Devils Tower National Monument Ranger Programs Kickoff Weekend

Devils Tower National Monument Ranger Programs Kickoff Weekend signals the start of the summer season at Wyoming’s iconic igneous monolith. You spend the weekend near the visitor center and along the paved Tower Trail, choosing between scheduled ranger talks and pop-up learning stations where staff break down the tower’s geology and its deep tribal significance. Late May brings crisp prairie light, and you will likely see the first major wave of seasonal climbers tracing the vertical columns overhead.

You can expect a family-friendly mix of structured presentations and casual Q and A, with standout sessions focused on how the tower formed and guided walks that spotlight wildlife, including the resident prairie dogs. For the closest view of the rock’s texture and fractures, stay on the Tower Trail at the base; for wider angles across the valley, take in Joyner Ridge Forest Trail. Programs are free, but you will pay the standard park entrance fee when you arrive.

Plan for a busy holiday-weekend feel: arrive before 10:00 AM for the best chance at parking near the visitor center, and if the main lot is full, use the picnic-area lots and walk the connecting trails back to the ranger stations. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water since shade is limited, and pack binoculars to follow climbers and scan for birds of prey higher on the tower. If you are visiting with kids, set aside time for the Junior Ranger program so they can complete the activity booklet and earn a badge.

For overnight stays, you can camp inside the monument at Belle Fourche River Campground, or book lodging in Hulett or Sundance; for more privacy, look for cabins and vacation rentals through Lake.com. Pets are not permitted on the Tower Trail or during ranger programs to protect wildlife, and if rain moves in, most talks shift to the visitor center porch or indoor museum area. If accessibility matters, focus on the primary talks near the visitor center and the pop-up stations along the first section of the Tower Trail, which are designed to work well for visitors with limited mobility.