Devil tower wyoming

Devils Tower in Wyoming is a US national monument formed by cooled magma millions of years ago, sacred to Native American tribes.

About this subject

Devils Tower, located in northeastern Wyoming, is an impressive igneous rock formation rising 386 meters above the surrounding landscape. Designated the first US national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, the site is a geological and cultural icon. The tower is composed of phonolite, a volcanic rock rich in feldspar, and its vertical hexagonal columns result from slow cooling of magma underground about 50 million years ago. Erosion of surrounding sedimentary layers exposed this towering structure.

For Native American tribes such as the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, Devils Tower is a sacred site known by several names, including Mato Tipila (Bear's Tower). According to legends, the vertical grooves on the rock were made by the claws of a giant bear chasing girls who climbed the tower to escape. The site is still used for ceremonies and rituals, and visitors are asked to be respectful. Rock climbing is popular but voluntarily avoided in June by agreement with the tribes.

Devils Tower attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, who can walk a 2 km trail around its base. The area also features Tower Creek and prairies with wildlife such as deer and bison. Interestingly, the 1977 film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' immortalized the tower as an alien meeting point, boosting its worldwide fame. Despite its name, the formation has no connection to the devil, being a mistranslation of a native term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact height of Devils Tower?

Devils Tower rises 386 meters (1,267 feet) above the surrounding terrain, and its summit is 1,558 meters above sea level.

Why is Devils Tower considered sacred?

Many Native American tribes, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne, consider the site sacred due to legends and ceremonial use. It is a place for prayer and rituals.

Is climbing allowed on Devils Tower?

Yes, climbing is permitted, but there is a voluntary agreement to avoid climbing in June, the month of tribal ceremonies. Climbers must register and respect the site.