Devil’s Tower Wheelchair Accessibility
America’s first National Monument is just across the border in Wyoming. I had the chance to visit this impressive place when I traveled from North to South Dakota. If Devil’s Tower is on your bucket list, then let me give you all of the accessibility information that you’ll need to know before you visit.
Is Devil’s Tower Wheelchair Accessible?
You can see Devil’s Tower from your vehicle as you approach the park, so definitely have your camera ready! My other big tip is to get there early! Parking fills up fast so getting there when the park opens not only gives you a better chance of getting a parking space (accessible parking is available) but also helps you to beat the heat if you are visiting in the warmer months.
From the parking lot, there is a paved path to the base of the monument. The path continues to circle the entire base of the monument, but only a small portion of it is accessible by ADA standards. If you start going counter-clockwise around Devil’s Tower, the path will take you to a small display that speaks to how scientists believe the monument was made and its importance to Native Americans.
Beyond this display is where the path no longer is considered accessible. The entire trail remains paved, although it’s quite narrow (but wide enough for a mobility device). The reason why the trail is not considered accessible is because of the grade/steepness.
I was able to navigate it in my mobility scooter, but needed a little bit of a push on some of the steep parts. Other hikers were very gracious and would step aside so I could pass. I even saw a woman being pushed in a manual wheelchair along the trail. If you attempt the trail in a manual wheelchair, make sure you have someone strong to help you manage the trail because the grades in some areas are no joke.
There is an accessible restroom and visitor center on site.
Devil’s Tower is a great to just watch from different angles. There are unique differences in the crevices and it’s somewhat entertaining to watch all of the brave rock climbers working their way to the summit. At times it seems other worldly, which is why it was probably featured in the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”.
It doesn’t take long to explore Devil’s Tower…. I was there for about 2 ½ hours, and I would recommend a stop if you are in the area. If you don’t attempt the whole trail, the stop will be much shorter.
While it may be a bit of a challenge to explore all of this site, I hope this accessibility guide to Devil’s Tower National Monument has given you all the information you need to make this a successful stop on your next trip.
