Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming has reopened after being temporarily closed due to severe storm damage. The storm, which struck on Monday evening, unleashed 1.5 inches of rain, five inches of hail, and wind gusts reaching up to 110 mph. The area around the monument suffered significant damage, including fallen trees and debris.
The Joyner Ridge Trail remains closed due to major damage.
The nearby Devils Tower/Black Hills KOA campground also experienced extensive destruction from the storm. According to Andrea Wood, the campground’s general manager, the storm was the most severe she has ever encountered. “The campground will never look the same again.” She continues, “The entire campground is covered in debris, with no blank spot anywhere.” The campground lost numerous trees and suffered damage to infrastructure, including shattered windows, and destroyed the newly built roofs on cabins.
Despite the damage, the campground remains open, and efforts are underway to clear debris and repair the infrastructure. Wood praised her staff for their hard work and resilience in the aftermath of the storm. “We are committed to staying open for the rest of the 2024 season,” she stated, emphasizing their determination to move forward despite the challenges.
For the latest information and travel alerts, visit the National Park Service website.
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Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 Wyoming certainly is in the news a lot today. I am sorry that things have been so unpleasantly difficult recently. 😯 🙁 Thank you for the news, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
So sorry for the RVers that suffered that storm!
I’m glad we were at the other end of the state at Ft Bridger that evening. We were coming back to Minnesota from the FMCA rally in Oregon and drove five days straight in punishing side winds from the south. We could see the wind-driven slant on semi trailers as they approached. Not a fun return, but not what those folks suffered.
I bet they are still charging full price rates.