The Mystery of Devils Tower, Wyoming
Rising like an ancient monolith from the rolling plains of northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower pierces the sky with a grandeur that borders on the mythical. It is a sight that stirs something ancient in the soul, drawing the curious, the adventurous, and the spiritual to its base. Whether shrouded in morning mist or gleaming under a midday sun, Devils Tower is a geological marvel, a sacred site, a climber’s challenge, and yes, for many, a profound mystery.
The Birth of a Legend
Before it was ever named Devils Tower, this stunning formation was known by many names among Native American tribes: Bear Lodge (Mato Tipila), Tree Rock, Bear’s Tipi, and more. These names are rooted in sacred stories passed through generations, long before Westerners set eyes upon it.
Geologists believe Devils Tower is the remnant of a magma intrusion, possibly the core of an extinct volcano. Around 50 million years ago, molten rock pushed upward, but instead of breaking through the surface, it cooled underground. Over millions of years, the softer surrounding rock eroded away, revealing the dramatic columned formation we see today.
Yet science is just one side of the story.
A Sacred Monument
To the Lakota, Cheyenne, Crow, Arapaho, and Kiowa people, Devils Tower is a holy site. One Kiowa legend tells of seven young girls chased by a giant bear. The girls climbed a rock and prayed to the Great Spirit for help. The rock rose into the sky, lifting them out of reach. The bear clawed at the sides of the rock, leaving deep grooves, those same vertical striations we see today. The girls were eventually turned into the Pleiades constellation.
This sacred story is one of many. Each tribe has its own oral tradition, and to this day, ceremonies and prayer offerings are held around the base. Colorful prayer cloths often flutter from nearby trees, and climbers are encouraged to avoid scaling the Tower during the month of June, when many tribes hold sacred rituals.
Is Devils Tower a Mystery?
To scientists, Devils Tower is a well-understood geological feature, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t mysterious. The Tower’s dramatic symmetry, vertical columns, and abrupt rise from otherwise flat terrain make it unlike anything else in the region. Its very presence evokes questions: How did it form? Why here? Why does it look the way it does?
Adding to the mystery are UFO enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists, spurred by the Tower’s starring role in a 1977 Spielberg film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In the movie, aliens select Devils Tower as a rendezvous point. Ever since, it has become a pilgrimage site for sci-fi lovers, adding another strange layer to the Tower’s mystique.
Climbing the Devil’s Monument
Yes, people do climb Devils Tower, and they have for over a century. The first known ascent was not by professional climbers but by two local ranchers, William Rogers and Willard Ripley, in 1893. They famously built a wooden ladder wedged into a vertical crack and ascended to the summit in front of a Fourth of July crowd.
Since then, thousands of climbers have scaled the Tower’s hexagonal columns, drawn by its unique structure and the technical challenge it presents. The most popular routes are cracks between the massive columns, requiring strength, precision, and nerves of steel.
The climb is not without danger. While accidents are rare, they do happen. Over the years, about five known fatalities have occurred on the Tower, most due to falls or exposure. Compared to other famous climbing locations, Devils Tower has a relatively low fatality rate, thanks to strict regulations and the skill level of most climbers attempting the ascent.
What’s on Top of Devils Tower?
One of the most common questions from tourists is: What’s up there?
The summit is surprisingly flat and roughly the size of a football field. It’s covered in scrubby vegetation, some grasses, and a few small boulders. From the top, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Black Hills, grasslands, and forests stretching endlessly in every direction.
There are no buildings, no alien landing pads, just wind, silence, and sky. Occasionally, ravens will circle above or perch on the summit, adding to the Tower’s ethereal presence.
How Do Climbers Get Down?
While ascending Devils Tower requires technical prowess and endurance, getting down is often just as challenging. Climbers typically rappel down the same routes they used to ascend. Most carry ropes and specialized gear to set up anchors at designated rappel stations. The descent is done in stages, and climbers must remain vigilant to avoid tangled ropes or falling debris.
For novice climbers, the Tower is not recommended without a guide or significant experience. Local guiding companies offer services to help those wishing to summit safely, and the National Park Service monitors all climbing activity.
Has Anyone Landed a Plane on Devils Tower?
Believe it or not, someone once attempted to land a plane on Devils Tower. In 1941, a daredevil pilot named George Hopkins parachuted onto the summit as a publicity stunt. Unfortunately, his plan to rappel down afterward fell apart, and he was stranded for six days until a team of rescuers climbed up and brought him down.
This strange episode captivated national attention and only added to the mystique surrounding the Tower. Today, aircraft are not permitted to land on or fly low over Devils Tower, it’s federally protected as a national monument.
Hollywood’s Imprint: “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
No article about Devils Tower would be complete without mentioning Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Spielberg classic that forever linked the Tower with extraterrestrial lore. In the film, the monument becomes the central location for human-alien contact. The visual of the Tower rising out of the plains was so compelling that Spielberg reportedly chose it early in production as the film’s iconic setting.
After the movie’s release, tourism to Devils Tower skyrocketed. Even today, visitors recreate scenes from the film, sculpt mashed potatoes into the shape of the Tower, and flock to ranger talks that discuss the movie’s filming. The National Park Service has embraced this fame, weaving the film’s legacy into visitor programs and interpretive displays.
Why is Devils Tower So Famous?
Devils Tower is famous for many reasons, geological, spiritual, cinematic, and adventurous.
Geological Marvel: It’s the first declared U.S. National Monument, designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. The Tower is the largest example of columnar jointing in the world, with over 5,000 vertical cracks forming its unique structure.
Sacred Site: To Native American tribes, it is a place of deep spiritual importance. Its prominence in oral tradition elevates it beyond the physical.
Climber’s Paradise: Its challenging and varied climbing routes make it a bucket-list destination for climbers worldwide.
Pop Culture Icon: Thanks to Close Encounters, the Tower holds a place in global pop culture. It’s instantly recognizable and wrapped in the mystery of the unknown.
Natural Beauty: The monument and the surrounding forests, meadows, and wildlife offer visitors a serene, almost otherworldly experience.
A Monument Worthy of Reverence
Despite its fame and accessibility, Devils Tower remains a profoundly personal place for many. For some, it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. For others, it’s a natural marvel to admire from afar. Climbers see it as a challenge and a rite of passage. Filmmakers see it as an alien beacon. And still, for others, it’s simply a quiet place to connect with something greater.
As you walk the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile path that encircles the base, you’ll find silence, stories, and perhaps even a sliver of the sacred. Look closely, and you may see prayer cloths tied to trees, a quiet reminder that this place is not just a rock. It is memory. It is legend. It is life.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Allure of Devils Tower
In an age of instant answers and GPS navigation, Devils Tower stands apart. It is a place where ancient earth meets eternal sky, where science and spirit intertwine, and where every visitor sees something different. Is it a mystery? Yes, if by mystery we mean something that touches us deeply and leaves us asking bigger questions.
As night falls over the Wyoming plains and the stars begin to appear, maybe even the Pleiades, you can stand at the base of Devils Tower and feel the stories whisper through the wind. And whether you believe in ancient legends, geological time scales, or cosmic visitors, one thing is certain: this tower, this monolith, this sacred stone is unlike any place else on Earth.
Quick Facts about Devils Tower:
Height: 867 feet from base to summit.
Designation: First U.S. National Monument (1906).
Native Name: Mato Tipila (Bear Lodge).
Climbers per year: ~5,000 (with seasonal restrictions).
Number of climbing fatalities: Estimated at 5.
Topography: Flat summit with sparse vegetation.
Movie Connection: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).
Spiritual Significance: Sacred to over 20 Native American tribes.
Geological Age: Formed around 50 million years ago.
