Some might never consider driving through remote Wyoming in the offseason. The rigid temperatures and snow-covered roads during this time of year are only worth it if you’re visiting Devil’s Tower in winter.
Long before I even had an Instagram or a blog, I saved a photo I found online of this giant tower protruding upwards from the plains of Wyoming. Nearly a decade later on a road trip back home to Montana, I finally got the chance to see this majestical National Monument.
About Devil’s Tower National Monument
Standing at over 1200 feet, Devil’s Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming is an incredible geological formation. Technically classified as a butte, the tower itself was formed by magma that cooled underground and eroded into what we see today. Devil’s Tower is protected through its National Monument status, actually becoming our nation’s first National Monument in 1906. With 5 different trail systems that are all connected through the park, it’s a worthy place to visit in any season.
Check current conditions for Devil’s Tower here
Visiting Devil’s Tower in Winter
If you’re a follower of mine, you already know that offseason travel is where I thrive. I don’t do well in large crowds so I always try and explore during less busier times. Because of that, visiting Devil’s Tower in winter was, in my opinion, the most opportune time to see it.
Winter in Wyoming is unpredictable. White-out conditions, blankets and blankets of snow and below-freezing temperatures are no joke. But, since Devil’s Tower wasn’t too far out of my way while leaving Badlands National Park on the way to Montana, I knew I needed to make a stop.
What to Expect at Devil’s Tower in Winter
I wasn’t sure what the conditions would be like on the day we arrived at Devil’s Tower National Monument. Luckily, the park is open year-round at all hours of the day. Keep in mind that there is a fee to enter Devil’s Tower. Learn more about that here.
The road leading up to the main parking area of Devil’s Tower is plowed in winter. We arrived mid-day which allowed us to buy some souvenirs from the gift shop. The 5 trails that surround Devil’s Tower are not maintained so take precautions if you’re planning to hike.
Hiking at Devil’s Tower in Winter
Because we had my newborn with us and temperatures were hovering just above 0ºF, my husband waited in the car while I did some exploring at the base of Devil’s Tower. With mounds of snow piled in and chunks of ice dominating the concrete beneath, I only hiked a portion of them before returning back to the car. If you plan to embark on some of these hikes, come prepared with proper footwear, warm clothing and some hiking poles for extra stability.
Devil’s Tower Trail
The first trail I discovered was the Devil’s Tower Trail. This 1.7-mile loop hike runs the entire perimeter around the base of the tower. I hiked about 0.75 miles until I met the boulder field. From there, the snow and ice became more intense and, with the wind picking up, it felt unsafe to continue. One thing I did notice while hiking were pieces of cloth tied to the trees around me. Stumbling upon an informational marker, I discover that these are “prayer cloths” left behind by the Native American tribes that have a spiritual connection to Devil’s Tower.
Read more about the Native American history at Devil’s Tower here.
Red Beds Trail
The Red Beds Trail is another loop trail at the base of Devil’s Tower but juts further out into the prairie lands. At 2.8 miles long, it starts from the parking area and winds you around by the red cliffs that comprise the oldest-known rocks in the park. While hiking along the Red Beds Trail, visitors get a chance to overlook the Belle Fourche River valley.
South Side Trail
The South Side Trail, accessible from the amphitheater, is a short 0.6 mile detour from the Red Beds trail. This spur trail allows hikers to get a view of the surrounding landscape from a different direction.
Valley View Trail
Also accessible from the amphitheater, the Valley View Trail has a short 0.6 mile distance that gets up close to the Belle Fourche River.
Joyner Ridge Trail
Also acting as a spur from the Red Beds Trail and having a trailhead of its own, the Joyner Ridge Trail is 1.5 mile loop located on the northeast side of Devil’s Tower. Upon leaving the parking area, take West Road north away from the tower until you meet the parking area of the trailhead. The panoramic views of Devil’s Tower from here are outstanding, especially in the still of winter.
As with all natural areas, be sure to abide by the “Leave No Trace” principles while visiting.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry or learn more on their website here.
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