Devil tower wyoming

Devils Tower, an igneous rock monolith in northeastern Wyoming, USA, is a geological and cultural landmark with striking columnar formations.

About this subject

Devils Tower is an igneous rock monolith located in northeastern Wyoming, United States, near the Belle Fourche River. It rises 867 feet (264 meters) above the surrounding terrain, with its summit reaching 1,267 feet (386 meters) above the river level. The formation is composed mainly of phonolite, a volcanic rock, and displays striking vertical hexagonal columns, resulting from the contraction of magma as it slowly cooled underground. Subsequent erosion removed the surrounding sedimentary layers, exposing this colossal structure.

Geologically, Devils Tower is believed to be the remnant of an igneous intrusion (a laccolith or volcanic plug) that occurred about 50 million years ago during the Paleogene. The columns, some over 30 meters long, are a classic example of contraction joints, similar to those at Giant's Causeway in Ireland. The site was designated the first United States National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906, thus protecting its natural beauty and scientific importance.

Culturally, Devils Tower holds deep significance for several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Crow. All have legends associated with the monolith, often calling it 'Bear Lodge' or 'Tree of the Bear'. One popular story tells of a giant bear scratching the sides of the rock while trying to reach a group of girls who climbed up to escape, creating the vertical marks. For this reason, the site is sacred for ceremonies and rituals. In recognition, the National Park Service prohibits climbing during the month of June, a period of respect for indigenous traditions.

Beyond its geological and cultural relevance, Devils Tower became a pop culture icon after appearing in Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977) as an alien landing site. Today, the monument attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, who can walk around its base on a roughly 2 km trail. Climbing is permitted (except in June), with the first recorded ascent in 1893 by William Rogers and Willard Ripley using a wooden ladder, now on display. Modern climbing is technically challenging, with dozens of established routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How was Devils Tower formed?

Devils Tower is the result of an igneous intrusion that occurred about 50 million years ago. The magma cooled slowly underground, forming hexagonal columns due to contraction. Subsequent erosion removed surrounding sedimentary rocks, exposing the monolith.

How tall is Devils Tower?

Devils Tower rises 867 feet (264 meters) from its base to the summit, and 1,267 feet (386 meters) above the Belle Fourche River. The summit is at an elevation of 5,112 feet (1,559 meters) above sea level.

Why is Devils Tower culturally significant?

It is sacred to several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Crow, who have legends associated with the rock. Today, the site is protected, and climbing is banned in June out of respect for indigenous traditions.