Devils Tower Facts

• Devils Tower is a butte, possibly laccolithic, composed of igneous rock.

• It rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River.

• It stands 867 feet from summit to base.

• The summit is 5,112 feet above sea level.

• Devils Tower was established in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt

• It was the first United States national monument.

• The monuments encomposes a total land area of 1,347 acres.

Wyoming is wide open spaces and is in the region of the United States called the mountain west. It is the land of ranchers and cowboys and some of the most majestic lands in the world. It has Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The western half is mostly covered by the ranges and rangelands of the Rocky Mountains, while the eastern half of the state is high-elevation prairie called the High Plains. It has coal, oil and assortment of other natural minerals. Up in the northeast portion of this large rectangular state sits this guy. The huge dome formed when the pressure of rock and magma collided and had no where to go but up.

Driving thru Wyoming is an adventure and one that I highly recommend. There is plenty to take in and the land is very unique so this road trip will not leave you bored. There is not a McDonalds or 7-11 every 5 minutes either so you might find yourself clutching at a pee level midnight until you find an appropriate place to release. Note-this is a less a burden if you happen to be a male but if your female and or other, buckle in.

After some time the devil just pops up in your field of vision surrounded by farm fields and clearly out of place.

When you get closer golden plots of wheat (or some other form of agriculture) creates an interesting contrast to the dark structure.

When you arrive at the base and begin your march up you encounter an unexpected hike filled with interesting rocks and yellowish vegetation.

More colors than you would have guessed show themselves on the path.

It’s a whimisical place and you can see why the Native Americans held it in high regards.

Rock Climbing

There was no shortage of rocks to climb up or play on. In fact there were several groups of real climbers that brought rope and gear and ascended to the top. I love my life so no thank you. If you are one of these people its free but you have to register, more information here. https://www.nps.gov/deto/planyourvisit/climbing.htm

The photo on the left here is from the park service brochure on climbing the tower.

This looks like the worst time imaginable since I am both afraid of heights and it is just not my thing.

It ranks up there on my todo list with swimming with crocodiles, walking on broken glass or spending time with my ex-wife.

Climbing is popular and this is the place for it.

Devils tower has become a Mecca for climbers around the globe. In 1977 the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind was filmed here and was a major focus because the aliens landed here.

When it came out people wanted a look for themselves and a huge increase in visitors and climbers went to the monument.

Some people love it but I’ll just enjoy the tower from the base which is a hike in itself.

As the day drew to end we worked our way down. It was definitely worth a visit and one day spent here should do the trick.

Its a neat place and the box for Devils Tower has been checked!

Devils Tower Vintage Advertisment

Map of Devils Tower

Driving Map

Other Destinations