Many visitors take in the Tower from the road or Tower Trail. For those hoping to spend more time at the monument, we recommend the less crowded places to enjoy Devils Tower. Visitors who spend a ful day at the monument get to experience all that makes this place special.
We recommend starting with an early morning hike on Red Beds Trail. This trail can get hot during the day, but early summer mornings are just perfect (spring and fall visitors should bring some layers with them). The trail offers sweeping views of the Tower and Belle Fourche River valley. Don't forget to bring water!
Next, relax and refuel with a picnic lunch at our picnic area. The tables are spread out in the shade and near the river, keep the temperatures down in the summer and offering brilliant colors of wildfloewrs and changing leaves in the shoulder seasons. Water and restrooms are available seasonally.
After you eat, visit the nearby prairie dog town and watch for wildlife. This bustling community is home to over 600 prairie dogs, but that's not all you might see. Deer, foxes, and raptors (birds of prey) are also common sights.
Ready for more hiking? Spend the late afternoon on Joyner Ridge trail. This trail is a bit shadier and often breezy, perfect for an early evening adventure. Enjoy the fantastic views of Devils Tower as you explore ponderosa pine forest on the ridge and prairie in the valley below.
Finally, after your long day, take a moment to watch the sunset and stargaze from Joyner Ridge. This is the best place to stargaze in the monument, with wide open views and little light pollution.
Trip Idea
Spend a Full Day at Devils Tower
| Duration | Full Day |
| Topic(s) | Forests and Woodlands, Geology, Grasslands, Prairies, Native American Heritage, Natural Sounds, Night Sky, Astronomy, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Birds, Coniferous Forests, Religion and Spirituality, Rock Landscapes and Features, Animals, Photography more » |
| Activities | Picnicking, Front-Country Hiking, Stargazing, Wildlife Watching |
| Type | Kid Friendly, Active, Solitary/Remote, Inspirational, Outdoors, Group Friendly more » |
| Parks | Devils Tower National Monument |
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Devils Tower National Monument
Hike the Red Beds Loop Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: No
- Location: Devils Tower National Monument
- Duration: 2–3 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
Looking for a traditional hiking experience in the park? Check out this 2.8 mile loop around the Tower! Take in sights of the Tower from different angles and enjoy the beauty of the Belle Fourche River valley. As you climb up and down between the visitor center parking lot and the river valley, experience the geology of the park up close! Escape the crowds on the Tower Trail and take in sweeping vistas of the park and surrounding land.
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Devils Tower National Monument
Eat Lunch at the Devils Tower Picnic Area
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Picnicking
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Devils Tower picnic area
- Duration: 1–2 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
After a long day of exploring, stop by the Devils Tower picnic area to enjoy your lunch! The Devils Tower picnic area provides visitors with a serene experience of the Tower. Located near the Bell Fourche Campground, take a walk under the cottonwood trees with your leashed pet or spend the afternoon enjoying the views.
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Devils Tower National Monument
Watch for Wildlife at Prairie Dog Town
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Wildlife Watching
- Pets: Yes with Restrictions
- Location: Devils Tower prairie dog town / Belle Fourche River hub
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
Have you ever heard a prairie dog yip? Or seen a fox with its kits? There’s lots going on at the prairie dog town! Take some time to enjoy the wildlife in the park. Don’t forget to look up! The prairie dog town is a great place to spot turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and other birds flying around the Tower. Use the pullouts along the Main Park Road near prairie dog town to observe this bustling environment.
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Devils Tower National Monument
Hike Joyner Ridge Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Pets: No
- Location: Joyner Ridge parking area
- Duration: 1–2 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
Joyner Ridge provides the space and serenity to enjoy nature without the crowds. Visit a quieter part of Devils Tower by hiking the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Joyner Ridge Trail. Take in scenic views of the Tower or visit at night to stargaze in the secluded northern part of the park. Experience this trail in spring to spot blooming wildflowers along the trail edge.
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Devils Tower National Monument
Stargaze at Joyner Ridge
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Stargazing
- Pets: Yes with Restrictions
- Location: Joyner Ridge
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Night, Dusk
Joyner Ridge offers wide open spaces and little light pollution – the perfect combination for optimal stargazing. Set up your telescope, photograph the night sky with Devils Tower, or simply look up. There’s no wrong way to stargaze!
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Last updated: April 29, 2025