Devils Tower: Red Bed Trailhead

The Red Beds Trail is a 2.8-mile moderately strenuous loop that circles Devils Tower, climbing between the Belle Fourche River valley and the visitor center and offering stunning views of the Tower and surrounding landscape. It sees a fraction of the visitors compared to the much more popular Tower Trail — making it the best option for those looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing the full majesty of the monument. The trail passes up-close through the red beds of the Spearfish Formation — the oldest visible rocks in the park — dramatically colored layers of mud and sandstone exposed as the surrounding landscape eroded away over millions of years. The route passes through ponderosa pine forest, open prairie, and brightly colored geology, with connections to all other park trails. With 449 feet of elevation gain, the hike takes most visitors between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to complete. The trail is accessible from the visitor center parking lot and can be combined with the Tower Trail for a full 4.1-mile circuit around the monument. No pets.