Devil tower wyoming

Devil's Tower in Wyoming is a national monument and iconic geological formation in the United States, known for its basalt columns.

About this subject

Devil's Tower is an igneous rock monolith located in northeastern Wyoming, rising 386 meters (1,267 feet) from its base and with an elevation of 1,558 meters (5,112 feet) above sea level. Its geological formation dates back about 50 million years, when magma intruded into sedimentary rock layers and cooled slowly, contracting and fracturing into the distinctive hexagonal basalt columns seen today. Subsequent erosion wore away the softer surrounding rocks, exposing this hard, vertical structure. The site was designated as the first United States national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. For numerous Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Crow, Devil's Tower holds deep spiritual significance, known as "Bear Lodge" or "Mato Tipila" (Lakota for "bear's house"). Indigenous legends tell of a giant bear clawing at the rock, leaving the vertical grooves. In popular culture, Devil's Tower became famous as the alien landing site in Steven Spielberg's 1977 film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Rock climbing is a popular activity, but climbers are asked to voluntarily refrain during June out of respect for Native American ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How was Devil's Tower formed?

Devil's Tower formed about 50 million years ago when intrusive magma cooled slowly underground, creating hexagonal basalt columns. Later erosion removed the surrounding softer sedimentary rock, exposing the monolith.

How tall is Devil's Tower?

Devil's Tower rises 386 meters (1,267 feet) from base to summit, and its elevation is 1,558 meters (5,112 feet) above sea level.

What is the cultural significance of Devil's Tower to Native Americans?

For tribes such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Crow, the tower is a sacred site called 'Bear Lodge' or 'Mato Tipila', associated with legends of a giant bear. Traditional ceremonies are held there, especially in June.