State Parks and National Parks

Devils Tower National Monument

Captivated by its beauty and unique geology, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the nation's first national monument in 1906.

About 30 miles northwest of Sundance in the Black Hills, the imposing, 865-foot tower of rock is visible from miles away.

About 50 million years ago molten magma was forced into sedimentary rocks above it, and cooled underground. As it cooled, it contracted and fractured into columns. Centuries of wind and water erosion have exposed this stone core.

Rock climbers climb more than 200 routes on the tower. About 80 of these routes reach the tower summit. Less technical climbers can hike Tower Trail, which circles the monument and can be walked in about an hour.

White-tailed and mule deer reside in the park, along with wild turkeys and a prairie dog colony.

The 1,347-acre monument has several wheelchair-accessible campsites, but no accessible trails.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service.