If you’re interested in a day of Devils Tower climbing, there are a few things you should know beforehand. Devils Tower is a national monument off Wyoming Highway 24. With huge hexagonal columns and numerous vertical cracks up to 400 feet from base to tip, the monument is considered one of the best places for crack climbing in North America.
Experience level
The technical difficulty ratings on Devils Towers routes range from a novice level of 5.7 to an expert level of 5.13 — a route that should only be attempted by seasoned climbers. Most of the routes on Devils Tower don’t have permanent anchors and the anchors that do exist aren’t maintained, so make sure you bring temporary anchors with the rest of your climbing gear.
Registration
Visitors need to register before climbing Devils Tower. Climbers can register for free in the kiosk, the climbing office, the visitor center, or the administration building.
Safety tips
Before making plans for a day of Devils Tower climbing, check the local forecast. Particularly hot days and seasonal storms can make the rock face dangerously difficult to climb. The routes are long, strenuous, and can take hours to complete, so start early and bring plenty of water. Carry plenty of gear, including two ropes for rappelling. Inspect all permanent anchors, double-check temporary anchors, and back up your anchors if necessary.
Devils Tower has no professional rescue team, and help could take hours to arrive. Make a plan beforehand in case of injury. Watch out for loose rock and always wear your climbing helmet.
Regulations
Devils Tower National Monument park officials urge visitors to follow “Leave No Trace” ethics on the monument and surrounding park. Climbers are prohibited from shipping the rock or gluing objects to the rock to create holds. Climbers also cannot install permanent anchors. You must remove all climbing gear, including ropes and temporary anchors, from Devils Tower before leaving. Devils Tower is for climbing only; camping near the monument is not allowed.
June closure
Devils Tower is a sacred monument for certain Native American tribes, and June is a particularly sacred month in Native American culture. In order to respect the traditions of local tribes, Devils Tower climbing is closed in June, so keep this mind before you make plans for a visit.
Devils Tower is not only a breathtaking monument but a great place for climbers with any level of experience. For any more questions about the monument and climbing or park regulations, you can contact Visitor Information at 307.467.5283. Stay safe and have a great climb!
Featured Image from Kyle Petzer/Unsplash
