2021-12-16 10:23:45
Many People, Many Stories, One Place Anchoring the northeast corner of the Black Hills of Wyoming is Devils Tower National Monument. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as the country’s first national monument. ABOUT THE PARK Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the picturesque Belle Fourche River Valley. This geologic oddity of epic proportions is made of igneous rock. Also known as Bear Lodge, the tower is sacred to over two dozen Native American tribes. You will see prayer cloths and prayer bundles attached to trees around the park. These represent the tangible connection native people maintain with this area. Please do not touch, disturb or photograph these cloths. VISITOR CENTER The Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits that describe the park’s natural and cultural history, a bookstore and a souvenir shop. Look for the new interpretive exhibits that were installed in 2021. Find Devils Tower National Monument business listings on page 141. Things To Do Hiking Take advantage of all the monument offers on the trails in the park. Tower Trail, the most popular route, takes you around the base and offers spectacular views of the tower. Rock Climbing Hundreds of parallel cracks divide the stone pillar into large hexagonal columns, making it a premier traditional crack climbing area. Climbing above the boulder field requires registration before climbing. Please note, there is a voluntary climbing closure during June. Ranger Programs During the summer season, park staff and guest speakers cover topics related to the monument’s natural and cultural history. Programs include guided walks along Tower Trail and short talks outside the visitor center. Night Sky Viewing Learn about the night sky, one of the many resources protected by Devils Tower National Monument, during the stargazing programs the park hosts throughout the year. Prairie Dog Town Prairie dogs are one of the most visible animals at Devils Tower. Use the pullouts to observe their bustling environment as they entertain you with their playful antics. Camping Stay overnight at the park. Camping is available in established sites at the Belle Fourche River Campground and Devils Tower KOA.
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