Devils TowerAbout Devils Tower
Devils Tower is an isolated igneous monolith in northeastern Wyoming, United States, noted for its steep columnar jointing and vertical rock faces. It was declared the nation’s first national monument in 1906.
The feature rises sharply from the surrounding plain to form a prominent summit and is a focal point for climbing, hiking and geology observation. Climbing routes cover the flanks of the tower, and a marked trail circles the base to view the columns and talus slopes.
Geologically, the structure is an intrusive igneous formation exposed by erosion of the surrounding sedimentary rocks; it has long held cultural and ceremonial significance for several Native American tribes. Federal protection has preserved the site and its immediate landscape since the early 20th century.
The tower stands above the prairie in Crook County in northeastern Wyoming, near small communities such as Hulett and the unincorporated area named for the feature; it occupies a solitary, easily visible position on the local landscape and is managed as a national monument.
- Protection status: Designated as the first U.S. national monument in 1906, providing federal protection and visitor services under the National Park Service.
- Climbing and geology: The exposed columnar jointing and hexagonal columns make the tower a notable destination for rock climbing and geology study; there are more than 200 documented technical climbing routes.
Nearby Attractions to Devils Tower
Best Time to Visit Devils Tower
Visit Devils Tower in summer (June-September) for the best access, climbing and hiking conditions, but expect the largest crowds then.
Weather & Climate near Devils Tower
Devils Tower's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -15° - 0° | -14° | 14 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -12° - 4° | -10° | 13 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -7° - 8° | -4° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 14° | 3° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 20° | 12° | 68 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 26° | 17° | 76 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 12° - 30° | 21° | 46 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 30° | 20° | 35 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 24° | 15° | 37 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 17° | 5° | 29 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -7° - 7° | -5° | 16 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -13° - 1° | -12° | 18 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Devils Tower
Devils Tower National Monument is reached by road; the monument is accessed from nearby small towns such as Hulett and the local state/highway network, with parking at the visitor center. Visitors typically arrive by car or tour from regional centers and then walk the short paths from the parking/visitor area to viewpoints around the tower.
Tips for Visiting Devils Tower
- Visit Devils Tower in the early morning or late afternoon for better photographic light and far fewer visitors than mid-day; sunrise is especially good for unobstructed views of the tower and surrounding prairie.
- Respect the National Park Service's annual voluntary climbing closure in June (observed for Native American cultural practices) - if you plan to climb, check the visitor center for current advisories and register with rangers.
- Instead of stopping only at the main viewpoint, take the loop Tower Trail to circle the base and try longer, less-used routes such as the Redbeds or Joyner Ridge trails for different perspectives and quieter wildlife viewing that many day-trippers skip.