Photo: NPS/ S. CarterDevils Tower National Monument features the most distinctive geological formation in the American West—a 867-foot volcanic neck that rises dramatically from the surrounding prairie like a massive stone tree trunk. The Tower's surface displays over 200 parallel vertical cracks that create natural climbing columns, making it America's first National Monument and a world-renowned rock climbing destination. Families discover not only this geological wonder but also bustling prairie dog towns where black-footed ferrets hunt and peregrine falcons nest in the Tower's crevices. The monument preserves sacred Native American sites where over 20 tribes maintain spiritual connections through ceremonies and prayer cloth offerings that visitors respectfully observe along the Tower Trail.
Junior Ranger Program at Devils Tower National Monument
The Junior Ranger program at Devils Tower focuses on geology, Native American traditions, and prairie ecosystem exploration. Kids complete age-appropriate activities learning about how the tower formed, the sacred significance to local tribes, and the diverse wildlife that calls this unique landscape home.
- Explore the Tower Trail with stunning views of the massive rock formation
- Learn Native American legends about how Devils Tower was created
- Discover prairie dogs, deer, and over 100 bird species in their natural habitat
Program Details
Download Junior Ranger Booklet
Get a head start! Download and print the booklet before your visit.
Source: NPS Junior Ranger Program Page
Best Ages for Devils Tower National Monument
Ages 5–8
Young kids absolutely love the prairie dog town where they can watch these chattering creatures pop up from their burrows and spot hawks circling overhead. The easy Valley View Trail through prairie dog town keeps little legs happy, while the Tower Trail's first section offers manageable distances with incredible views of the massive rock formation.
Ages 9–12
This age group truly engages with the geological mysteries of how Devils Tower formed, debating whether it's an ancient volcanic plug or cooled magma chamber. They're fascinated by the Native American legends explaining the Tower's creation and can handle the full 1.3-mile Tower Trail loop that circles the entire base, spotting rock climbers scaling the vertical columns.
Ages 13+
Teens and adults appreciate the complex geological processes that created this unique igneous intrusion and the cultural significance maintained by Northern Plains tribes today. The challenging 2.8-mile Red Beds Loop Trail offers them sweeping vistas of the Belle Fourche River valley while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems from prairie grasslands to riverside cottonwoods.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There
The monument sits 33 miles northeast of Moorcroft via WY-24, with clear signage from I-90. Arrive before 10am or after 4pm during summer months to avoid entrance station congestion and secure better parking at the visitor center. The entrance fee covers seven days and includes access to all trails and facilities.
Van & RV Notes
Our Mercedes Sprinter fits comfortably in the visitor center parking area, though spaces fill quickly during peak summer hours. The nearby Belle Fourche River Campground accommodates larger RVs up to about 40 feet with full hookups, dump station, and easy monument access. The campground operates mid-May through mid-October with cottonwood shade and river views.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall provides the best weather for hiking and Junior Ranger activities, with wildflowers blooming along trails in June and July. Summer brings hot temperatures where the Tower's rock surface can exceed 100°F, so plan morning or evening visits. Winter weather can cause road closures, but the park remains open 24 hours daily when accessible.
How Long to Spend
Plan a full day to complete the Junior Ranger program and explore the monument's main attractions. The Tower Trail loop takes about 45 minutes, while families often spend hours watching prairie dogs and enjoying the picnic area under cottonwood trees.
Don't Miss
The prairie dog town along the Main Park Road captivates families with its bustling activity—kids love hearing the distinctive warning calls and watching for hawks, foxes, and even black-footed ferrets. Joyner Ridge offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution, where families can photograph the night sky with Devils Tower silhouetted against the stars.
Fun Facts for Kids
Devils Tower was America's very first National Monument, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906
The Tower has over 200 climbing routes, and climbers voluntarily avoid the east and southeast faces during June to respect nesting peregrine falcons
Prairie dogs have different alarm calls for different predators—they can actually 'talk' about whether they see a hawk, coyote, or human approaching
The Tower's columns formed as molten rock slowly cooled underground, creating the distinctive parallel cracks that make it look like a giant's causeway
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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