Last Updated on 23 February, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Devils Tower National Monument is tucked away in Wyoming’s northeast corner and soars above the surrounding plains and ponderosa pines. This massive monolithic masterpiece rises 867 feet from base to summit. This unique geologic feature attracts hikers worldwide!

Hiking Devils Tower can be done on any of the 5 scenic trails at the National Monument:

1. Tower Trail (1.8 miles)
2. Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 miles)
3. Red Beds Trail (2.8 miles)
4. South Side Trail (0.6 miles)
5. Valley View Trail (0.6 miles)

Below, I’ll outline the five trails you can explore while hiking Devils Tower National Monument and give you some background about each. That way, you can plan your trip to this otherworldly monument!

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The Tower Trail (1.8 miles)

Hiking Devils Tower isn’t complete without taking the paved Tower Trail. It’s the most popular trail in the park and brings you up close and personal with the largest example of columnar jointing in the world!

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Visitor Center

The tower trail starts at the visitor center and loops around the entire base of the Tower. Because of its popularity, I recommend getting to the Monument early if you want to enjoy this hike with some solitude. 

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to read about how the tower was formed, Native American stories, and early climbing expeditions to reach the top of the tower. 

Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 miles)

The Joyner Ridge Trail is on the park’s northern side and offers stunning views of the Tower from a distance. This is the perfect trail for those interested in hiking Devils Tower without the crowds.

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation changes
• Trailhead: N44.5987, W104.7239

A walk along the Joyner Ridge Trail takes you through forests of Ponderosa Pine that tower overhead, offering relief on warm summer days. The trail opens up to mixed grass prairie and amazing views of Devil’s Tower.

This trailhead is a haven for stargazers as well. The wide open prairie offers spectacular views of the night sky with a spattering of stars dotting the vast cosmic landscape above. Access to the trailhead is off West Road, which is a dirt road, but 4WD is not required.

If you’d rather explore Devils Tower in solitude, this is the trail to take! By the way, if you’re traveling to other popular destinations and wish to avoid the crowds, check out our guides below!

• Avoid the Crowds at Great Sand Dunes National Park 
• Uncrowded Hiking at Garden of the Gods

Red Beds Trail (2.8 miles)

The Red Beds Trail is a larger loop around Devils Tower that explores not only the interesting geologic formations but also the surrounding Belle Fourche River valley. It’s another excellent trail if you want to experience hiking Devils Tower without crowds, as most people take the Tower Trail.

• Length: 2.8 miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate due to elevation changes.
• Trailhead: Visitor Center

Much of the trail is exposed, so it’s a good idea to start early or bring plenty of water and sun protection. Getting to the visitor center parking area is challenging during peak season, so consider coming early or hiking from the picnic area parking (first left after entering the park). It adds 3 miles total to the hike.

South Side Trail (0.6 miles)

One of the shortest trails at Devil’s Tower National Monument is the South Side Trail. It connects the amphitheater to the Red Beds Trail, which eventually leads to the visitor center. If you prefer easy trails while hiking Devils Tower, this is an excellent choice!

What makes this hike so awesome is that it goes right through a prairie dog town! You can check out all the black-tailed prairie dogs as they pop in and out of their burrows. Listen to their chirping as they warn of your approach, and see these chunky ground squirrels dive into their burrows to escape danger. Remember, please do not feed the wildlife! (They’re chunky enough as it is!)

• Length: 0.6 miles
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Devils Tower Picnic Area

The South Side Trail is an excellent way to avoid the busy visitor center. Simply park at the picnic area and hike the South Side Trail and the first section of the Red Beds Trail to reach the visitor center. In total, it’s about 1.5 miles from the picnic area to the visitor center.

Valley View Trail (0.6 miles)

The final hike on our list is the Valley View Trail. Its location in the park’s southern boundaries means it’s much less populated than the Tower Trail yet still offers stunning views of the landscape. 

• Length: 0.6 miles
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Devils Tower Picnic Area

With minimal elevation gain, this is the perfect trail if you prefer easy strolls while hiking Devils Tower. The trail cruises through a prairie dog town and the surrounding Belle Fourche River.

To make the trail a little longer, connect it with the South Side Trail to make it into a 1.5-mile loop!

Hiking Devils Tower: FAQ

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Devil’s Tower and our well-researched answers.

How Long Does It Take To Hike Devil’s Tower?

The popular Tower Trail is 1.8 miles long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Can A Beginner Climb Devils Tower?

No, beginners cannot climb Devil’s Tower. The easiest route is a 5.7 traditional route, which is much more difficult than a 5.7 sport route.

Can You Get To The Top Of Devils Tower Without Climbing?

No, traditional climbing is the only way to get to the top of Devil’s Tower.

What Is The Best Trail At Devils Tower?

The most popular trail at Devil’s Tower is the Tower Trail. It’s paved and walks around the base of the Tower. If you prefer a little more solitude, check out the Joyner Ridge or Red Beds Trail.

Special Considerations for Hiking Devils Tower

Devils Tower is a unique area that attracts visitors worldwide to gape at the massive monolith that seems so out of place in the surrounding plains. If you’re looking forward to hiking Devils Tower, here are a few things to consider.

Pets

We are the Dirtbags with Furbags, so we always try to find pet-friendly places to explore. However, Devils Tower is unfortunately not one of them. Pets aren’t allowed on any trails at Devils Tower, so it’s best to leave the pups at home if you can.

If you’re wondering what places managed by the National Park Service are dog-friendly, check out our guide on dog-friendly National Parks, where we uncover the most dog-friendly National Parks!

Pack Your Essentials

Be prepared for mishaps, even on short day hikes like the Tower Trail. Pack plenty of water and make sure you’re wearing proper footwear and clothing for the weather.

Here are the top items we recommend bringing on every hike, no matter the distance:

• First-aid kit: For minor injuries, a hiking first-aid kit like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit can come in handy. It packs down super small to take up minimal space in your day pack.
• Water Bottle: Opt for water bottles that keep liquids cool, like the Rambler Vacuum Bottle with Chug Cap from YETI. This helps keep you hydrated, especially on hot summer days.
• Sun Protection: Some trails, like the Red Beds Trail, are very exposed most of the way. Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin. We prefer sunscreen like Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream because it doesn’t have any toxic or harsh chemicals and is good for the environment.
• Sturdy Footwear: Hiking shoes are a great option for hiking Devils Tower. Boots may be a little overkill, as many of the trails are short and do not require waterproof footwear.

It’s not a bad idea to pack some extras, like snacks, a flashlight, and extra layers, in case the weather or trail conditions change. Take it from the Boy Scouts – always be prepared!

Check out our day hiking gear checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a safe, enjoyable hike.

Native American Heritage

Native American tribes revere Devils Tower as a sacred place. You may see strips of cloth swaying in the breeze attached to trees. These are prayer cloths and should be left alone. 

Tribes such as the Arapaho, Crow, Cheyenne, Shoshone, and Lakota still exist in the region and utilize the Devils Tower area. Oral stories have been passed down about the origin of the tower, which is explained in many of the exhibits along the Tower Trail path.

Rock Climbing

Devils Tower has some of the best trad (traditional) climbing in North America due to the long hexagonal columns that make up the Tower. The National Park Service tells us that the longest crack is nearly 400 feet in vertical length! 

If you want to climb at Devil’s Tower, you must register first. It’s free and simply documents that you are climbing at the Tower. There are no sport routes at Devils Tower, only trad climbing. You cannot bivouac on the tower, so plan to complete your route in a single push.

June is a voluntary closure of the Tower to climbing. This is when most Native American rituals take place, and the National Park Service asks climbers to voluntarily refrain from climbing during the entire month of June.

Hiking Devils Tower: Wrap-Up Session

Devils Tower is a must-see in northeastern Wyoming. Myths and legends abound about the Tower’s origin, and it’s a hot spot for alien activity!

Hiking Devils Tower is one of the best ways to experience this magnificent monolith up close. To recap, the 5 hiking trails at Devil’s Tower include:

• Tower Trail
• Joyner Ridge Trail
• Red Beds Trail
• South Side Trail
• Valley View Trail

If you’re only stopping for an hour or two, the Tower Trail is the way to go. If you have more time, explore some of the lesser-known trails at this amazing National Monument, like the Joyner Ridge or Red Beds Trail.

Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us, and keep exploring this beautiful country, one trail at a time! For more hiking guides, check out our blog!