AlA Day at Devil’s Tower is usually part of a road trip or a trip through the Black Hills. A drive to Devil’s Tower can incorporate a few great spots including waterfalls and nature hikes. This guide will give you an itinerary for a perfect day in the Devil’s Tower area.
Devil’s Tower
We were coming from Yellowstone so came into the area from the West. This itinerary will map from west to east. We came to the Devil’s Tower from Rt. 110 from the west. As you near the monument, take a moment to take a picture from further away. It is hard to really capture the site while up close, so take a minute to get a nice landscape.
Logistical Information
Admission is $25, but if you have an America The Beautiful Pass you can use that for admission. Parking is ample and not usually a concern. There is a visitor center with rest rooms and information. Although there are no restaurants in the park, there are options near the KOA and campgrounds. You can grab food to go or sit in one of the restaurants. Very casual food. Check the NPS site for more information.
Viewing Devil’s Tower
Depending on time of year, you may see some fabric tied to trees around the area. The area has spiritual significance to the American Indians. The fabric is a physical representation of a prayer. The park ask that you do not disturb these or photograph this displays as it is considered culturally insensitive.
Hiking
Tower Trail – Easy 1.2 miles To best appreciate Devil’s Tower, take the time to walk the tower trail which is an easy 1.2 mile trail. It takes you around the base and gives you great views from all sides. It will take you less than an hour even with stops and photos.
Red Beds Trail – Moderate – 2.8 miles For those that would like additional hiking you can hike the Red Beds which is a moderate hike, but gives you great views not just of the monument, but of the surrounding area.
Circle of Smoke Sculture
South Side Trail – Easy 0.6 miles For those hiking the Red Beds Trail, there is a connecting trail call South Side Trail. This will take you a path that will lead you to the Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture. The sculpture represents the first puff of smoke from a peace pipe and shows the importance of Devil’s Tower to over 20 American Indian tribes. You can view Devil’s Tower through the center of the sculpture. You can also drive here if you don’t want the full hike.
Prairie Dog Town
For some reason I am so intrigued with these large communities of prairie dogs. Near the Wind Sculpture is a large prairie dog community that you can spend some time with. Pulling off the road and observing is an entertaining stop. While I feel stupid mentioning it, do not approach the prairie dogs. At one stop on our trip one gentleman was walking into the field to try and get closer. They will bite if frightened. Just observe, watch them bark to each other and get more comfortable coming out to say hello.
Spearfish Canyon Area
After Devil’s Tower, we were heading to the Black Hills area. We decided to take the scenic route and spend time in the Spearfish Canyon area. There are several waterfalls, hikes and a scenic drive that are great for the rest of your Devil’s Tower day. Head east to South Dakota on highway 90 to Spearfish.
Spearfish Canyon Highway
Rt ALT 14 from Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing is a great scenic byway through Black Hills National Forest. There are a few interesting stops to consider starting from north to south.
Community Cave Trail
For those that like hiking and caves here is a quick trail only 0.6 miles out and back with a very small incline. The caves are not your traditional underground miles of caverns, but a really neat hike to some small caves and rock formations. The forest is really pretty providing some great views.
Bridal Veil Falls
We were there during a dry time so the falls were not overflowing, but even with low flow it was a great stop. You can hike to right under the falls from the side of the road. We enjoyed sitting and watching the kids climb up under the water
Little Spearfish Falls
There is parking right near the falls or you can hike a loop that will give you views of the upper and lower falls.
Roughlock Falls Trail
Another waterfall that you can park near or make a hike out of it. We parked at Roughlock Falls and then walked to the upper observation deck of Little Spearfish Falls. Both were nice views and a pleasant walk on a paved path.
Time Left? Stop in Lead or Deadwood for some South Dakota western fun.
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