Exploring Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument is THE MOST unique solitary rock structure we have seen to date on our adventures. No wonder cultures have considered is sacred and no wonder some may believe it has extraterrestrial roots. However it was formed and whatever the history, this is one work of art put together by none other than nature. You go nature.
Parking At Devils Tower National Monument
Whenever Deanna and I are traveling to any state park or national park, we always try to leave as early as possible and arrive sometime in the morning. It is not always possible, but we certainly try our best. Devils Tower National Monument is no exception as this area can be quite crowded at peak hours of the day.
Most of the parking at Devils Tower National Monument is very close to the monument and visitor center themselves. There is a main parking area and there is a gravel overflow parking area where Deanna and I ended up parking at. Luckily for us, the two most popular trails are also located right off that main parking area just up a small hill.
Hiking Red Beds Trail
The most popular trail at Devils Tower National Monument is the Tower Trail. Although the Tower Trail does bring you much closer to the tower itself and I’m sure has plenty more bits of information scattered about, Deanna and I decided to hit up the Red Beds Trail. Why? Because it is away from the majority of people and we still got AMAZING views of Devils Tower National Monument from all different perspectives.
We first started the trail, as mentioned earlier, by the visitor center heading north. The trail loops all the way around so you could totally just go south instead, but I recommend heading the exact same way we did.
The Red Beds Trail is just about 3 miles in length and I would probably rate it as moderate as it does have some pretty steep grades heading back up to the tower (regardless of which direction you take).
Best Views of Devils Tower
Along Red Beds Trail you will literally have perspectives from 360 degrees around the tower. Just don’t forget to look around at the surrounding scenery as well because the tower sorta steals the show. Certainly trees and hills do get in the way of the view from time to time, but with this being such a unique tower…you get totally different views as you make your way around.
Personally, I think the best view of Devils Tower that we were able to achieve was on the south side of the tower. So if you don’t want to hike all the way around Red Beds Trail, I recommend heading south first then looking back north behind you. EPIC views.
What Is There To See Besides Devils Tower?
Like most places we go visit, Deanna and I didn’t really know what to expect besides a massive amazing tower showing off its weird shape to the world. We were very pleasantly surprised to see all the other amazing vistas this area has to offer beyond Devils Tower itself.
Vistas of Valleys, Mountains, and Grasslands
The entire area around Devils Tower National Monument contains vast grasslands, cliffs, mountains, winding rivers, and extraordinary views. Although you do get them no matter which way you hike on the trail, heading north we started through some fairly dense woods that slowly opened up to these epic vistas.
Hiking along the east side of the trail you will come across a large drop off (be careful) and you hike perpendicular to very steep terrain. That entire eastern portion gives you views of the valley that you will eventually hike down into towards the Red Beds.
The mountains and grasslands all around also give a sense of being one with nature or just being out in the middle of freaking no where. We honestly love that feeling, but if you don’t…bring someone else along the hike that does. 🙂
Wildlife
During our short little visit at Devils Tower National Monument we of course saw Prairie Dogs, but also some deer as well as some vultures (lovely right?). According to the NPS you can also come across many other rodents, weasels, rabbits, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, and the most of all ferocious raccoons. 😉 Black beer are very rare in the region though so probably no need for bear spray. If you head further west in Wyoming however, make sure you have the stuff handy.
OTHER “NEARBY” ADVENTURES
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Favorite Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alluvial Fan Rocky Mountain National Park
Wind Cave National Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
