Wyoming’s Devils Tower Celebrates 120 Years as America’s First National Monument With New Travel Experiences
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Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is turning 120 this year! They are holding special events and programs to celebrate as well as increase the interest and understanding of the cultural and physical aspects of Devils Tower. Devils Tower is a geologically tall, quarter-mile, rock formation, and the first national monument, proclaimed by President Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. Devils Tower is an international attraction for travelers, climbers, and photographers.
This year is significant because Devils Tower has always been a protected natural area, and in more recent times, a popular destination. The National Park Service holds programs to interpret Devils Tower and entertain the large visitor numbers. In addition to the 120th Birthday program on September 24, they have other programs to cover Devils Towers geology and Indigenous history and to provide the public with ways to help and support the National Park Service.
A Historic Landmark That Started America’s National Monument Movement
Devils Tower holds a unique position in United States conservation history. Before the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, President Theodore Roosevelt used the newly established Antiquities Act to protect places of significant scientific and cultural value. Devils Tower became the first site selected under this landmark legislation, setting a foundation for America’s national monument system.
Rising dramatically above the surrounding Wyoming prairie, Devils Tower remains a powerful symbol of natural preservation. The monument’s towering presence has helped shape tourism in the region for more than a century, attracting visitors seeking outdoor adventure, photography opportunities and connections with Native American traditions. The 120th anniversary celebrations provide travellers with an opportunity to experience one of the oldest protected landscapes in the United States while exploring the stories that have shaped its identity.
Hollywood Fame Added Global Recognition to Wyoming’s Iconic Tower
Beyond its geological importance, Devils Tower became internationally famous through popular culture. The monument served as the dramatic meeting point between humans and extraterrestrials in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 science-fiction film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The movie introduced the Wyoming landmark to millions of viewers worldwide and created a significant increase in visitor interest. Following the film’s release, visitation to Devils Tower increased sharply as travellers arrived to see the landscape that became one of cinema’s most recognisable locations.
Today, the connection between Hollywood history and natural scenery remains an important part of the destination’s tourism appeal. Visitors continue to combine film-inspired travel with hiking, photography and exploration of the surrounding Black Hills region.
Ancient Geological Wonder Rising Above Wyoming’s Landscape
Devils Tower is one of the most distinctive geological formations in North America. The monument rises approximately 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, creating a dramatic vertical structure visible from miles across the Wyoming landscape. Scientists believe the tower formed around 65 million years ago when molten magma pushed upward into surrounding sedimentary layers. The magma cooled slowly, creating the monument’s famous vertical columns. Over millions of years, erosion removed softer surrounding rock and revealed the massive structure that stands today.
The summit of Devils Tower is relatively small compared with its enormous height, creating a striking contrast between its narrow top and towering rock walls. The unusual column formations have made it one of the world’s most recognised geological landmarks and a major attraction for geology-focused tourism.
Bear Lodge Reflects Deep Indigenous Cultural Connections
For many Plains tribes, Devils Tower is more than a natural attraction. Known as Bear Lodge (Mato Tipila), the site holds deep spiritual and cultural importance for Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne and other Native American groups.
Traditional stories connected to the monument describe the vertical marks on the rock face as the result of a giant bear’s claws. These cultural narratives continue to shape how visitors understand the landscape.The National Park Service recognises the importance of preserving both the physical landscape and the cultural traditions associated with Devils Tower. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect and awareness of its continuing significance for Indigenous communities.
Autumn Travel Brings Ideal Conditions for Exploration
Late September and October are becoming increasingly popular periods for visiting Devils Tower. After the busy summer months, visitor numbers decrease significantly, creating a quieter experience for hiking, photography and sightseeing. Autumn brings cooler daytime temperatures, clearer skies and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. The season is particularly attractive for travellers interested in night sky photography because the monument’s remote location provides relatively low light pollution.
The Joyner Ridge area and the Circle of Sacred Smoke Sculpture and Picnic Area are among the preferred locations for visitors looking to experience the night sky. Stargazing programmes organised by the park help travellers learn more about astronomy while enjoying Wyoming’s open landscapes.
Adventure Tourism Grows Through Hiking and Rock Climbing
Devils Tower remains a major destination for adventure travellers, especially those interested in rock climbing. The monument is internationally recognised for its challenging crack climbing routes, attracting climbers from across the world during the May to mid-October climbing season.
Climbers must register before ascending and after completing their climb. The park also observes a voluntary climbing pause every June, allowing uninterrupted access for Indigenous religious and cultural ceremonies. For visitors who prefer ground-level exploration, the Tower Trail provides an accessible way to experience the monument’s scale. Ranger-led programmes throughout the season provide additional insights into the geology, wildlife and history of the area.
Visitor Planning Becomes Essential During Peak Travel Months
Devils Tower welcomes around half a million visitors annually, with the majority arriving between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During peak summer periods, parking areas can reach capacity, and visitors may experience delays entering the monument. Travellers planning a visit during busy months are advised to arrive early and check current conditions before departure. Road conditions can change due to weather, construction and seasonal factors.
The monument operates with different entrance fee categories depending on the method of arrival. Current fees include:
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $25 |
| Motorcycle | $20 |
| Individual pedestrian or cyclist | $15 |
The America the Beautiful annual pass is also accepted for eligible visitors.
Devils Tower Lodge Adds Unique Stay Experience Near Monument
Accommodation options near Devils Tower remain limited, making nearby lodging experiences especially valuable for travellers. Devils Tower Lodge, located outside the monument boundary, offers visitors a small family-run accommodation experience with views of the landmark.
The six-room property combines lodging with climbing services through Devils Tower Climbing Guides, supporting adventure travellers visiting the region. The lodge’s location allows visitors to stay close to the monument while enjoying a more personalised experience compared with larger tourism destinations.
2026 Anniversary Creates New Reasons to Visit Wyoming
Devils Tower stands out this year with a variety of special programs in recognition of its 120th anniversary. This Tower is a representation of the natural wonders of the US and provides guests an opportunity to experience outdoor adventure combined with an appreciation of our cultural resources and historical programs.
With programs hosted by park rangers and stargazing this year, in addition to the awe-inspiring beauty of the tower itself, visitors to Wyoming this year have plenty of chances to experience what makes Devils Tower special. With various programs geared toward visitors of all ages, the national monument continues to celebrate its important anniversary and commemorate Wyoming’s first national monument.
