15 Facts About the Devil’s Tower That Will Blow Your Mind

Wouldn’t it just be the perfect fit to start a conspiracy theory about the Devil’s Tower being Lucifer’s crash site? The name does match, doesn’t it? But hold your horses because this Wyoming giant isn’t some infernal landing pad. Despite its sinister name, Devil’s Tower is a majestic geological marvel soaring over 1,200 feet above the ground. Basically, massive columns of igneous rock thrusting skyward like a natural skyscraper. So, science or mystic spiritualism? Let’s open the scrolls of legend and see some little-known facts about Wyoming’s earthly wonder.

Who was there first?

Do you want intel about a classic case of receipts, or it didn’t happen? Here it is—fur trappers might have passed through Devil’s Tower but didn’t leave any written trace. Hence, the first documented non-Indigenous visitors became Captain William F. Raynolds’s 1859 expedition to Yellowstone. Colonel Richard I. Dodge later brought an Office of Indian Affairs scientific survey party there in 1875 and named it Devil’s Tower.

Origin of the Name

We all agree Devil’s Tower is a weird name. Blame it on a mistranslation. Back in the day, Colonel Richard Irving Dodge’s interpreter botched it up, turning a perfectly fine Native name into something straight out of a horror flick. The original name was “Bear Lodge,” which sounds cozier and like a place Goldilocks would nap, but somehow, the spooky version just stuck.

A Geological Wonder

The formation of the Devil’s Tower still has geologists scratching their heads. Picture this: phonolite porphyry, a rock so rare it’s like the unicorn of geology, forming these insane columnar joints that look like nature’s own Lego project. Some swear it’s a volcanic plug; others think it’s the remnants of a cosmic pancake flip, leftover of a huge laccolith. No one knows for sure, but its unique columnar joints are mesmerizing. Nature’s got jokes, and Devil’s Tower is her punchline.

June Climbing Holiday

June sure comes with a lot of honorary celebrations. For the Devil’s Tower, climbing season hits a pause in June. It’s not for maintenance or weather but out of respect for Native American summer solstice and other cultural events. Climbers worldwide honor this voluntary ban during the month, adding a unique layer of respect and cultural sensitivity to the adventure-packed experience.

Wildlife Habitat

The area around Devil’s Tower teems with wildlife. Visitors often spot prairie dogs, deer, and even bald eagles. Perhaps the tower’s base provides an excellent habitat for these creatures. Or does it transform into an Animal HQ by the strike of midnight? Camp here at night with your camera in hand to interview these animals to find out the truth about this—if you’re Dr Dolittle.

Sacred Grounds

For many Native American tribes, Devil’s Tower is a sacred site. Tribes like the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa have legends tied to their origin. They often conduct spiritual rituals and leave prayer bundles at the site, making it not just a geological wonder but also a cultural edifice.

Presidential Protection

In a first-of-its-kind move in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt decided Devil’s Tower was too cool to be left unprotected, so he slapped a “National Monument” sticker on it. This move helped protect its unique geological and cultural features. Roosevelt’s decision marked the beginning of America’s commitment to preserving natural landmarks. The Antiquities Act enabled this designation.

UFO Connections

Do you believe in aliens? Devils Tower gained fame in pop culture as a UFO landing site. The 1977 movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” featured the tower prominently. This portrayal sparked public interest and speculation about extraterrestrial activity. While there’s no evidence of UFOs, conspiracy HQ may disagree.

Mysterious Markings

There could be an ancient message for America on the Devil’s Tower—perhaps a way to win the soccer World Cup in the near future! Ancient petroglyphs are found near Devil’s Tower. These carvings provide clues about the area’s early inhabitants. Researchers continue to study these markings to understand their meanings.

Natural Light Show

Perhaps this is proof that it’s actually an alien saucer. The tower’s appearance changes dramatically with the light. Sunrise and sunset cast different hues on its surface, creating breathtaking views that photographers and nature lovers can’t get enough of.

Fossil Finds

What if the Devil’s Tower was once the white house of the lost city of Atlantis? Paleontologists have discovered fossils near Devil’s Tower. These finds include remains of ancient marine life, suggesting that the area was once underwater. The plot thickens, doesn’t it?

Indigenous Legends

Many indigenous legends surround the Devil’s Tower. One popular story involves children being chased by a giant bear, climbing a rock, and the rock being raised by the Great Spirits, which led to the tower’s creation. The vertical striations are said to be the bear’s claw marks—remember the original name?

Not Hollow

Despite some popular misconceptions, Devil’s Tower is not hollow. The igneous rock columns resemble a bundle of tightly packed pencils, creating the grooved edges you see. It’s a solid structure, and the belief that it might be hollow is a myth, as the geological processes that formed it did not create any significant internal cavities.

Different strokes for different folks

There’s a path for every adventurer, and the Devil’s Tower makes sure of this. It has trails for all types of adventurers. Whether you’re sprinting through the 1.5-mile Amphitheater Circuit to catch a glimpse of prairie dog town or enjoying the epic journeys of the 4-mile South Sideor the 5-mile Red Beds to Joyner Ridge Trail, where you’ll conquer hills and behold views so epic they’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.

Star Gazing Haven

The dark skies around Devil’s Tower make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Astronomers, enthusiasts, and yes! Lovers enjoy the clear, unobstructed views. The lack of light pollution reveals a sky teeming with stars, making nighttime at the tower a time for both science and romance.