Summer Scenic Drives

Spearfish to Devils Tower

This is the kind of summer day that feels bigger than the mileage. Starting in Spearfish, the route moves through Belle Fourche’s center-of-the-nation story, rolls into Wyoming for a classic roadside lunch, and builds toward one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: Devils Tower National Monument.

 

It’s a loop made for road-trippers, riders, and first-time visitors who want a full day with a clear route and a memorable finish. You get town stops, open-road scenery, and enough flexibility to choose whether to end the day in Sundance or back in Spearfish.

At a Glance


Spearfish → Belle Fourche → Alladin, WY → Devils Tower Trading Post → Devils Tower National Monument → Sundance or Spearfish

  • Total time: One full day
  • Best for: Scenic travelers, riders, road-trippers, first-timers
  • Start point: Spearfish
  • End point: Spearfish or Sundance, WY
  • Estimated driving time: About 2.5–3.5 hours total, plus stops
  • Reservations or fees: Varies by stop
  • Accessibility & pacing note: Best as a relaxed summer drive with time for short town stops, lunch, and monument views

1. Morning: Spearfish


 

Spearfish Canyon Road with the view of Spearfish Canyon beyond the road

A simple northern Hills starting point that gets the day moving without extra fuss.

  • Time on site: Just long enough to start the day and head out


What to do here


  • Get on the road early
  • Use Spearfish as your gateway into the loop


Pacing tips


The earlier you leave, the more comfortable the rest of the day feels

2. Mid-Morning in Belle Fourche: Center of the Nation monument


A classic stop in Belle Fourche

Center of the Nation Monument

It gives travelers a memorable geography stop that feels uniquely tied to the journey.

  • Time on site: 20–30 minutes
  • Travel from last stop: About 15–20 minutes


What to do here


  • Make the center-of-the-nation stop
  • Stretch your legs before continuing


Pacing tips


Keep this stop short and upbeat so the day stays moving

3. Late Morning: Aladdin, Wyoming


A quick rural transition stop

Storefront of Aladdin Store

It breaks up the drive and keeps the route feeling like a true road trip.

  • Time on site: Brief pass-through
  • Travel from last stop: About 25–35 minutes


What to do here


  • Pause briefly along the way
  • Enjoy the change in scenery


Pacing tips


This is a transition stop, not a long stay

4. Lunch Stop: Devils Tower Trading Post


Lunch before the monument

Front of Devils Tower Trading Post with Devils Tower in the background

It sets up the main icon stop with an easy, road-trip-friendly lunch break.

  • Time on site: 45–60 minutes
  • Travel from last stop: About 25–35 minutes


What to do here


  • Stop for lunch
  • Reset before entering the monument area


Pacing tips


Keep lunch relaxed so you can enjoy the afternoon at Devils Tower

5. Afternoon: Devils Tower National Monument


The day’s iconic anchor

Devils Tower National Monument

It’s the signature landmark of the route and the biggest scenic draw of the day.

  • Time on site: 1.5–2 hours
  • Travel from last stop: About 10–15 minutes


What to do here


  • Take in the monument
  • Walk and explore the area
  • Make time for photos and views


Pacing tips


Don’t rush this stop; it’s the centerpiece of the itinerary

6. Evening Option A: Sundance


A calm evening finish

Sundance Kid

It gives the route a smaller-town ending and a slower pace after the monument stop.

  • Time on site: Dinner and a short stroll
  • Travel from last stop: About 45–60 minutes


What to do here


  • Have dinner
  • Take a short downtown walk


Pacing tips


Best if you want a softer landing at the end of the day

7. Evening Option B: Spearfish


A more active return finish

A car driving down Main Street in Spearfish

It brings the day back full circle and gives you more dining and walkability at the end.

  • Time on site: Dinner and a short stroll
  • Travel from last stop: About 1.5–2 hours


What to do here


  • Eat dinner downtown
  • Wind down with an easy evening walk


Pacing tips


Best if you want a livelier finish and a return to your starting area

Optional Add-Ons


If You Have Extra Time…

  • Spend more time at Devils Tower National Monument
  • Add a longer stop in Belle Fourche
  • Build in a slower return through Spearfish

Right Now in the Region

  • Start early to make the most of the full route
  • Keep lunch flexible so the monument stop doesn’t feel rushed
  • Plan for an easy summer day with plenty of open-road time
  • Use this route as a full-day loop, not a quick drive-through