengers forget they are supposed to be navigating.
Pull-offs along the route give you safe spots to stop and take photos. Early morning drives catch mist hanging over the valley for an especially dramatic effect.
Sunset drives paint the tower in shades of orange and pink that feel almost unreal.
Even if you have been to the monument before, this drive never gets old. The changing light throughout the day transforms how the tower looks from the road.
Slowing down and taking it all in rather than rushing to the trailhead is advice I wish someone had given me on my first visit here.
9. Night Sky Viewing At Devils Tower
When the sun goes down at Devils Tower, the sky puts on a show that rivals anything you saw during the day. The remote location means minimal light pollution, and the Milky Way appears with stunning clarity on clear nights.
Few experiences match standing under that sky with the tower silhouetted against the stars.
The park occasionally hosts Night Sky Programs led by rangers and astronomy enthusiasts. These events include telescope viewing and guided tours of visible constellations.
Check the schedule at WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, for current program dates during your visit.
Even without a formal program, the picnic area near the campground is an excellent spot for independent stargazing. A blanket, a reclining chair, and a sky app on your phone are all you really need.
The silence out here adds to the whole experience in a way that is hard to describe.
Astrophotography enthusiasts often appreciate the dark skies and clear tower views here. A sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens will serve you well.
Plan your visit around a new moon for the darkest skies and the most dazzling views possible.
