Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River in northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower National Monument is an incredible sight to behold. The massive rock butte has long been important to Native Americans, and is an incredible destination in the Black Hills that should be seen by all.
If you’re ready to visit, follow this guide to learn what you need to know about Devils Tower, and the visitors medical insurance to get before your trip.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Devils Tower – FAQs
An injury can happen anywhere. The same goes for an illness. But have you thought about what you would do if one were to occur while you were in a foreign country? USA healthcare is incredibly expensive, so all tourists in the US should make sure to have visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Devils Tower?
You’re free to visit the USA as a tourist without visitors medical insurance, as there is no law requiring it. But it is something you should strongly consider. If you need to go to the hospital, treatment without health insurance that’s valid in the USA is simply unaffordable, and the insurance from your home country won’t do you much good here. You need to have visitors medical insurance.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Devils Tower?
The area surrounding Devils Tower is natural and rugged. You could quite easily fall and break a bone, or contract an illness from the elements. It is important to take all the steps necessary to ensure you can pay for needed medical care by purchasing visitors medical insurance.
Devils Tower’s Most Popular Activities
Although Devils Tower itself is obviously the centerpiece of this national monument, the way you choose to see it and other activities you take part in are up to you. Here are some fun things you can do during your visit.
Take a Hike
Devils Tower National Monument boasts five different hiking trails to enjoy. Some, like the 1.5-mile Amphitheater Circuit, are fairly short and easy. Others like the 4-mile South Side to Red Beds Loop have significant elevation gains. Along the way you can enjoy picturesque views of the Tower, and local wildlife like the always entertaining prairie dogs that pop out of their holes and chatter about.
Climb to the Summit
Devils Tower is a world class rock climbing destination, with multiple routes offering varying levels of technical difficulty from 5.7 to 5.13. Keep in mind that these routes are designed for experienced climbers with appropriate equipment. They are not something a beginner would be advised to take on.
Go Stargazing
With little light pollution around, the night skies around Devils Tower are a celestial wonderland. Head to the Joyner Ridge Parking Lot and Trail or the Circle of Smoke Sculpture and Picnic Area and turn your eyes to the heavens. The park also hosts night sky programs throughout the year to help you understand the visible astronomy.
See the Historic Visitor Center
Constructed of ponderosa pine logs in 1935, the quaint visitor center is where you can find park staff, visit the bookstore, and see exhibits highlighting the cultural and natural history of Devils Tower.
Camp Out
Devils Tower National Monument does have one campground onsite, the Belle Fourche River Campground. It has 46 sites; 43 of which can accommodate RVs. There are also restrooms and water spigots. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a site here, as it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re able to get a spot, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the tower. There are also several private campgrounds in the area where reservations may be possible.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Devils Tower
Getting to Devils Tower
Devils Tower National Monument is not located near any major cities. By far the most popular way to get there is by personal car, rental car, or RV. The closest major cities are Rapid City, South Dakota and Casper, Wyoming. Bus tours are available through private companies.
When to Visit
By far the most popular months to visit Devils Tower are during the summer vacation season from the beginning of June to the beginning of September. This is when you will see the largest crowds. You can visit the monument in the offseason, but it’s not uncommon to see snow in this part of the US even during late spring and early fall.
Park Regulations
It is legally required to register at the climbing kiosk if you plan to climb or scramble above the boulder field. Always observe posted closures, and keep pets away from the tower and undeveloped trails. Climbers are requested to avoid climbing the tower during the month of June in order to allow local American Indian tribes to conduct ceremonies, as this is a sacred site to them. Please respect this request, and treat all areas of the park with respect and reverence throughout your visit.
Before You Visit Devils Tower – Do This
- Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if you plan on exploring the surrounding trails.
- Consult multiple guidebooks or online resources before attempting any rock climbing routes.
- Purchase visitors medical insurance that covers the activities you intend to participate in.