My wife was a little skeptical about going. "It's just a big rock, what's the deal?" But it turned out to be the best part of our Black Hills trip. We are by no means big hikers or outsdoor people, but we really enjoyed the 1.3 mile walk around the tower.

The walk is almost entirely shaded (thank goodness because it was probably 93+ degrees when we were there). You get pretty close to the tower and see all the huge boulders that have broken off and fallen from the monument. It's true that it looks different from different angles as you walk around it.

It was also neat to watch the six or so people that were climbing and repelling off the tower. Added a little big to our walk as well.

Would definitely recommend stopping here.

After seeing Close Encounters of the Third Kind several times, there was no way we were skipping a visit to Devil's Tower. This is an amazing geological wonder. Rangers at the visitor center were most helpful. There is a paved 1 1/2 mile walk around the base of the tower (Tip: start your walk going to the right-clockwise around the base) You are also able to walk up to the tree line--climbing boulders along the way. Plenty of great photo opportunities, bring your binoculars, you might see some people climbing to the top of the tower.

I would absolutely recommend Devils Tower. If you are traveling to/from Yellowstone N.P. (from the east) Devils Tower can be made into an easy stop. Or, if you are in the Black Hills, Devils Tower can be coupled in with a trip to Deadwood, or the Black Hills Passion Play (in Spearfish). Upon arriving to Devils Tower, the question you will need to ask is...to pay, or not to pay for park admission. You will get fabulous views from the highways that surround the monument. Inside the park you will find a visitor's center, a hiking trail at the base of the monument, and a very enjoyable prairie dog field. If the park is busy, I would recommend viewing the monument from outside the park. There are souvenier shops just outside the park entrance if you'd like gifts. We entered the park and hiked around the tower...personally, I wish we hadn't paid for the admission price. Either way, you'll surely enjoy Devils Tower.

Toured in June, 2007. A little history...Devil's Tower is the US's first National Monument having been designated by then President Roosevelt in 1906. The Tower is 865 feet high with the Visitor's Center at the base at an elevation of 4,250 feet. According to the brochure, the rocks and boulders all around the base of the Monument (including some larger than cars), are broken pieces of columns having fallen from the sides of the Tower. The Tower is the core of a volcano which has been exposed to millions of years of erosen by weather and the local Belle Fourche River.

The Tower has a walking path which goes all around the base of the Tower. We walked it and it was wonderful. Not too strenuous and mainly shaded. Very, very peaceful with great views of the land around the Tower. Kids can also get a park ranger badge by filling out some materials in the Visitor's Center.

The Tower is also a popular spot for rock climbing. There weren't any climbers when we were there because June is a voluntary climbing closure for cultural use by American Indians. However, when I had been there previously, you could see the little flecks of people as they made their way up the Tower. There is also a huge prairie dog town as you drive to and from the Tower. The little fat rascals are all over for tourist's views. A must see if you're ever in the area.