Devil’s Tower is a monolith of volcanic rock that rises to a height of 865 ft or 264 meters and spans 1347 acres from the black hills bordering Belle Fourche River. A monolith is a geological feature consisting of a single massive stone or rock, such as some mountains, or a single large piece of rock placed as, or within, a monument or building that when natural, erosion usually exposes the geological formations, which are often hardened and solid metamorphic or igneous rock. Established in 1906, it was the first national monument in the U.S.
Devils Tower National Monument was originally designated for its unique
geology. Natural history forms the foundation of why this place was protected.
Although recognized today as an important cultural site, the geologic processes
and ecology of the Black Hills remain paramount to the Tower’s importance.
Besides being a place of natural beauty, Devils Tower is a place of
scientific study and public interest. The Tower was formed of a rare igneous
rock, phonolite porphyry, and is the largest model of columnar jointing in the
world. To better understand processes which shaped the Tower, we look back
through Earth’s history to a time long before this unique feature took shape.
Devil’s Tower – Crook County -Wyoming USA
The columns of Devils Tower are its most striking feature. This appearance, known as columnar jointing, is not unique to the Tower. However, the size of the Tower’s columns is unrivaled. Soaring hundreds of feet into the air and stretching to 10 feet in width, the columns at Devils Tower are magnificent.
Each year some climbing routes are unavailable during the spring and summer to protect falcon nesting sites and to protect climbers from adult falcons who will defensively dive to protect their young. Protected nesting locations, such as Devils Tower, have been crucial in the recovery of Peregrine Falcons who declined due to the insecticide DDT in the 1970s and 80s.
Prairie Dog Town
Devils Tower has one of the most accessible and visible Black-tailed prairie dog towns. Prairie Dog crossing sign at Devils Tower. These guys are adorable and so much fun to watch. They are pretty well accustomed to people here and you can watch them quite close to the road. People want prairie dogs as pets, but they are wild animals…Proceed with caution.
Wind Circle Sculpture
The new Tribal Connections site at Devils Tower National Monument interprets Devils Tower as place that is sacred to many Native American tribes. The site’s central feature, the Wind Circle sculpture, also called the Sacred Circle of Smoke, was created by internationally renowned Japanese artist Junkyu Muto as the third in a series of seven “peace sculptures” planned for significant sites around the world.
Junkyu Muto was greatly moved when he first viewed Devils Tower. Exhilarated by the sight of it, and Native American culture and traditions, he was inspired to carve a sculpture for exhibit at the base of the monolith. It would be a “peace sculpture,” a gesture of international good will. Muto carved it out of the finest Carrara marble, and he donated it to the National Park. At first, the sculpture was called “Circle of Sacred Smoke,” however, the name was eventually changed to Wind Circle, which was considered a less controversial moniker.
Two other peace sculptures had already been erected – one at the Vatican in 2000, and the other at Buddha Gaya, India in 2005. The sculpture erected at Devils Tower therefore extends the artist’s special recognition of sacred places. A more comprehensive look at Muto’s Peace sculptures work can be seen here.
Recommended Hotels
Hulett Hotel – With rooms along the Belle Fourche River, and just nine miles away from Devils Tower, this boasts Cabins, Chalets & Spacious Rooms…But No Pets.
Lytle Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast – Open April 1st thru September 30th
Devil’s Tower National Park
Favourite Haunts 
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