Outdoor Adventures and Western History in Wyoming's Devils Tower Country

At 386 meters tall, Devils Tower National Monument welcomes adventure-seekers from all over the world to Wyoming. Visit the kiosk at the head of the Tower Trail for a permit to tackle this majestic monolith. For a guided expedition, take advantage of commercial guides in the area that are eager to lead the way. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, consider hiking the popular Tower Trail circling the base of the mountain or opting for more secluded paths like the Joyner Ridge and Red Beds Trails. A star attraction at the park are the prairie dog colonies near the Belle Fourche River, where hundreds of playful prairie dogs inhabit what's known as Prairie Dog Town during warmer months. Stay after sundown for ranger-led stargazing programs or camp out for unobstructed views of the Milky Way.

From horseback rides to scenic trails and trout fishing, the charming town of Hulett promises visitors an authentic slice of the Old West within the sprawling Black Hills National Forest. The community's western pride is on full display each June during the long-running Hulett Rodeo, which features a parade, bull and bronc riding and more. Stop by The Hulett Museum & Art Gallery for remarkable relics offering a glimpse into the region's rich history, from stunning vintage photography and massive prehistoric fossils to a pioneer cargo wagon dating back to 1915. Don't leave without visiting Mercantile 307, an evergreen farmers market and collectibles shop showcasing local antiques, crafts and goods from more than 40 local artists and entrepreneurs.

Sundance offers a combined history of the Wild West era and the Indigenous people who called this land home long before. Step back in time at the Crook County Museum & 1875 Art Gallery to see more than 7,000 artifacts shedding light on the region's storied past in a historic schoolhouse. Pose next to a statue of the infamous Sundance Kid from Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang before exploring the original courtroom where his trial unfolded.  

Be sure to visit Sundance White Ranch Park — a vast recreational area spanning over 40 hectares with trails for hiking and mountain biking. And no Sundance journey is complete without visiting the fascinating archaeological site of Vore Buffalo Jump. This natural sinkhole served as a buffalo trap for late prehistoric Plains Indians. Take a guided tour to see excavated bones, tools and artifacts that provide profound insights into the traditions of the land's earliest inhabitants. 

Find outdoor opulence at Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven, one of Wyoming's most tranquil areas. At the heart of the reservoir is Keyhole State Park, a popular spot for swimming, hiking and water skiing in summer. Winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland of ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities. The reservoir is also a premier year-round destination for anglers. Looking to test the waters? Fishing permits are required and can be easily obtained from Keyhole Marina.

Just 15 minutes away, Moorcroft reveals another dimension of Wyoming's captivating western story. For a peek into the lives of early settlers and travelers, check out the eye-opening exhibits at the West Texas Trail Museum, where you can dive deeper into cattle drives, pioneer settlements and Indigenous cultures. Enjoy free admission and explore historic saddles, weapons, gear and everyday objects used by those who navigated life on the trail.

Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado or Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Montana. From there, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic five-hour drive into Devils Tower Country. Alternatively, book a connecting flight to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in South Dakota just a three-hour drive away from Devils Tower Country.