Devils Tower National Monument | Sundance

Devils Tower National Monument, located in northeastern Wyoming near the town of Hulett, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States. Rising dramatically 867 feet from its base and reaching 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, this striking monolith is a geological, cultural, and recreational marvel.

Geology and Landscape:
Devils Tower is an igneous intrusion composed of phonolite porphyry, with its characteristic vertical columns creating a striking fluted appearance. The tower rises abruptly from the surrounding prairie and ponderosa pine forests, standing in stark contrast to the gently rolling plains. The columns, some over 20 inches across, are polygonal and tightly packed, giving the tower its unique texture. At sunrise and sunset, the sun casts long shadows across the columns, highlighting the tower’s rugged surface, while clouds often swirl around the summit, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
The monument holds profound spiritual significance for several Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, and Kiowa. Tribal legends describe the tower’s formation as the result of a bear clawing at the rock while trying to reach children who had taken refuge atop it. The site remains sacred, with many tribes continuing traditional ceremonies there. Devils Tower was also the first declared United States national monument, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, reflecting its national importance.

Recreational Activities:

Hiking: The Tower Trail is a popular 1.3-mile loop that circles the base, providing close-up views of the columns and access to interpretive signage detailing geology, flora, and fauna. Other trails, such as the Joyner Ridge and Red Beds Trails, offer varied perspectives of the tower and surrounding landscape.

Rock Climbing: Devils Tower is a world-renowned climbing destination. Climbers ascend the vertical columns using a combination of traditional and free-climbing techniques. Climbing is regulated to respect both safety and cultural sensitivities, and voluntary climbing closures occur in June to honor Native American ceremonies.

Wildlife and Nature Viewing: The area around the monument supports deer, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. Seasonal wildflowers color the meadows, while ponderosa pine and mixed grasslands provide a scenic backdrop.

Visitor Facilities:
The monument has a visitor center with exhibits on geology, history, and tribal culture, along with a bookstore and ranger-led programs. Campgrounds nearby allow overnight stays, making it possible to experience the tower at dawn or dusk, when the light dramatically transforms its appearance.

Visitor Experience:
Visitors often remark on the sense of awe that comes from approaching the tower from the prairie, where it seems to rise from nowhere. The combination of sheer vertical columns, historical context, and sacred significance makes the monument feel both monumental and intimate. Sunrise and sunset provide particularly memorable moments, as the colors shift across the rock’s surface and the surrounding landscape glows in soft light.

Devils Tower National Monument is a captivating destination that blends dramatic geology, deep cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of northeastern Wyoming.