One of the most remarkable peaks in this or any country, Devils Tower looks like an enormous petrified tree stump. At 1267 ft high with the base a mile wide, it’s an impressive site to see. What makes it even more dramatic is that the surrounding area is relatively flat so the tower looks bigger than it actually is.
Sadly it’s not a petrified tree stump or a volcano. Geologists claim it is an igneous intrusion, also known as a laccolith. Basically, it formed from molten rock underground which got pushed up into sedimentary rock. As it did, it solidified into a hard core surrounded by sedimentary rock. Most laccolith never reach the surface. Instead, they cause a bulge in the ground. In this situation, the sedimentary rock did erode away exposing the core which we refer to as Devils tower.
First official United States National Monument
Even though early explorers would have come through this region, strangely there is no record to Devils Tower until the US Geological survey mentioned it in 1875. It wasn’t long before it caught the attention of nature lover Theodore Roosevelt. In June 1906, he turned Devils tower into the first official United States National Monument. You may even recognize this location from the 1977 movie, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.
Sacred to American tribes
Since this are is sacred for twelve different American tribes, it’s very important to respect their traditions. Please stay on the trails and do not vandalize. Originally, the Indians called this area “The Bad God’s Tower” which was translated into Devils Tower. However, the tower’s name is a source of controversy for many. Nearly all America tribe names for towers are associated with a bear. As a matter of fact, in the Lakota language, the word for black bear is wahanksica whereas bad god is wakansica. With this in mind, it’s highly probable that the name wasn’t translated properly. Presently tribal organizations are trying to get the name changed to Bear Lodge.
First People to Climb Devils Tower
Willard Ripley & William Roger were two ranchers living near the tower. In 1890 they decided they were going to climb Devils tower. So they tried to fly a kite over the tower so that they could use it to pull a rope up there. After the plan failed they decided to build a simple stake ladder to reach the top. Three years later, the three hundred and fifty foot ladder was complete. In an attempt to make some money, the two ranchers organized a big 4th of july event at Devils tower. With food, dancing and the main attraction, them climbing to the top of Devils tower, the event was a huge success. Over eight hundred people showed up, coming from as far as South Dakota.
Over the years the celebration became a yearly event. Three years later, William Rogers wife Linnie Rogers, became the first woman to climb the Tower on July 4, 1895. Many people climbed that ladder. Eventually in 1972 the park had to close it down because it was becoming dangerous. So they removed the first one hundred and fifty feet of the stake ladder and restored the rest. Part of it is still visible today but it is best seem with binoculars.
First free climber
Then came free climbing, Fritz Wiessner, a German climber was the first to successfully climb Devils Tower. And he climbed it three times. Now a days, Devils Tower is a prized climbing location. Just make sure that you obtain a permit first.
Fun Facts
- George Hopkins parachuted onto the tower and wasn’t able to get down. Six days later a rescue team was sent to get him.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day.
Admission
$25 per vehicle, pass is valid for one week from the date of purchase.
Plan to spend between one and three hours here.
Directions
Devils Tower National Monument
WY-110,
Devils Tower, WY 82714
From Sundance, take US-14W/S West St and turn right onto WY-24 E. Turn left onto WY-110 W and arrive at your destination.
Accommodations
The closest accommodations are in Sundance, Wyoming. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. By purchasing your trip through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. Rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In Fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
Check Out My Other Travel Secrets
28Jan 2020
Taos Pueblo the oldest community in the USA
Taos Pueblo is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the USA. Home of the Red Willow people in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain...
06Jan 2020
Beautifully reconstructed ruins at Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Walk inside beautifully reconstructed cliff dwellings, just an hour and a half from Denver, at Manitou Cliff Dwellings.
24Dec 2019
Things to do in Golden Colorado
Plan your day trip here with my list of cool things to do in Golden Colorado. Learn about Buffalo Bill, beer, trains, and more!
20Dec 2019
16Dec 2019
Monument Valley – An iconic image of the Wild West
Monument Valley features iconic red buttes that tower up to twelve-thousand feet high, You may recognize it from movies such as Forest Gump.
12Dec 2019
National WWII Museum
With over six acres of artifacts, recreations and testimonials, The National WWII Museum is one of the top ten best museums in the US....
06Dec 2019
Hovenweep National Monument
Come see the beautiful cliff dwellings at Hovenweep National Monument. Unlike Mesa Verde, these are perched on canyon rims and carefully balanced on uneven...
02Dec 2019
Larger than life Denver Public Art
With 1% of the capital construction funds invested in art. Denver Public Art is among the finest in the USA. Over 60 sculptures and...
About the Author
Leave a Reply