Location and surroundings
Devils Tower is in Crook County in Wyoming, in the United States. At 1,558 m, it is a prominent point in the area, but it is lower than several nearby summits to the east and southeast. The surroundings are open and rural, with low hills, buttes and protected land around the monument.
The summit lies inside Devils Tower National Monument, which shapes access and land use around the mountain. The terrain around it is typical of a dry upland landscape, with exposed slopes and broad views rather than forested alpine ground. Nearby high points include a mix of buttes and hills spread across the county, giving the area a scattered, isolated feel.
Neighbouring peaks
- Devils Tower National Monument — 1,287 m, 0.5 km west
- Missouri Buttes — 1,400 m, 5.5 km northwest
- Storm Hill — 1,305 m, 7.9 km north
- Cedar Hill — 1,375 m, 11.3 km southwest
- Castle Rocks — 1,411 m, 11.9 km south
- Manly Hill — 1,593 m, 13.1 km east
- Newton Hill — 1,599 m, 13.9 km east
- Moore Hill — 1,364 m, 14.5 km north
Devils Tower is higher than most of these nearby points, but it is not the highest. Manly Hill is the nearest higher peak, and Newton Hill is slightly higher still. The cluster of surrounding hills shows that the tower is a standout summit in a wider upland landscape, not the top of a large range.
The view from the summit
From Devils Tower, the highest peaks within 25 km are spread mainly to the east and southeast. Warren Peaks lies 25.0 km to the southeast at 2,029 m. The Rocks is 21.3 km to the southeast at 1,677 m. Sherrard Hill is 16.7 km east at 1,634 m, while Montgomery Hill is 21.7 km southeast at 1,563 m.
Other nearby high points include Black Hills at 19.0 km east and Cockscomb Hill at 16.8 km east. These distances suggest a broad horizon with scattered higher ground rather than a wall of nearby peaks. On a clear day, the summit view is likely to be open and far-reaching across the surrounding hills and plains.
The range
The sources do not place Devils Tower in a named mountain range. It is described as a peak in Crook County, Wyoming, within Devils Tower National Monument.
What can be said from the elevation data is that Devils Tower is a local high point with modest prominence, standing above the surrounding terrain but below several nearby hills. Its role is therefore more that of an isolated landmark peak than a summit within a large, named mountain system.
Access and starting points
The summit area is reached by the marked Tower Trail. Around the top there is a viewpoint 270 m southwest and drinking water 360 m west. There are 12 car parks within 2 km, with the nearest about 400 m west of the summit. From that car park, the rough approach is about 0.5 km on foot and 260 m up, which works out to roughly 25–40 minutes by Naismith's rule.
The monument setting means access is organised around park facilities rather than a village trailhead. The nearest mapped parking is close enough that the ascent can be done as a short outing, but the actual time depends on pace, stops and conditions on the route.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 22 °C, and coldest in January, at about -5 °C. Mean temperatures at the summit are above freezing from March through October. The surrounding area receives about 450 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in May at about 80 mm and the driest in January at about 15 mm.
For this part of Wyoming, weather can change quickly, with wind, strong sun, dry air and occasional storms. In shoulder seasons, cold mornings and late snow or ice are possible on exposed ground, while summer can bring heat and thunderstorms. The open terrain gives little shelter once you are above the lower slopes.
Best time to visit
For a summit visit, the most practical months are usually the ones with mean temperatures above freezing at the top: March to October. Within that window, the warmer and generally more comfortable period is late spring through early autumn, while winter and mid-winter conditions are colder and less forgiving on exposed ground. The driest month in the surrounding area is January, but that does not make it the easiest time to climb.
Because the summit is exposed, the best time is usually when the ground is dry, daylight is long and storms are less frequent. In this elevation band, early starts help avoid heat and afternoon weather changes.
Nature and wildlife
Devils Tower National Monument protects the summit and the land around it. The wider area is typical of the northern Great Plains and nearby uplands, with open grassland, scattered shrubs and rocky ground on and around the tower. At this elevation, vegetation is generally sparse on exposed slopes and more developed in lower, less windy places.
Wildlife in such country commonly includes birds of prey, small mammals and larger grazing animals in the surrounding landscape. The open setting also means that sun, wind and dry conditions are part of the mountain environment. Visitors should stay on marked routes and respect the protected area rules.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Devils Tower, a certified guide is usually not necessary for the summit area itself, but it can be useful for visitors who want local knowledge, route planning or a more structured outing. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides.
Guided mountain days in the United States usually depend on the length of the outing, group size, whether technical equipment is needed and whether extra days or logistics are involved. For this mountain, the main practical issue is choosing a safe, legal and comfortable way to visit the summit area rather than arranging a major alpine expedition.
Safety and preparation
Devils Tower is not a high alpine summit, but it still calls for preparation: sturdy footwear, water, sun protection and awareness of weather changes. The open terrain can feel hot in summer and cold in wind or shade, and the exposed setting offers little shelter. If you are walking from the nearest car park, the climb is short but steep enough to require steady pacing.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or the national park system. Carry a charged phone, but do not rely on it alone; tell someone your plan before setting out.
Interesting facts
Devils Tower has a prominence of 264 m and the nearest higher peak is Manly Hill, 13.1 km to the east. It is one of several named high points in the area, but not the highest. The summit area also has a viewpoint and drinking water nearby, which makes it more accessible than many remote peaks of similar height.
The mountain is known by several other names, including Bear Lodge Butte, Bear's House and Bear's Lodge. Its position inside a national monument gives it a protected setting and a clear identity as a landmark peak in northeastern Wyoming.
FAQ
How high is Devils Tower? It rises to 1,558 m above sea level.
Where is Devils Tower? It is in Crook County, Wyoming, in the United States, inside Devils Tower National Monument.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Manly Hill, 13.1 km to the east, at 1,593 m.
Is there water on the way to Devils Tower? There is drinking water about 360 m west of the summit area. Even so, carry your own supply; for a day outing, plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and effort.
Are there huts on Devils Tower? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Devils Tower? From the car park about 0.4 km west of the top, the rough approach is about 25–40 minutes by Naismith's rule. That is an estimate from distance and height gain; the real path may take longer.
Will my mobile phone work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open summit it is often better than in valleys, but you should still download maps before setting out. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.