Thunderstorm wind is the defining hazard at Devils Tower, with 10 recorded high-wind events in Crook County matching hail event totals and punctuated by a tornado touchdown in the same period. These storms roll across the Wyoming high plains with little warning, and the monument's open terrain and the Tower's exposed rock faces give campers almost no natural shelter when they hit.
If afternoon clouds start building, move your family away from the Tower's base and off any elevated ground before the storm develops — lightning and wind arrive fast here. Stake your tent with heavy-duty ground anchors rather than standard pegs, and keep a weather radio or a satellite-capable device (such as a Garmin inReach) active at your campsite since cell coverage in this remote corner of Wyoming is unreliable. Pack rain gear and a hard-sided or reinforced shelter option for hail, which can arrive in marble-to-golf-ball sizes without much lead time.
Top recorded hazards in Crook County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 10
- Hail 10
- Tornado 1
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About Devils Tower National Monument
The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural and cultural world.
Weather
Obtain forecast information before beginning your adventure at Devils Tower National Monument and observe changing weather conditions. Thunderstorms can develop quickly bringing lightning, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, and hypothermia. Summer days can bring very hot temperatures. Carry enough water, and realize the rock of the Tower can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter weather can bring blowing snow and road closures. Check local forecasts and road conditions before visiting.