Devils Tower National Monument Near Rapid City

President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower, approximately 107 miles northwest of Rapid City in Wyoming’s Black Hills, the first national monument in 1906. The formation escalates to 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, just across the South Dakota border in Wyoming. American Indian legend holds that the rock sprang up just in time to save two boys from a bear. The fluted nature of the rocks formed from the bear pawing at the rock.

Things to Do at Devils Tower National Monument
 

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is now open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visitors can browse exhibits about the geological, natural and cultural history of the monument.

Seasonal Hours

• Open daily / year-round.

• Hours vary by season.

• Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Interpretative Programs

Ranger-led Interpretative programs are held between mid-June and late August and include a tower walk, talks and an evening program. A full listing of programs is available in the Visitor Center.
 

Hiking Trails

There are approximately eight miles of hiking trails that take you around the monument. Some of the popular trails are paved and accessible, others take you through forests and prairie meadows.
 

Technical Rock Climbing

Technical rock climbing is allowed but all climbers must register at the Visitor Center before climbing and then check-in after. Because the site is considered sacred to the Native Americans there is a voluntary climbing closure during the month of June. 
 

Things you should know before visiting Devils Tower National Monument

 

• Located 107 miles northwest of Rapid City on Hwys. 14 and 24

• Monument open daily / year-round. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visitor Center hours vary by season.

• Fees:

  • $10 7-Day Single Vehicle Pass

  • $5 7-Day Motorcycle Pass