![]() I loved the crazy boulders and the otherworldly feel of it. There is significant shade through most of it. This is a wonderful hike for everyone from toddlers to elderly to the very out of shape. We immediately began hiking the Tower Trail, as we knew it was getting hotter and time was if the essence. Our kids picked up junior ranger books and we used real toilets and sinks. There were spaces by the visitor center at 8. Upon entering, had to stop at the massive prairie dog fields. In any event, we left our hotel in Custer around 5:30 a.m. Staying close by means beating the heat by arriving early, as well as having a place to use the restroom. This area of the country has daylight at 5:30 a.m. Having recently visited with serious heat and sun, I recommend the strategy of staying as close as you can to each monument. We stayed in Custer, as we were seeing other sights in and around Rapid City in June 2021, including the Badlands.īTW, I do not recommend the strategy of a central base and then driving out each day. Each side of the tower had a different perspective. The paved trail around the tower was fairly level with a few places where the path elevation changed but nothing drastic. The tower was really impressive from the beginning of the trail head especially later in the day when the light was softer. There also was a stamp station for your US National Park Passports available. The construction did not deter our enjoyment of the area. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the non-paved trail is rocky in places.Īfter we reached the Visitors Center, we could see that there was construction on the road and nearby parking lots. The scenery from this trail was amazing and worth the hike to the visitors center. The initial ascent up the non-paved trail was a bit steep but it leveled off. In the late afternoon, we packed up our day packs with water and snacks and decided to make the 1.5+ mile trek from the lower parking lot up to where the paved 1.3 mile loop around the base was located. The views of the Devils Tower was really amazing from these areas. The road to the visitors center was closed and visitors were asked to park at the lower parking lot and campground area. Upon arrival to the park, we were pleased that we could enter the park without paying the usual required fee. We visited over the long July 4th holiday. I recommend this site for anyone in the area. ![]() The walk took us about 45 minutes but was well worth it. If you are lucky, you may be able to see people climbing up or down the monument. The climb is a bit steep and strenuous in parts but worth the effort for the view of the monument and the vista of the valley. I recommend the Tower trail that is a 1.5 mile round trip as it goes around the monument. The parking is limited and the area is under construction so it may be difficult to find a parking space on a busy day. It is a 3 mile drive up to the 2 paths that you can take. One if for the Prairie dog village on one side and another is to explain concrete structures in the river. ![]() Once you pass the entrance booth, there are pullouts driving around the hill to the parking area. They allow climbimg on the face but you must register. ![]() There is a fee to enter as it is the first National Monument of the United States dedicated in 1906. Do not expect any “Close Encounters of the Third kind” experience. So I will admit that I was skeptical about going to this site but I am glad that I did. ![]()
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