Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming
Rising 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the surrounding prairie of the Black Hills of Wyoming. The Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Less than two hours from Rapid City, SD and one hour from Gillette, WY, the Tower is a popular road trip destination that evokes mystery and wonder from visitors of all ages.
Devils Towers has also been referred to as Bear Lodge to reflect the sacred histories conveyed in Native American culture. The name was modified in 1875 when Colonel Richard Irving Dodge led an expedition to the area following claims of gold in the Black Hills. Along with geologist and mapmaker, Henry Newton, the two studied the Tower. There are a number of native legends surrounding the Tower which includes a group of warriors who hunt and defeat a bear spirit that had been terrorizing one of the women in their tribe. Though parts of the story changed across the various tribes within the region, each included the presence of a giant bear or group of bears to justify the vertical cracks along the surface of Devils Tower. When Dodge translated the legend, he referred to the Tower as The Bad God’s Tower, and shortly after, the name Devils Tower was created.
Held sacred by Native American tribes for years, this climbable rock formation became the first National Monument in the United States. As people began settling in the area, support grew to preserve the Tower as a National or State Park. It took 16 years before President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower as the first National Monument in September 1906. Surrounded by grassland and pine forests, the world’s largest hexagonal columnar jointing has grown in popularity to nearly 500,000 visitors each year. In 2021, the monument experienced the highest annual visitation in its history seeing over 550,000 visitors.
Devils Tower has been studied for years and is still generating different theories on certain details. Geologists agree that Devils Tower was formed underground from molten rock. Magma pushed up into the surrounding sedimentary rock causing the rocks to rise. This is where it cooled and hardened. The sedimentary rock has since eroded away to show the Tower. Some theories suggest it was once part of a volcanic system; others say it was simply an underground intrusion.
The columns of Devils Tower are its most striking feature. Originating from lava, contraction stresses from the cooling of the lava formed the cracks. These cracks radiated out from the stress points and formed the hexagonal (6-sided) shapes.
Rising to hundreds of feet in the air and stretching to 10 feet in width, the hexagonal columns at Devils Tower are truly spectacular. The columnar jointing of Devils Tower is the largest and most spectacular example of this fascinating geologic phenomenon.
The large hexagonal columns make the Tower one of the most popular crack climbing areas in North America. The cracks vary in length and width. Some are wide enough to fit your entire body while others barely have room for your fingers. The longest crack extends nearly 400 feet.
Climbers are required to get a permit before they climb. Registration kiosks are available at the Visitor Center, and it is free. Climbing Rangers patrol the Tower to ensure protection of it, and the safety of the climbers.
Devils Tower National Monument costs $25 per vehicle to enter. It is valid for seven days. Once in the park, there are a number of options. You can hike one of the trails that circle the base of the Tower, take a ranger tour, enjoy a picnic, bird watch, climb the columns, take in the massive view of the Tower or enjoy the serenity of Cattleman’s Heaven. For an evening adventure, Devils Tower provides a spectacular night sky for star gazing.
