News Release

Record Visitation Continues as Winter Begins

News Release Date: December 18, 2020 Devils Tower hosted 9,005 recreation visits in November 2020, up 110% from November 2019. This was the busiest November on record and the third month in row with record visitation at the Tower. Through November 2020, the park has recorded 420,330 recreation visits, down just 7% from 2019 at this time. The nation’s first national monument, located in Crook County, Wyoming, was closed from March 25, 2020 through May 21, 2020 due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in August, park visitation increased rapidly.  September, October, and November posted record numbers for the park. Early winter visitation continues to be following this upward trend during a time of year that is typically very quiet in northeastern Wyoming.The list below shows month to month recreation visits for the period between August and November 2020 compared with 2019.

August
2019 – 100,207
2020 – 113,593

September – record visitation
2019 –62,469
2020 – 68,726

October – record visitation
2019 –17,290
2020 – 29,908

November – record visitation
2019 – 4,294
2020 – 9,005

More data on park visitation, including how we calculate these numbers, is available on the NPS Statistics website

Winter Travel
Increases in visitation and limited winter services, make it especially important for visitors to plan and prepare before traveling in the months ahead. Check the park website and social media channels for updates to current park conditions.  

Entrance Fees 
Park staff collect entrance fees year-round. Your fee dollars support many park projects.

Hiking Trails 
All trails are open year-round. Expect snow and ice covered surfaces.

Park Roadways 
Roads may close temporarily due to heavy snow and snow removal activities.

Rock Climbing
Permits are required for all rock climbers. Permits are free and available at the climber registration kiosk in the visitor center parking area for self-registration.

Visitor Center, Campground, and Bookstore 
These facilities are currently closed. Maps and information are available at several outdoor locations throughout the park. The Devils Tower Natural History Association can accept online and phone orders all year. See their website or call for more details and products. 307-467-5283 x639

Limited Services 
Lodging, food, and beverages are not available at Devils Tower National Monument. Area communities such as Hulett, Moorcroft, and Sundance, WY offer such services year-round. The Belle Fourche River Campground is closed for the season and no other camping is permitted in the monument. Drinking water is available in the restrooms near the visitor center parking lot.

Recreate Responsibly 
Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for face coverings, physical distancing, and hand washing while visiting Devils Tower.