Trip Idea

Spend a Half Day at Devils Tower

Multiple Parks

several visitors on paved path looking at wayside exhibit and surrounding scenery
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Forests and Woodlands, Geology, Grasslands, Prairies, Native American Heritage, Natural Sounds, Night Sky, Astronomy, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Rock Landscapes and Features, Animals, Birds, Photography more »
Activities Picnicking, Front-Country Hiking, Wildlife Watching
Type Kid Friendly, Active, Relaxed, Solitary/Remote, Outdoors, Group Friendly more »
Parks Devils Tower National Monument

Most visitors spend half a day or less at the monument. To make the most of your trip, we reccommend hitting the highlights and then having a relaxing lunch before heading to your next destination. As you enter the park, the prairie dog town is your first stop. After exploring this bustling community, head up to the visitor center area to catch the Tower Trail. This paved path will take you around the base of Devils Tower, with dynamic views of the Tower and surrounding landscape. Finally, on your way out of the park, stop at our picnic area to enjoy a peaceful lunch. Have a great rest of your day!

  • 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
    Prairie dog standing up outside of its burrow with the edges of the photo darkened.

    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

    Walk the Tower Trail Loop
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Devils Tower National Monument
    • Duration: 40 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Any Time
    A bench along a trail overlooking a valley.

    Enjoy a walk around the base of one of the most unique geologic formations in the world! Learn about the natural and cultural history of Devils Tower National Monument, from theories about how it formed to the connections modern tribes maintain with the site today.

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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
    A large grassy field with picnic tables and trees throughout.

    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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Last updated: April 29, 2025