Nestled in the northeastern corner of Wyoming, far from the bustling cities and fast-paced life, rises a geological marvel that seems almost out of this world—Devils Tower. Standing tall and proud at 867 feet from base to summit, this colossal monolith has intrigued geologists, inspired climbers, and held spiritual significance for Native tribes for generations.
First Impressions: A Tower from Another World
Driving through the gently rolling hills of Wyoming, the landscape feels serene, almost sleepy—until you catch your first glimpse of Devils Tower on the horizon. It literally stops you in your tracks. Rising abruptly from the earth, it looks like something plucked from a sci-fi movie.
There’s something magnetic about it. Maybe it’s the sheer
size, maybe it’s the eerie perfection of its vertical columns, or maybe it's
the deep-rooted stories tied to its base. Whatever it is, it pulls you in.
Devils Tower
Hiking Around the
Tower
The most popular trail here is the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile paved loop that circles the base. It’s an
easy walk suitable for almost anyone, and it offers incredible up-close views
of the structure. Along the way, you’ll see prayer cloths tied to
trees—reminders that this is a sacred site for many Native American tribes.
the Tower Trail
If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot rock climbers inching
their way up the vertical walls.
There are also other less-trafficked trails like the Red Beds Trail and Joyner Ridge Trail, offering wider views and peaceful surroundings.
Don’t forget your camera—sunrise and sunset paint the Tower in jaw-dropping
hues of gold and crimson.
A Place of Stories
and Spirit
To the Lakota, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and other Indigenous tribes,
Devils Tower is more than a geological feature—it’s a sacred space. Many
legends surround the formation, the most famous being that of giant bears
chasing young girls, who prayed for help. The Great Spirit raised the ground
beneath them, and the bears clawed at the sides, leaving the vertical grooves
we see today.
Out of respect, many tribes prefer to call it Bear Lodge or Bear’s Tipi, and you’ll
often see these names used alongside “Devils Tower.”
A Star of the Big Screen
Film buffs will recognize Devils Tower as the dramatic
backdrop in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi classic, _Close Encounters of the Third Kind_. The film immortalized the
monolith as a mysterious beacon, drawing people from around the world—just like
real life.
A scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the movie
Planning Your Visit
Best time to go:
Late spring through early fall offers the best weather. Summer can be hot, but
mornings and evenings are magical.
Entrance fee: As
of now, entry to the Devils Tower National Monument is $25 per vehicle (covered
if you have an America the Beautiful pass).
Where to stay:
- Campers can enjoy the Belle Fourche River Campground, just
inside the park.
- For more comfort, check out nearby Hulett, a charming
small town with rustic lodges and friendly diners.
Final Thoughts
Devils Tower isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s an
experience. Whether you’re drawn by its spiritual significance, its cinematic
fame, or simply its raw natural beauty, this towering monolith leaves a lasting
impression.
So if you're planning a road trip through the American West,
make sure Devils Tower is on your bucket list. You won’t regret it—and you
might even feel a little closer to the stars.
