Watch wildlife in Devil’s Tower National Monument

Watch wildlife in Devil’s Tower National Monument

Explore Devil’s Tower National Monument

Devil’s Tower National Monument is a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and rock climbers alike. Visitors to this iconic geological formation in Wyoming can enjoy a range of activities, including wildlife watching, hiking, and rock climbing. In this article, we’ll explore the top things to do at Devil’s Tower National Monument, with a particular focus on watching wildlife.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife watching is one of the most popular activities at Devil’s Tower National Monument. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including bison, pronghorn, elk, coyotes, foxes, and many more. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s numerous hiking trails and enjoy the stunning scenery while searching for wildlife.

Best Trails for Wildlife Watching

One of the best places to spot wildlife at Devil’s Tower is on the Red Beds Trail. This trail runs along the base of the tower and offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled for bison, elk, and pronghorn, which are often seen grazing in the nearby meadows.

Another popular trail for wildlife watching is the Joyner Ridge Trail. This 1.5-mile hike offers panoramic views of the tower and the surrounding landscape, and is a great place to spot bighorn sheep and pronghorn. Visitors should bring binoculars and be prepared to spend some time on the trail, as animals can be elusive and difficult to spot.

Wildlife Watching from Your Car

In addition to hiking, visitors to Devil’s Tower can also enjoy wildlife watching from the comfort of their car. The park’s 8-mile loop road provides stunning views of the tower and the surrounding landscape, and visitors can often spot wildlife along the way. Be sure to pull over in designated parking areas to avoid disturbing the animals.

Ranger-led Programs and Exhibits

For those who want to learn more about the wildlife at Devil’s Tower, the park offers ranger-led programs and educational exhibits. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from the park’s geology to its plants and animals. Visitors can also stop by the visitor center to pick up maps and brochures, as well as get advice from park rangers on the best places to spot wildlife.

Safety Precautions

While wildlife watching is a popular activity at Devil’s Tower, visitors should be aware that the park is home to a number of dangerous animals, including bears and rattlesnakes. Visitors should take precautions to avoid encounters with these animals, such as carrying bear spray and staying on designated trails.

Rock Climbing

In addition to wildlife watching, Devil’s Tower is also a popular destination for rock climbing. The tower’s distinctive columns attract climbers from around the world, and there are dozens of routes of varying difficulty. Visitors interested in rock climbing should be experienced and should bring their own gear, as there are no rentals available in the park.

Conclusion

Overall, Devil’s Tower National Monument offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including wildlife watching, hiking, and rock climbing. Whether you’re an experienced rock climber or a first-time visitor looking to spot some wildlife, this unique geological formation is sure to impress. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, and don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars.