Skip to main content

Devils Tower

Location

Wyoming

United States

44° 35' 26.232" N, 104° 42' 56.52" W

See map: Google Maps

US

General info:

Devils Tower is the most improbable rock formation rising dramatically 1,267 feet (386 m) above the surrounding terrain with summit 5,114 feet (1,559 m) above sea level.

It was the first declared United States National Monument, established in 1906. For Native Americans it has been a sacred place from ancient times.

It is not completely certain how the mountain has been formed. Most common theories say that it is either a laccolith or a volcanic plug. In either of the cases Devils Tower is formed of molten rock that has cooled and become solid igneous rock. It did not visibly protrude out of the landscape until the overlying sedimentary rocks eroded away.

Today it is a popular tourist destination with 400,000 annual visitors. Not surprisingly, it is also very popular among rock climbers.

Getting there:

The access by car is very easy. Devils Tower is located off Wyoming State Route 24, which is accessed via US Route 14. The US-14/WY-24 intersection is about 1 hour east of Gillette and 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Rapid City.

Costs:

Admission Rates
1-7 Day Vehicle Pass-$10
1-7 Day Motorcycle Pass-$5
1-7 Day Individual Permit (by feet or bicycle)-$5

Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except December 25 and January 1.

The Visitor Center hours:
April 5 - Nov. 26; Beginning May 27, daily 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sept. 4 hours change to 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

You might be interested in

Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway

Out of crazy walkways, this has got to be one of the craziest. Near the top of the Tianmen Mountain, on a sheer rock face goes this 60m long walkway.

Half Dome, Yosemite

The aptly named Half Dome is possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor and the drop from the top is nearly vertical.

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most recognizable landmarks. The sheer cliffs of white chalk mark the closest part of England and reach up to 350 feet (110 m).

Alpe di Siusi

Europe's largest high alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi, separates two of the most famous Dolomite ski-resort valleys (Val di Fassa and Val Gardena).

Angel Falls

The water pouring down from a flat-topped plateau Auyán-Tepuí creates a sight that is best described as completely epic. The huge waterfall in middle of rainforest looks like a scenery from a sci-fi movie.

Blood Falls

Is it serious when a glacier bleeds? Not necessarily. It might be the Blood Falls in East Antarctica. This five-story high, blood-red waterfall pours slowly out of the Taylor Glacier.

Interesting places nearby

Ski Mystic at Deer Mountain

Ski Mystic at Deer Mountain is where skiers and riders go to find the most snowfall in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where over 200 inches of average annual snow falls across the mountain.

Ski Cooper

Leadville is the home of the legendary Molly Brown and the old town is always fun for a visit or as a place to stay when skiing or riding at nearby Ski Cooper.

Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain is an expert and advanced only ski/snowboard facility. One double chairlift will access the steepest, most powder-filled skiing this side of Valdez, Alaska.

Showdown Ski Area

Showdown, Montana's oldest ski area, has grown considerably since it all began in 1936.

Red Lodge Mountain

Red Lodge Mountain, located in Montana's Beartooth Range, is a must visit for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels.

Powderhorn

Nestled on the edge of the Grand Mesa, just 35 miles from Grand Junction, Powderhorn has exceptional views and skiing with a friendly personal atmosphere.