Wyoming : Safety by City
- Afton
- Alpine
- Casper
- Cheyenne
- Dubois
- Gillette
- Guernsey
- Hulett
- Laramie
- Lusk
- Pinedale
- Ranchester
- Rock Springs
- Saratoga
- Sheridan
Hulett, Wyoming, is a charming, small town located in the northeastern corner of the state, just minutes from the iconic Devils Tower National Monument.
With a population of fewer than 500 residents, Hulett offers a quiet, welcoming atmosphere steeped in history and natural beauty.
The area sits along the Belle Fourche (“bell FOOSH”) River and is surrounded by rolling hills, rugged landscapes, and the sprawling Wyoming prairie.
Before settlers arrived, the land around Hulett was home to Indigenous tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, who considered Devils Tower a sacred site.
The monument remains an important cultural landmark and a draw for climbers, hikers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.
Hulett itself began as a frontier town in the late 19th century, thriving as a hub for ranching and agriculture.
Today, it still reflects its Western roots, with a strong cowboy culture and family-owned businesses.
Hulett is best known for its proximity to Devils Tower, the first national monument in the United States, designated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
About half a million people visit the tower’s striking geological formations, explore nearby trails, and experience the breathtaking night skies each year.
If you want to get in the “mood” for Devils Tower, watch 1977’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
The monolith is the central figure of the story.
The town also comes alive during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, drawing thousands of bikers passing through on their way to the Black Hills.
The city is just 30 miles from the South Dakota border, so we encourage you to read our articles about Spearfish, Sturgis, and Deadwood.
Hulett’s charm lies in its simplicity, its connection to the land, and its rich history.
It’s a place where small-town friendliness meets the rugged spirit of the West.
Warnings & Dangers in Hulett
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The risk is low overall in Hulett, but there are some safety steps to take that will make the trip easier and more enjoyable. Ideally, you're ready to enjoy a slower pace, with limited mobile connectivity and connect with nature and history.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Hulett is a small town, and public transportation options aren't available. Renting a car is your best bet, but there's also private transportation at Ride Hulett (ridehulett.com). The transportation company offers rides from the airport to remote ranches, South Dakota's tourist stops, and Devil's Monument, among other regional stops.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk of pickpocketing and purse snatching is low, but be sure you still use standard safety steps. Limit what you carry, leave valuables at home, and keep your wallet secured inside a jacket pocket or front pants pocket. Purses are ideally cross-body.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Hulett's natural disaster risks are minimal. Tornadoes are rare, though strong thunderstorms can occur in summer. Winter brings occasional heavy snow but nothing extreme. Windstorms are common and can fan the flames of wildfires, but you'll get plenty of advance notice about gusty forecasts. Being prepared for changing weather—like packing layers or a good pair of boots in winter—is usually all you’ll need to feel secure here.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
This is another low risk, with very few robberies reported over the past five years across the county. Use standard safety steps, like not walking around dark areas at night alone.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorism risks in Hulett are virtually non-existent. The town is remote, with a tight-knit, small population that sees little in the way of high-profile events. It’s about as peaceful and safe as it gets, but no city in the U.S. is safe from domestic terrorism or mass shootings. Vigilance is ideal, but there's not an overwhelming concern here.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. The town is small, and people are pretty trusting, so you shouldn't have much to worry about, but please report any suspicious or fraudulent attempts to the police.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Hulett is very safe for women travelers. The town's small size and friendly residents contribute to a low-crime environment. Use the same basic precautions you would anywhere—like keeping your phone charged and letting someone know your plans—but overall, this is a laid-back and welcoming place.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. Check the city's website for the latest version, but your hotel or rental home should have well-testing information readily available. This is another low risk.
Safest Places to Visit in Hulett
The town’s website has a visitor section to review, but the official tourism site is DevilsTowerCountry.com.
The region includes the towns of Aladdin, Beulah, Hulett, Moorcroft, Pine Haven, and Sundance.
Sundance has the most hotels, with Hulett coming in second, but Sundance is also right off the interstate.
A great place to start is the Hulett Museum and Art Gallery, which offers a collection of artifacts and art dating back to the pre-historic days through the Wild West Era to the modern day.
The museum closes in the winter.
Just outside Hulett, Devils Tower National Monument is the crown jewel of the region.
The tower stands nearly 1,300 feet tall, and a trail wraps around the base for epic views.
The only way to the top of the tower is by rock climbing.
The monument is open 24 hours a day, with access to some of the darkest night skies.
Check out the Star Party schedule at the amphitheater.
You can also plan a picnic by the river or visit Prairie Dog Town, where more than 600 prairie dogs peek out from their underground chamber of connecting tunnels.
For a scenic drive, follow the Bear Lodge Scenic Byway, a less-traveled route that offers breathtaking views of the Black Hills.
The Bear Lodge Ranger District, part of the Black Hills National Forest, is a hub for outdoor adventure near Hulett.
Highlights include Warren Peak Lookout for panoramic views, the peaceful Reuter Campground, and the Sundance Trail System.
These spots are ideal for hiking, picnicking, and connecting with Wyoming’s wild beauty.
Round out your trip with a visit to Keyhole State Park, about 30 miles away.
This reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
It’s a busier spot than some of the forest lakes, but it’s also a lot easier to reach.
Places to Avoid in Hulett
Considering that Hulett is about eight square blocks, it’s good that there aren’t any bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods.
It will help if you look at the map and research the area more to understand just how rural this is.
Most visitors come here to enjoy ranch life or just pass through on a scenic drive or on the way to Devils Tower.
Check the Wyoming 511 road conditions before you head out because severe weather, winter weather, or construction can cause delays or closures, and there are limited ways to get around this region.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Hulett
- Hulett has a local police department, but it’s a place so friendly that the police chief gives out his cell phone number on the website. The main department phone number is 307-467-5504. You’ll likely want to follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook @Crook-County-Wyoming-Sheriffs-Office-100067952328202.
- Crook County, Wyoming, utilizes the CodeRED system to send emergency notifications to residents and businesses. This service delivers alerts via phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media about situations like severe weather, evacuation notices, and law enforcement alerts. Sign up for free before your visit to stay informed.
- Be storm-ready in late spring and summer. Thunderstorms can develop quickly in the warmer months, often bringing hail and lightning. In fact, baseball-sized hail was reported in August 2024. While storms generally don’t pose an extended risk, you don’t want to get stuck outside or on the road when one of these whoppers approaches.
- The area is home to deer, elk, and mountain lions. Drive cautiously on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Don’t approach wild animals, and if you are close enough that they notice your presence, you’re too close.
- Strong winds are common, particularly in open prairie areas. Secure tents, tarps, or lightweight gear when camping or picnicking. Wind might force you to drive below the speed limit, and that’s okay. Bring a bandanna or COVID mask to help with windstorm dust.
- If you plan on climbing Devils Tower, please review all safety standards and understand the sacred nature of the formation. There are times of the year when climbing won’t be allowed, and you need to respect that. The closest medical care is an hour away, so use extra caution to prevent accidents.
- Cell phone coverage can be spotty in rural areas. Let someone know your plans if you’ll be venturing far from town. Bring a paper map to help with directions in case you get lost and lose service. Even relying on GPS for directions can be unreliable.
- If you plan to go stargazing, get a red flashlight or a regular flashlight with a red filter. This will allow you to see where you are going without creating light pollution. Give yourself at least 30 minutes so that your eyes can adjust to the night skies.
- Fishing in Hulett and Devils Tower National Monument requires adherence to Wyoming state fishing regulations, including obtaining the appropriate licenses and following established creel limits. The Belle Fourche River, flowing through both areas, is open for fishing under these state guidelines.
- Outdoor lovers need to check the hunting seasons and locations before venturing out on a trail. If you plan to visit a place where hunting is allowed, wear Hunter Orange so you stand out. That goes for everyone in the group, including kids and dogs.
So... How Safe Is Hulett Really?
For a county named “Crook,” there sure aren’t a lot of criminals in this region.
The Hulett Police Department hasn’t released crime data in at least five years, but the county sees about 2-3 violent crimes a year.
(For what it’s worth, the county was named after General George Crook, not the thieving kind of criminal, anyway.)
Thefts are also low, with about five a year, mostly falling into the category of “Other.”
That eliminates types of theft like car break-ins, pickpockets, and bike thefts.
The bottom line is that crime isn’t a problem here.
While the National Park Service oversees Devils Tower National Monument, we do have some data about safety there.
In the park’s 118-year history, seven people have died while climbing the tower.
The most recent was September 2024.
There’s also highway and rural road safety to consider, but that’s a risk you largely control by sticking to the speed limit, being prepared for weather conditions, and giving plenty of room to semi-trucks on the interstate.
Common sense and situational awareness go a long way toward enjoying your time in Crook County and Hulett.
How Does Hulett Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Hulett | 79 |
| San Diego | 67 |
| Miami | 55 |
| Honolulu | 65 |
| Chicago | 65 |
| Dallas | 64 |
| Memphis | 54 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
| Sydney (Australia) | 80 |
| Santiago de Chile (Chile) | 71 |
| Vienna (Austria) | 88 |
| Hong Kong (China) | 70 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Hulett sees warm, sometimes hot, summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and fall bring cool, crisp days with occasional rain. Summers average in the 80s°F, while winters can drop below freezing. Pack layers, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate outerwear if you're planning outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing.
Airports
The nearest commercial airport to Hulett is Gillette-Campbell County Airport, about 90 minutes away by car. For larger flight options, Rapid City Regional Airport in South Dakota is roughly a two-hour drive. Both airports offer car rentals, so getting to Hulett is straightforward once you land. Those of you lucky enough to have a private plane can look at Hulett Municipal Airport, which is just 10 minutes from the golf course.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Hulett Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 19 | 25 | 30 | 29 | 24 | 16 | 7 | 2 |
| Low °C | -12 | -11 | -6 | -2 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 1 | -7 | -11 |
| High °F | 34 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 86 | 84 | 75 | 61 | 45 | 36 |
| Low °F | 10 | 12 | 21 | 28 | 39 | 48 | 55 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 19 | 12 |
Wyoming - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afton | 82 |
| Alpine | 83 |
| Casper | 80 |
| Cheyenne | 81 |
| Dubois | 78 |
| Gillette | 83 |
| Guernsey | 78 |
| Hulett | 79 |
| Laramie | 85 |
| Lusk | 82 |
| Pinedale | 75 |
| Ranchester | 80 |
| Rock Springs | 81 |
| Saratoga | 78 |
| Sheridan | 84 |
