Rising abruptly from the rolling plains of northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower is one of America’s most striking and storied landmarks. This ancient geological wonder draws visitors from around the world — not just for its unique appearance, but also for the mystery and legend that surround it.

A Natural Marvel Formed Over Millions of Years

At first glance, Devils Tower looks like something from a science fiction movie — and in fact, it played a starring role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But the real story of its formation is even more fascinating.

Roughly 50 million years ago, molten magma pushed its way up into layers of sedimentary rock beneath the Earth’s surface. As the magma cooled underground, it solidified into hexagonal columns of phonolite porphyry — the rare rock that gives Devils Tower its distinct, vertical ridges. Over time, the softer sedimentary rock around the formation eroded away, leaving behind the dramatic monolith we see today.

Standing 867 feet from base to summit, Devils Tower is the first national monument ever designated in the United States, protected by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It's a sacred site to several Native American tribes, who have passed down oral traditions about its origin for generations.

Walk Around the Tower: A 30-Minute Journey of Awe

One of the best ways to appreciate Devils Tower is by taking the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that circles the base. This relatively easy, 30-minute hike offers breathtaking views from all angles — revealing how the light plays off the rock’s many faces, and how trees and boulders nestle into its base like offerings.

Along the trail, you’ll find interpretive signs that explain more about the Tower’s formation, its cultural significance, and its climbing history. Keep your eyes peeled — you might spot climbers scaling the columns or prairie dogs chirping from the nearby grasslands.

Climbing, Culture, and Conservation

Devils Tower is also one of North America’s premier climbing destinations, attracting experienced climbers year-round. However, out of respect for Native American traditions, a voluntary climbing closure is observed each June.

Visitors are encouraged to learn about the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and other tribes who hold the Tower sacred. Their legends often speak of children escaping a bear by climbing onto a rock that rose into the sky, with the bear's claws carving the striations seen today.

Plan Your Visit

  • Getting There: Devils Tower is about an hour and a half from Rapid City, SD, and just 30 minutes off I-90. The nearest town is Hulett, WY.

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall offers the most comfortable weather and clearer trails.

  • Don’t Miss: The Visitor Center, scenic pullouts on the drive in, and the Joyner Ridge Trail for stunning sunrise or sunset views.

Devils Tower isn’t just a geological wonder — it’s a symbol of natural power, spiritual depth, and the passage of time. Whether you’re there for a short hike or a deeper connection with the land, the Tower leaves a lasting impression.