Rising sharply above the Wyoming plains, Devils Tower is an invitation — both an imposing natural structure and a magnet for adventurers and those with an eye on the skies. The Devils Tower UFO Rendezvous in Hulett blends terrestrial thrill with extraterrestrial curiosity, creating a unique experience that melds hiking, history, and a touch of the unexplained. This hike is not just a walk; it’s a meeting point where nature asserts itself fiercely and where the curious can ponder what might hover just beyond the visible.

The main trail around Devils Tower stretches approximately 1.3 miles, circling the monolith with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. The terrain is well-maintained but offers a mix of packed dirt and loose rock underfoot. As you progress, the path winds through ponderosa pines and rugged juniper, which stand like quiet sentinels against the sky daring you forward. Occasional clearings offer sweeping views, where the Tower appears all the more massive and aloof, daring you to reach closer.

Beyond scenery, the hike invites practical preparation. Start early to avoid the midday summer heat, which can push temperatures into the 90s. Good trail shoes with sturdy soles help traverse rocky or dusty sections, and at least two liters of water per person is advisable — the air is dry, and the hike, though short, is unrelenting in its exposure. The nearby town of Hulett provides last-minute supplies and a glimpse of small-town Wyoming charm before you embrace the forced solitude of the trail.

Devils Tower draws more than ground dwellers. The UFO Rendezvous event amplifies the mystique of the monolith, bringing in enthusiasts who gather to observe skies that seem as vast and mysterious as the rock itself. Whether you’re here for the stars, the hike, or the history, the experience stays grounded by the stark reality of the terrain: a place unchanged, challenging, and fiercely itself.

To maximize your visit, combine the hike with an exploration of local indigenous lore and geology. The Tower’s columns tell a story millions of years old, while the surrounding landscape hums with wildlife life—porcupines rustle branches, ravens call sharply overhead, and at dawn or dusk, mule deer pick their cautious way through the shadows.

Expect to cross paths with intermittent whispers of wind that push and pull — as if nature is breathing around you. The hike is not long but commands focus: slippery rocks near the base, sudden bursts of wildlife energy, even the weight of silence that settles in deeper than expected. This is a rendezvous not only with possible UFOs but with a landscape that reminds visitors of its own rules.

Plan your visit around the UFO Rendezvous event in July if you want to tap into cattle-ranching folk tales, skywatcher camaraderie, and nighttime star-gazing rituals. Otherwise, late spring or early fall offers cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.

Devils Tower stands firm, a force to respect. Your footsteps become part of the narrative — a practical adventure woven tightly with the thrill of something just out of reach.