Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River in northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower National Monument is an incredible sight to behold. The massive rock butte has long been important to Native Americans, and is an incredible destination in the Black Hills that should be seen by all.
If you’re ready to visit, follow this guide to learn what you need to know about Devils Tower, and the travel insurance to get before your trip.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting Devils Tower – FAQs
The area around Devils Tower does have amenities like hotels and campgrounds, but you’ll need to reserve some of these in advance during the busy summer season. If you cannot make your trip for some reason, you could lose out on these and other prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses. Help protect your travel investment with trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to Devils Tower?
A long-planned vacation can be dashed in an instant by a family emergency, illness, injury, or natural disaster that prevents you from traveling. What’s worse is that you could still be forced to pay for prepaid charges like airfare and lodging, as these are typically nonrefundable.
Trip cancellation insurance can help. It can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses if you’re forced to cancel for a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Devils Tower?
Hopefully your trip will start as planned and you’ll never need to utilize trip cancellation coverage. But even then, what if your vacation is delayed or interrupted? What if the airline loses your bag? Travel insurance can provide coverage for these and other instances as well. It all depends on which plan you choose.
Devils Tower’s Most Popular Activities
Although Devils Tower itself is obviously the centerpiece of this national monument, the way you choose to see it and other activities you take part in are up to you. Here are some fun things you can do during your visit.
Take a Hike
Devils Tower National Monument boasts five different hiking trails to enjoy. Some, like the 1.5-mile Amphitheater Circuit, are fairly short and easy. Others like the 4-mile South Side to Red Beds Loop have significant elevation gains. Along the way you can enjoy picturesque views of the Tower, and local wildlife like the always entertaining prairie dogs that pop out of their holes and chatter about.
Climb to the Summit
Devils Tower is a world class rock climbing destination, with multiple routes offering varying levels of technical difficulty from 5.7 to 5.13. Keep in mind that these routes are designed for experienced climbers with appropriate equipment. They are not something a beginner would be advised to take on.
Go Stargazing
With little light pollution around, the night skies around Devils Tower are a celestial wonderland. Head to the Joyner Ridge Parking Lot and Trail or the Circle of Smoke Sculpture and Picnic Area and turn your eyes to the heavens. The park also hosts night sky programs throughout the year to help you understand the visible astronomy.
See the Historic Visitor Center
Constructed of ponderosa pine logs in 1935, the quaint visitor center is where you can find park staff, visit the bookstore, and see exhibits highlighting the cultural and natural history of Devils Tower.
Camp Out
Devils Tower National Monument does have one campground onsite, the Belle Fourche River Campground. It has 46 sites; 43 of which can accommodate RVs. There are also restrooms and water spigots. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a site here, as it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re able to get a spot, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the tower. There are also several private campgrounds in the area where reservations may be possible.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Devils Tower
Getting to Devils Tower
Devils Tower National Monument is not located near any major cities. By far the most popular way to get there is by personal car, rental car, or RV. The closest major cities are Rapid City, South Dakota and Casper, Wyoming. Bus tours are available through private companies.
When to Visit
By far the most popular months to visit Devils Tower are during the summer vacation season from the beginning of June to the beginning of September. This is when you will see the largest crowds. You can visit the monument in the offseason, but it’s not uncommon to see snow in this part of the US even during late spring and early fall.
Park Regulations
It is legally required to register at the climbing kiosk if you plan to climb or scramble above the boulder field. Always observe posted closures, and keep pets away from the tower and undeveloped trails. Climbers are requested to avoid climbing the tower during the month of June in order to allow local American Indian tribes to conduct ceremonies, as this is a sacred site to them. Please respect this request, and treat all areas of the park with respect and reverence throughout your visit.
Before You Visit Devils Tower – Do This
- Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan on exploring the surrounding trails.
- Consult multiple guidebooks or online resources before attempting any rock climbing routes.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers the activities you intend to participate in.