I'm pretty surprised only 103 reviews about Devils Tower. I loved it....totally unique, amazing sight to see! Can't believe so few reviews for such an extraordinary place!?!
I will say it's difficult to journey to Devils Tower. It's located in the middle of nowhere in a tiny section of northeastern Wyoming. For myself, I flew into Bismarck, North Dakota and drove 110 miles west to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park (also on my list of places to visit) for the day. I then crossed into Baker, Montana for the evening, woke up early the next morning and drove 150 miles into Wyoming and Devils Tower. Ultimately it was a great vacation for myself as I eventually made my way into the Black Hills of South Dakota for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park. This was a 1000 mile loop trip over 6 days and one of my most memorable trips within the United States for sure. Now onto why I loved Devils Tower National Monument...
It's extremely photogenic. The pictures I took of it were wonderful. I visited on a perfectly clear and sunny day last week, July 16, 2018. Once I arrived, it was $20 entrance fee. After entering, it's a quick 3 mile drive through a pretty forest up onto the parking lot. I arrived 9:30am and there were a few cars ahead of me entering as well which took a few minutes of waiting. Also, the parking lot filled fast so my advice to everyone is arrive early, especially during summer vacation time. If the main parking lot by the Tower is full, there are alternative lots to park at along your 3 mile drive where you park and walk a little to get to the center of the action including...standing beside Devils Tower, access to the Visitors Center and walking the iconic TOWER TRAIL.
Once I arrived, I went inside the Visitors Center to purchase my usual souvenirs and chachkies and stamp my National Parks Passport even though Devils Tower is just a National Monument (in fact it's the United States' first National Monument!). The TOWER TRAIL is what every visitor and tourist circulates to. It's a simple, easy paved 1.3 mile loop around the base of Devils Tower. Here you can climb on rocks and receive incredible views of the tower up close. It was astonishing how many people were taking photos and posing for group pictures. This giant landmark is roughly 850 feet up in the air and it's unlike anything you've ever seen in person! Along this trail, I myself took plenty of pictures not just of Devils Tower, but also of the surrounding valley that was clear and picturesque. And again I must praise how perfectly sunny the weather was...I couldn't have asked for a better day!
After TOWER TRAIL, right next to it.....which can't be missed is the RED BEDS TRAIL. I highly recommend this!!!! Both trails are right next to each other and RED BEDS is a perfect accompaniment after walking around TOWER TRAIL. RED BEDS TRAIL is a 2.8 mile unpaved (but easy for the first 3/4's of it) loop around Devils Tower Hill. This trail also connects to a few other trails including Joyner Ridge Trail, Valley View Trail and South Side Trail. But if you stay along RED BEDS TRAIL for the entire 2.8 mile loop, you will certainly hit everything along the way and be gifted with more spectacular views of Devils Tower including the area and ridges surrounding it, the red rocks portion of the park and anything else you can think of. This RED BEDS TRAIL was perfect for me, magical and I couldn't have asked for a better way to explore the Devils Tower area. There's one section along the trail, roughly 1 mile into the hike where you arrive at a viewpoint that is POSTCARD PERFECT!! You'll know it when you arrive. It's Devils Tower in the distance while you're surrounded by green grass and lush green trees. It's a humbling moment realizing where you are and how far you've traveled to get to this wonderful monument! The last portion of RED BEDS is a little strenuous uphill, but it's totally worth it providing more beautiful views and finally arriving back at the Visitors Center and base of Devils Tower.
For anyone inquiring, if you look up close, there are climbers navigating their way up Devils Tower.....it can be done! If you're looking for snacks and touristy items, right outside the monument when you arrive and exit there are 2 places for gifts, food and drinks at Devils Tower Trading Post and Devils Tower KOA - Cafe and Gifts.
Overall, I was thrilled and had a highly memorable time at Devils Tower NM. The sight and mighty strength of this landmark will be etched in my mind for a long time (thank goodness I took great photos, lol). For 103 reviews, I'm surprised so few people know about this place and I urge anyone reading my review to visit here at some point in time. I think you'll be fascinated! In all, after arriving by 9:30am, I left by 3pm. Half a day is enough time to soak it all in. Devils Tower National Monument - 5 stars as good as it gets! read more