Devil tower wyoming

Devils Tower is a volcanic monolith in Wyoming, USA, the first national monument, standing 386 meters tall with rich geological and cultural history.

About this subject

Devils Tower, located in northeastern Wyoming, is an impressive rock formation rising 386 meters above the surrounding landscape. It is the core of an ancient volcano, formed about 50 million years ago when intrusive magma cooled and solidified underground. Erosion over millions of years exposed this igneous rock, revealing the iconic hexagonal columns that characterize the tower. This geological phenomenon, known as columnar jointing, is similar to other formations such as the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

The monument holds immense cultural significance for several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa. They consider the site sacred and tell legends about its creation, such as the story of seven girls who turned into stars (Pleiades) while a bear clawed the rock, creating the vertical marks. The original Lakota name is "Mato Tipila," meaning "Bear Tower." In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower as the first national monument in the United States, protecting it for future generations.

Beyond its geological and cultural value, Devils Tower is a popular destination for climbers from around the world. More than 5,000 people climb the tower annually, following established routes along the cracks between columns. Climbing gained notoriety after the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977), which used the tower as a backdrop for an alien encounter. Today, the National Park Service balances recreational access with respect for native traditions, including a voluntary climbing closure during the month of June in deference to tribal ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Devils Tower be climbed?

Yes, it is a popular climbing destination with over 5,000 climbers per year. However, there is a voluntary closure in June to respect Native American ceremonies.

How tall is Devils Tower?

It rises 386 meters from its base, with the summit at 1,558 meters above sea level.

Why does Devils Tower have a column-like shape?

The hexagonal columns result from columnar jointing, a process where magma cools and contracts uniformly, forming fractures in geometric patterns.