Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument rises more than 1200 feet above the surrounding Black Hills. The tower, also known as Bears Lodge, is a sacred site for Native Americans.

The Tower Trail offers a nice walk around Devils Tower. It's paved, and only a 1.3 mile loop. This is great way to get away from the crowds at the visitor center and get into the pine forest and see the huge boulders that have fallen off the tower.

Rock Climbing is allowed on Devils Tower. All routes require traditional climbing gear. You must register and obtain a permit at the visitor center to Rock Climb on Devils Tower. There is a voluntary climbing closure in June, supported by the Access Fund, to observe the Tower's sacred significance to Native Americans. Read more on Rock Climbing at Devils Tower.

There is a campground located within the monument. It's open April 25 to October 27, weather permitting. Devils Tower is about a half hour drive north of I-90. The closest lodging to the monument is in Spearfish, South Dakota and Gillette, Wyoming. Devils Tower National Monument is worth seeing, so if you're in the area, either for Mount Rushmore or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, take a few hours and visit the monument.

Search for Lodging and Other Activities in, and around, Rapid City, South Dakota --
After you click the link, type Rapid City, South Dakota in the search box, then click search. You will see rooms available, but also look at the "City Guide" link located in the upper right-hand portion of the screen. If you're planning a visit, this provides great insight into lodging, restaurants and activities in the area. You may want to search Gillette, Wyoming or Spearfish, South Dakota if you'd like to stay closer to the monument.

Devils Tower National Monument on NPS.GOV -- Everything you'd like to know about Devils Tower National Monument.