Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is America's first and most extraordinary wilderness showcasing volcanic geysers vibrant hot springs and remarkable wildlife in breathtaking natural surroundings.
Wyoming: Devils Tower National Monumment
🗿 America’s First National Monument — and It’s a Whopper
Devils Tower in Wyoming holds a rather impressive title: it was America’s very first National Monument. And honestly, when you clap eyes on it for the first time, you can see why someone thought it deserved special treatment.
The story goes back to 1892, when Congress first stepped in and designated the surrounding area a U.S. forest reserve. Sensible enough, we supposed — someone had to stop people doing something daft with it. But it took another fourteen years of bureaucratic wheel-spinning before President Theodore Roosevelt finally got round to doing the job properly, signing the Antiquities Act into law and using it almost immediately to declare Devils Tower the nation’s first National Monument on 24th September 1906. Roosevelt, to his credit, didn’t hang about once he had the paperwork in hand.
The tower itself is genuinely extraordinary — an enormous column of igneous rock that rises 386 metres above the Belle Fourche River, looking for all the world like someone’s left a colossal tree stump behind after the world’s most ambitious logging operation. The geological consensus, for what it’s worth, is that it formed from magma that forced its way upward through softer sedimentary rock millions of years ago, then cooled into the distinctive hexagonal columns you see today. The softer rock eroded away over time, leaving this magnificent oddity standing there in the middle of Wyoming, bewildering everyone who drives past.
For the Native American tribes of the northern plains — the Lakota, Cheyenne, Kiowa and others — the tower had been a sacred site long before any federal government got involved. They had rather more evocative names for it too, including Bear Lodge and Bear’s Tipi, rooted in legends about bears clawing the deep vertical grooves into the rock’s sides. It was, of course, a U.S. Army surveyor in 1875 who landed us with the name “Devils Tower,” apparently through a mistranslation of the Native name. Typical, really.
🗿 Close Encounters of the Wyoming Kind
Devils Tower draws more than 400,000 visitors every year, which tells you something. People don’t drag themselves out to the middle of Wyoming just for the fresh air — though there’s plenty of that. They come because the thing is genuinely extraordinary, a great geological oddity that sits there looking faintly impossible against the wide prairie sky.
Some of you will recognise it immediately, and not from a geography textbook. Steven Spielberg used the Tower extensively in his 1977 science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind — the one where Richard Dreyfuss spends most of the film going quietly mad, sculpting the thing out of mashed potato and shaving foam before finally rocking up at the real location to meet his alien chums in person. In the film, it served as the dramatic rendezvous point where a select group of bewildered humans were summoned by the extraterrestrial visitors, presumably because aliens have excellent taste in geology.
Karen had been utterly convinced that the tower in the film was computer-generated. She stood there, staring up at it, looking rather like someone who’s just been told that the moon landings were real after all. “It’s actual,” she said, which seemed to cover it nicely. To be fair, it does look like something a special effects department knocked up on a Friday afternoon. But no — there it was, solid basalt, the real thing, entirely unapologetic about its own improbability.
Getting to the top is, frankly, not something most of us are going to manage. The Tower rises 386 feet above its base and the sheer columnar rock faces are the preserve of technical climbers — people with ropes, harnesses, chalk bags, and, one assumes, a considerably higher tolerance for vertical peril than we possess. We watched a couple of tiny figures inching their way up the rock face from far below and agreed, with the quiet dignity of the sensibly middle-aged, that this was not for us.
Instead, we did what any self-respecting group of tourists does when faced with something they can’t actually climb — we walked round the bottom of it. The self-guided trail runs for about a mile around the base of the Tower and is, it must be said, thoroughly worthwhile. The path winds through ponderosa pine and over rocky ground, and the views of the Tower from different angles are constantly surprising. It manages to look different — and somehow larger — from every direction, which is quite a trick for something that isn’t actually moving.
The highlight, though, was stopping to listen to one of the National Park Rangers, who gave a really rather good talk on the geology, geography and cultural history of the place. The geology alone is fascinating: Devils Tower formed around 50 million years ago from molten igneous rock — phonolite porphyry, if you want to show off at dinner parties — that forced its way up through the surrounding sedimentary layers. As the softer rock eroded away over millions of years, the harder volcanic core was left standing. The distinctive hexagonal columns that give it such an otherworldly appearance were formed as the cooling magma contracted and cracked, much like mud drying in the sun, only on a rather more geological scale. The columns average around six to eight feet across and some reach several hundred feet in height. It is, by any reasonable measure, quite something.
The cultural history is equally rich. For the Northern Plains tribes — including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho and several others — this was and remains a deeply sacred site. It features in numerous origin stories and spiritual traditions. The Lakota name for it is Mato Tipila, meaning Bear Lodge, a name that comes with its own legend involving a group of girls, a pursuing bear, and the rock rising up to carry them to safety. The official name “Devils Tower” was something of an administrative accident — a US Army expedition in 1875 apparently mistranslated a native name and the label stuck, which is the sort of thing that happens when you let the government name things. There have been periodic efforts to restore a more respectful name, though these have not yet succeeded.
We came away suitably impressed, mildly sunburned, and rather glad we hadn’t attempted the climb.
Planning your visit to Devil’s Tower
🗺️ About Devils Tower
Devils Tower National Monument is one of America’s most extraordinary natural landmarks, rising dramatically from the rolling plains of north-eastern Wyoming. The tower soars 1,267 feet (386 metres) above the Belle Fourche River and is the world’s finest example of columnar jointing — a geological phenomenon that has shaped hundreds of parallel vertical cracks across its surface, making it one of the premier crack-climbing destinations in North America.
On 24th September 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower as the first national monument in the United States. To mark 120 years of welcoming visitors from around the world, special events are taking place throughout 2026.
The tower holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for more than 20 Native American tribes, who know it as Bear Lodge or Bear’s Tipi. Oral traditions tell of the rock growing ever higher to carry two young girls beyond the reach of a pursuing bear. Every June, a voluntary climbing closure is observed to allow uninterrupted access for traditional ceremonies. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of this heritage at all times.
📍 Location
Devils Tower National Monument is situated in Crook County, north-eastern Wyoming, approximately 28 miles north-west of Sundance, Wyoming, just off State Highway 24.
GPS Address: 149 State Highway 110, Devils Tower, WY 82714
🌐 Website
www.nps.gov/deto{:target=”_blank”}
📞 Contact
Telephone: +1 (307) 467-5283 ext. 635 (Devils Tower National Monument Information Line)
Fax: +1 (307) 467-5350
Mailing Address: Devils Tower National Monument, P.O. Box 10, Devils Tower, WY 82714
Email: Contact form available at https://www.nps.gov/deto/contacts.htm
⏰ Opening Times
Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round (weather permitting). Road closures may occur during winter, and conditions on regional roads can be variable throughout the year.
The Visitor Centre is open seasonally. Hours vary outside of the main summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day, roughly late May to early September). It is advisable to check the official website for current visitor centre hours before travelling.
Note: The park receives around 500,000 visitors annually, with over 80% arriving between Memorial Day and Labour Day. During peak summer months, parking capacity is frequently reached for several hours each day. Visitors are advised to arrive before 10am or after 4pm to avoid congestion at the entrance station.
🎟️ Entry Fees
All visitors must hold one of the following entrance passes. Please note that the park does not accept cash — credit and debit cards only.
Standard Entrance Pass (valid for up to 7 days):
Private vehicle (car, van, truck, RV) — $25.00, covering the vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycle — $20.00, covering up to two motorcycles and up to four passengers in total. Individual on foot or bicycle (aged 16 and over) — $15.00. Children aged 15 and under — free of charge.
Annual Park Pass — $45.00, valid for one year and covering a single private non-commercial vehicle and all passengers. This is a worthwhile option if you plan to visit more than twice in a year.
America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Annual) — $80.00 for US citizens and residents. This pass covers entrance fees at National Park Service sites, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers sites across the country. A non-resident annual pass is also available at $250.00. Discounted and free versions exist for US seniors (62+), active military personnel and their dependants, people with a permanent disability, and US 4th Grade students.
Commercial tour operators are subject to separate fee schedules based on vehicle capacity. Please contact the monument directly for details.
Entrance passes may be purchased in advance via Recreation.gov to avoid queuing at the entrance station during busy periods.
Free Entrance Days in 2026: The National Park Service offers free admission for US citizens and residents on several designated dates each year. In 2026 these include: Presidents Day (16 February), Memorial Day (25 May), Flag Day/President Trump’s Birthday (14 June), Independence Day weekend (3–5 July), the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (25 August), Constitution Day (17 September), Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday (27 October), and Veterans Day (11 November). Other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may still apply on these dates.
Best time to visit Wyoming
🌸 Spring (April–May)
Spring in Wyoming is a season of transition and reward for the patient traveller. Temperatures range from around 4°C to 18°C, though higher elevations remain cold and snow lingers well into May in places such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Rain is common at lower altitudes, and mountain passes may still be closed or subject to sudden closures. The advantage is a landscape coming alive: wildflowers begin to carpet valley floors, rivers run high and fast with snowmelt, and wildlife is highly active — bison calves appear in Yellowstone, bears emerge from hibernation, and bird migration is at its peak. Crowds are minimal compared to summer, making it easier to secure accommodation and move freely through the parks. It is an ideal season for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts willing to accept changeable conditions.
What to pack: Waterproof hiking boots, a mid-layer fleece, a packable down jacket, waterproof trousers, layering base tops, a rain jacket, sun cream (UV is strong at altitude), binoculars, and a warm hat and gloves for early mornings and higher elevations.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Summer is Wyoming’s most popular season and for good reason. Temperatures are warm and often hot, reaching 25–30°C in the valleys, while the mountains remain pleasantly cool. All park roads are open, accommodation is plentiful, and the full range of outdoor activities — hiking, rafting, horse riding, fly fishing, and wildlife watching — is available. Grand Teton National Park is breathtaking under clear blue skies, with the Teton Range reflected in the Snake River. Yellowstone is in full swing, with geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife on display. July brings festivals across the state, including the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. The trade-off is significant: this is peak season, and roads, campsites, and lodges fill quickly. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, particularly in July and August, so morning starts are advisable. Book months in advance.
What to pack: Lightweight hiking layers, a waterproof shell jacket, UV-protective clothing, a sun hat, high-SPF sun cream, insect repellent, sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots, a refillable water bottle, and a light fleece for evenings.
🍂 Autumn (September–October)
Autumn is arguably Wyoming’s finest season. Temperatures cool to between 0°C and 18°C, crowds thin dramatically after the Labour Day weekend in early September, and the landscape undergoes a spectacular transformation. Aspen trees turn vivid gold across hillsides and valleys — particularly striking in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and around Jackson Hole. September is prime elk rut season in Grand Teton, with bulls bugling at dawn and dusk, one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in North America. Bears are active and feeding heavily before hibernation, making wildlife sightings excellent throughout Yellowstone. Prices drop noticeably after the summer peak, and accommodation is more readily available. By late October, early snow becomes likely, and some facilities begin to close. Timing a visit for mid-September to mid-October offers the best balance of colour, wildlife, weather, and value.
What to pack: Waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, a windproof and waterproof outer shell, hat and gloves, warm socks, binoculars for wildlife, and a camera for the foliage.
❄️ Winter (November–March)
Winter in Wyoming is dramatic, demanding, and deeply rewarding for those who seek it out. Temperatures frequently drop to -15°C or colder in January and February, heavy snowfall transforms the landscape, and many roads and facilities close entirely. However, winter reveals a different side of Wyoming that few visitors experience. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the finest ski destinations in North America, offering expert terrain and reliable snowpack. Yellowstone becomes an otherworldly scene of steaming geothermal features set against frozen silence, accessible by guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour — the only way to enter the interior of the park in winter. Bison and wolves are more easily spotted against white snowfields. Costs and crowds are low outside of the ski resorts themselves, where prices peak in January and February.
What to pack: Heavyweight thermal base layers, insulated waterproof trousers, a down-filled parka, ski gloves or heavyweight mittens, a balaclava and wool hat, wool socks, insulated waterproof boots rated to -25°C or below, hand warmers, and UV-rated goggles or sunglasses for snow glare.
🗓️ The Best Time to Visit Wyoming
For most visitors, late September strikes the ideal balance across every measure. The summer crowds have gone, accommodation prices have fallen, and yet the weather remains crisp and manageable. The elk rut delivers one of the most electrifying wildlife encounters anywhere in the world, aspen gold is at its peak, and clear autumn light makes for exceptional photography. Serious hikers and outdoor adventurers are best served by July, when all trails are accessible and conditions are reliably good, despite the crowds. Those seeking true solitude and a genuinely remote encounter with the landscape should consider a guided winter visit to Yellowstone — an experience that has very few rivals anywhere. Spring, while underrated, is best reserved for wildlife enthusiasts with flexible schedules willing to accept unpredictable conditions. Whenever you go, Wyoming rewards those who venture beyond the car window.
Where to stay?
1. Belle Fourche River Campground
The Belle Fourche River Campground is a 2-loop, 46-site campground with 4 accessible sites and 3 tent-only group sites. Drinking water is available at water spigots and in the restrooms. Large cottonwood trees provide shade. A picnic shelter and tables are available north of the campground. This is a first-come, first-served campground, with no reservations. There is a 14-day limit on occupancy. There are 43 pull-through sites with room for RVs up to 35′. No hookups are available
2. Devils Tower Lodge
Devils Tower Lodge sits at the base of one of America’s most recognisable landmarks, the dramatic basalt monolith of Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming. The lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a relaxed, unpretentious setting that suits climbers, hikers and anyone drawn to this corner of the Black Hills region. Rooms are straightforward and comfortable rather than luxurious, and the atmosphere is friendly and informal. The real draw, of course, is the location: guests can walk to the tower’s base trail directly from the property, and the views from the grounds are genuinely impressive. Climbing instruction and guiding services are available on site, which makes it a practical base for those wanting to tackle the tower’s famous crack routes. For travellers who want somewhere close to the action without fuss or high prices, Devils Tower Lodge is a sensible and well-regarded choice.
3. Sawin’ Logs Inn
Robin’s Nest Bed & Breakfast sits in a handsome two-storey red brick house on Alger Avenue, just two blocks from the historic centre of Cody, Wyoming. Built in the early 1930s, it has been run as a B&B since 2001 by hosts Robin and Bob, who are well-known among guests for their local knowledge and practical advice on visiting Yellowstone National Park, around an hour’s drive away. The property has four rooms, each with a private bathroom, and breakfast is served every morning in generous, family-style fashion — typically a fruit course, eggs, meat and something baked. A popular dish is Bob’s Upside-Down Stuffed French Toast. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement, parking is free, and there is a shuttle to the nearby regional airport. Ranked second out of 17 B&Bs in Cody on TripAdvisor, it is a solid, well-regarded base for exploring both the town and the wider Wyoming landscape, including the Pryor Mountain wild mustangs and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.
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