Devils Tower in Wyoming

Rising 1,267 above the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower is a majestic geological phenomenon that has held spiritual, historical, and recreational value to generations of people. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the structure as the nation's first National Monument on September 24, 1906. Today, the park encompasses 1,347 acres of rolling hills, pine forests, and prairie grasslands in northeastern Wyoming. The grounds of the entire monument are vastly different depending on where you are. This offers a most unique landscape for photography and observing nature.

Although most geologists agree that the tower was formed by an igneous intrusion that has eroded over time, mystery still surrounds the exact sequence of events that shaped Devils Tower. As if a gigantic volcano once sat where the Tower is today, yet all that is left is the cylinder of its ancient center. Several Native American tribes pass down legends of how the grand structure was formed. The Kiowa story tells of seven little girls who were playing in the forest and suddenly found themselves being chased by bears. The girls ran to a nearby rock for refuge and prayed to their gods to save them. The rock then grew taller until the seven girls were turned into stars. As the legend goes, the bears clawed at the land while the girls were elevated to the sky. The claws of the mighty bears scratching at the eart are what supposedly created the spectacular columns of the tower.

Today, Devils Tower continues to be a sacred place of worship for many Native American plains tribes who refer to the area as Bears Lodge. With its towering dihedrals and long cracks, rock climbers are attracted to the difficult and aesthetic climbing lines that the tower presents. This activity is popular year round, but keep in mind the easier climbs face south and east, which are very hot during the summer months. Prime climbing season is during the spring and fall months; however there is a local climbing community which can be found climbing around the tower all year long.

Tourists and filmmakers are also drawn to its mystique, and scientists are lured by its historical significance. In the region of Black Hills and Badlands National Park there are so many attractions for vacationers, and Devil's Tower is not one to miss if you are in the region. To reach Devils Tower, take the exit at Moorcroft, WY if you are traveling east on I-90. If you are traveling west on I-90, take the exit at Sundance, WY, take 14 north to 24, and then follow 24 to Devils Tower. Once at the tower, you will find a visitor center with exhibits and books for sale. Rangers often lead interpretive walks and evening campfire programs. There is no lodging in the park except for 50 campsites, which are well shaded and offer dramatic views of the tower. The campfire programs mentioned earlier take place within the campground and are quite entertaining. The park is open year-round.

Wild animals such as deer and prairie dogs also call this place home. In fact, the prairie dogs are protected within the monument grounds and can be easily observed from many areas around the Tower.