DEVILS TOWER
Well-known among rock climbers and sci-fi movie buffs, Devils Tower National Monument is a lesser-known destination for autumn nature enthusiasts, which means you’ll have lots of space and privacy to enjoy the park’s three popular trails. Don’t be surprised to find a little snow on the ground in October along the Joyner Ridge Trail as it takes you through prairie and ponderosa pine. The iconic tower, which is said to look even taller and grayer in autumn, sits at the westernmost edge of bur oak trees and ash, highlighting the pine with orange, yellow and gold. Wildflowers, like arrowleaf balsamroot, can be spotted throughout autumn. Cottonwood trees along the Belle Fourche River bring white-tailed deer, orioles, red-headed woodpeckers and blue jays—and don’t forget those prairie dogs!
PEAK FALL COLORS | October
PITCH OR PARK | Belle Fourche River Campground offers 46 sites, 43 of whi h are pull-through sites with room for RVs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | nps.gov/deto