If you’re searching for family-friendly attractions at Devil’s Tower, then this post is for you. President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devil’s Tower as the country’s first national monument in September 1906. This unusual setting includes a natural rock tower and is the eroded relic of a volcanic intrusion. So, is it worth visiting Devil’s Tower?
A trip to Devil’s Tower is undoubtedly worthwhile if you’re considering a vacation to Wyoming or South Dakota. This plan is ideal for visiting Devils Tower as a day trip from Rapid City or as a pit break en route to Yellowstone.
There are many spots to visit at Devil’s Tower. Read the article to learn more about the itinerary and enjoy seeing this National Monument.
Everything About Devil’s Tower
Initially, Devil’s Tower was made of volcanic rocks formed from lava or magma. As these rocks cooled via weathering, stresses contracted and generated fissures. Due to these flaws, Devil’s Tower is the most significant example of “columnar jointing, ” comprising 5 and 6-sided columns.
Devil’s Tower is both fascinating and puzzling. One of the most well-known rock climbing faces in the US was made possible by the cracks that molten rock cooling left behind.
The colossal boulder field at Devil’s Tower’s base serves as a visual signal that certain parts of the structure are susceptible to weathering and erosion. The tower was formerly broader and taller than it is now.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the tower:
Formation Of Devil’s Tower
The formation of Devil’s Tower was caused by magma buried beneath the Earth’s surface. It was cooled when sedimentary rock layers around and above the tower of molten rock eroded, exposing it to ordinary erosional factors (rain, snow, wind, and ice).
These natural processes created the structure that we see today. Read more about the town and some of the best sites to visit below!
Planning The Itinerary
You should plan to spend two to four hours at Devils Tower, according to the park rangers. Set aside half a day to ensure you have enough time to appreciate the park. You’ll have enough time to see the Circle of Sacred Smoke monument, explore Prairie Dog Town, and hike the Tower Loop Trail.
However, if you wish to see the stars at night or hike other trails, you should take part in a ranger-led program and spend an entire day in the park.
Make your own Devil’s Tower itinerary with fun!
Prairie Dog Town
The prairie dog is a prominent and well-liked Devil’s Tower National Monument species. Also, it is one of the most contentious. They are an essential component of the prairie ecology and a significant resident at the national monument, whether you like them or hate them.
An interesting case study in ecology that examines how people interpret and engage with the environments may be found in prairie dogs’ past, present, and future.
In Devil’s Tower, the prairie dogs are an example of how people handle a natural resource that does not directly benefit human culture.
Circle Of Sacred Smoke
You can travel by road or a trail from the prairie dog town to reach the Circle of Smoke sculpture. Artist Junkyu Muto created the sculpture to honor the American people as a sign of world peace.
It is intended to assist in educating more than 20 associated tribes about the significance of the Devil’s Tower. It also symbolizes the initial smoke from a freshly lit pipe.
Take a brief detour to the Circle of Sacred Smoke sculpture.
Tower Loop Trail
The most popular activity in the park is Tower Loop Trail. The tower may be seen beautifully from this relatively simple hike. Do this if your schedule for visiting Devils Tower is limited in time.
We advise doing this either early morning or late in the day because the trail is paved and can become crowded with other tourists.
Tower Loop Trail has a length of 1.3 miles, and the hike should take approximately one hour.
The trail circles the base of the tower, thus allowing you to view the Devil’s Tower up close and personal. The tower and rock climbers’ ascent will be visible to you. Remember that climbing on the rocks is prohibited without a permit, so avoid the boulders.
Valley View Trial
Take the quick Valley View Trail through the prairie dog village if you want to go even closer to the prairie dogs and enjoy the spectacle as they make noise and burrow into their holes as you approach.
Valley View trail is a 0.6-mile route that will take around 30 minutes to visit the entire trail. If you visit it, ensure you don’t give these animals food.
Red Beds Trial
The Red Beds Trail is a lengthier track that encircles the tower from further away. You can see Devil’s Tower in the forested environment thanks to some beautiful views of the tower from a distance along this walk.
This trial lasts 2.8 miles, which will take approximately 1.5-2.5 hours to travel. However, remember that this trial is a little challenging to hike compared to the Valley View Trial.
Joyner Ridge Trail
If you want to see the tower from more angles, the Joyner Ridge trail is for you. The trail leads to a ridgetop where Devil’s Tower appears little compared to its height over the treetops.
The trial is 1.5 miles long and will take around an hour to finish the walk.
Sky Watching At Night
Devils Tower is a fantastic location for stargazing because there isn’t much artificial lighting there. There are ranger-led programs run by rangers in the summer. Consider spending the night in the park if your Devil’s Tower plan calls for it so you can observe the night sky.
Worth A Visit!
Although Devil’s Tower may appear like a side excursion on a longer journey, which it is, it is one of the most amazing sights you will ever see. While The Grand Canyon has its own beauty, even the Grand Canyon can’t compare to how unique and stunning this landmark is. This is one of the rare stops that will live up to your expectations. We hope you will be as amazed as we were by this extraordinary geological phenomenon.