Our First National Monument

While the name of Devils Tower may not be a household word, millions can recognize its shape from the 1977 movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Devils Tower also holds the distinction of being our country's first national monument. It was established by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906 under the new Antiquities Act, making Wyoming the home of our first national park (Yellowstone in 1872) and our first national monument. The name Devils Tower has been ascribed to Colonel Richard I. Dodge in 1875. After General George A. Custer had confirmed gold reports in today's South Dakota portion of the Black Hills, Dodge's expedition was sent to survey the area, even though their presence was a violation of Indian treaty rights.

This 1,347 acre park lies at the convergence of Black Hills pine forest with rolling plains grasslands. It features more than seven miles of hiking trails, which afford the opportunity for wildlife viewing, birding, and nature photography. More than 150 species of birds have been identified, including hawks, bald and golden eagles, turkey vulture, and prairie falcon. The predominant mammals are the white-tailed deer and the black-tailed prairie dog. The main feature of the park is the tower itself, the remnant of an ancient volcanic feature, which rises 867 feet from its base, 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, and 5,112 feet above sea level.

Climbing the Tower

Every year, more than 5,000 climbers from all over the world come to northeast Wyoming to climb the massive monolith. The tower is known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge, and is a sacred site of worship for many American Indians. In 1995, the National Park Service established a plan to manage recreational climbing at Devils Tower in relation to the tower's significance as a cultural resource. In order that there be no new physical impacts to Devils Tower, the plan called for no new bolts or fixed pitons to be permitted on the tower. In respect for the reverence many American Indians hold for Devils Tower as a sacred site, the management plan also asked rock climbers to voluntarily refrain from climbing on Devils Tower during the culturally significant month of June, and most climbers have respected this request.

The park's visitor center is open seasonally and offers exhibits on the Tower's history and geology. The monument's staff interprets the cultural significance of Devils Tower for all visitors along with the more traditional themes of natural history and rock climbing. Activities, including interpretive programs and junior ranger programs are offered mainly during the summer months. The park features a 50-site campground, which accommodates both RVs and tents on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information, contact:

P.O. Box 10
Devils Tower, WY 82714
307 467-5283 - phone
307-467-5350 - fax