If you’re a hiker, climber, or all-around nature buff, then head on over to Devils Tower National Monument.

The national treasure stands an impressive 1,267 feet tall and is located about an hour from Gillette in the Black Hills of Northeastern Wyoming, above the Belle Fourche River.  

A Climber’s Dream

Its many cracks and crevasses make it ideal for climbing, and its surrounding trails, forest and meadowlands give hikers and wildlife enthusiasts plenty to enjoy.

Visitors can also camp on nearby campgrounds, fish in the Belle Fourche River or visit the prairie-dog town located inside the park. The famous monolith became the nation’s first national monument in 1906 and was featured in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Sacred Grounds

The tower is also known as Bears Lodge and is considered a sacred worship site by many Native American tribes.

While the tower is open year round, climbers are asked not to climb during the month of June, out of respect for many culturally significant Native American rituals that occur during that time.

Check out more day trips from Gillette, WY.