The best walks and hikes in Crook County

Devils Tower! It's truly a sight to behold, isn't it? Rising dramatically from the rolling grasslands and pine forests of northeastern Wyoming, this geological wonder captivates with its sheer size and unique formation. Imagine a massive tree stump, but instead of bark, it's composed of colossal columns of gray rock. These striking hexagonal columns, formed by the cooling and contraction of molten lava, give the tower its distinctive fluted appearance. It stands proudly, reaching about 867 feet from its base and 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. For many Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, Devils Tower is a sacred site with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Numerous legends tell of its creation, often involving a giant bear and young maidens seeking refuge atop a rock. The grooves on the tower's sides are sometimes interpreted as the scratch marks of the pursuing bear. Beyond its geological and cultural importance, Devils Tower is also a popular destination for rock climbers. The challenging routes up its nearly vertical faces attract climbers from around the world, though respect for the site's sacred nature is strongly emphasized. The surrounding landscape offers a beautiful contrast to the tower's stark presence. Prairie dog towns dot the grasslands, while ponderosa pine forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Hiking trails wind through the area, offering different perspectives of the monument and the surrounding Black Hills region. Whether you're drawn by its geological mystery, its rich cultural history, or the adventurous spirit of those who climb it, Devils Tower leaves a lasting impression. It's a place where the power of nature and the stories of humanity intertwine in a truly remarkable way.

The Old Baldy Trail leads up to the Old Baldy Summit Trail. The Old Baldy Trail is considered a moderate path and winds through some beautiful woodlands. If you want to take the Old Baldy Summit Trail to continue to the top, make sure you are prepared, as it is a very intense summit with a narrow path, so it should only be attempted if you have sufficient experience.

The Old Baldy Trail leads up to the Old Baldy Summit Trail. The Old Baldy Trail is considered a moderate path and winds through some beautiful woodlands. If you want to take the Old Baldy Summit Trail to continue to the top, make sure you are prepared, as it is a very intense summit with a narrow path, so it should only be attempted if you have sufficient experience.

Devils Tower became internationally known through the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

The Devils Tower ( German " Devil's Tower " ) is a tower-like Härtling magmatic origin on the northwestern edge of the Bear Lodge Mountains ( northwestern Black Hills Uplift ) in Crook County in northeastern Wyoming. It rises about 265 meters above its immediate surroundings and is almost 150 meters in diameter. (Wikipedia)

Very worth seeing tour in connection with the Devils Tower in about 1 hour.

Tour around the Devils Tower about 1 hour, worth it.

This campsite is really my favorite. It is far enough without being too far. It is close to the Little Spearfish River and offers a multitude of hiking trails to discover. In the morning and in the evening you very often see animals, including beavers. There are always the tiny rodents of the squirrel family known as chipmunks on hand to keep you entertained. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. I have always found free pitches here, even in the height of summer.