Devils Tower: Tower Trail

The Tower Trail is the most popular hike in the park — a paved 1.3-mile loop starting from the visitor center parking lot, passing through ponderosa pine forest and the boulder field that surrounds the base of Devils Tower. It is paved its entire length, making it accessible to nearly anyone. The loop can be hiked in either direction and offers a different face of the tower from every angle — the eroded columns on the south side give way to a smoother north face, while fallen and broken columns on the west side hint at the tower's slow, ongoing transformation. Interpretive panels along the way explain the tower's geology and history. As you walk, you may notice cloths or small bundles tied to trees — these are Native American prayer cloths representing the deep spiritual connection many tribes have with the tower. Do not touch, disturb, or remove them. The trail has a steep grade at the beginning and in several other sections. Most visitors complete the loop in 45 minutes to an hour. Arrive early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. No pets.