Devils Tower National Monument
The tower, a huge monolith resembling a colossal stone tree stump, rises 867 feet from its base and 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. The 1.5-acre top has a growth of sagebrush and grass, and the almost perpendicular sides are fluted columns. The tower was formed when numerous sedimentary layers eroded from around a volcanic intrusion that had cooled in a teardrop formation.
About a half-mile from the entrance is a prairie dog colony. Near the monument's campground is an outdoor amphitheater. Ranger-naturalists conduct summer interpretive walks, talks and campfire programs.
The Tower Trail encircles Devils Tower. Climbing on the tower is permitted, but climbers must sign in before and after expeditions. Note: During the month of June, the National Park Service asks climbers to voluntarily refrain from climbing on the tower and hikers to voluntarily refrain from scrambling within the interior of the Tower Trail Loop out of respect for the Native American tribes that consider the tower a sacred site.
A visitor center about 3 miles from the park entrance contains geological specimens, artifacts and exhibits. Dogs, which must be leashed, are not permitted on the trails.
Allow 2 hours, 30 minutes minimum. The monument is open daily 24 hours; closed Jan 1 and Dec. 25. The visitor center is open daily 8-7 (weather permitting). Admission $25 per private vehicle; $20 per motorcycle; $15 per person arriving on foot or bicycle; free (ages 0-15 and to all on certain National Park days and federal holidays). Phone (307) 467-5283, ext. 635 Mon.-Fri. 8-4.