To quote the National Park Service, "The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America." The website of Earth Trekkers offers the following explanation of how it formed: "50 million years ago, molten lava was forced into underground layers of sedimentary rock. As the magma cooled, it formed hexagonal columns of igneous rock. Over millions of years, the sedimentary rock eroded away, gradually revealing Devils Tower." It rises 867 feet above its base. You may recognize it from the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", which features Devils Tower as a landing site for aliens. There's a 1.3 mile trail around the base of the tower which is characterized as "easy". I quarrel with that, but the altitude and my asthma may be partly responsible for my personal "difficulty rating". Colorful bundles are found hanging from tree branches around the tower; these are prayer bundles left by Native Americans.
This mountain looks really great. I think I will never be there.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time
Violetta
We visited this area once--the tower's Native American legend is so interesting. It was also used as a location in a famous sci-fi movie. Have a wonderful week, Sue!
ReplyDeleteFascinating history and scenery.
ReplyDeleteThe Devil's Tower is definitely a striking landmark! I've seen it in photos before, but I don't remember it being in the movie; it's been a while since I saw it. I didn't know there was a hiking trail around it. Difficulty ratings are often not very helpful. We're quite experienced hikers and once went on a supposedly easy hike in Mallorca (we got this information from a friend's hiking guide – without any further details). It was a hot day, and we only had half a liter of drinking water each with us. The shade from the trees ended relatively quickly, and the path was quite steep. I thought I was going to die of thirst. As we dragged ourselves, thirsty for water, into a restaurant after our hike, the waiter told us we were crazy for hiking up there on such a hot day; that mountain shouldn't be underestimated. I really wonder who makes such assessments; in this case, it was downright dangerous.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/11/calle-libre-2025-streetart-in-wien.html
Close encounters comes to mind here
ReplyDeleteSo amazing. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see Devil's Tower. I kind of have a tower today as well.
ReplyDeletetoutes ces photos sont splendides, à la mesure du lieu qu'elles décrivent
ReplyDeleteThank You 🙏🏽
ReplyDeleteThankyou for taking us to this place. Yes you have to be very mindful of our own abilities. I am surprised people are allowed to climb this, if it is considered sacred by the indigenous people. Have a fabulous week, and thankyou again for the linkup.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's so crazy looking - just jutting out on it's own like that. Fab pics!
ReplyDeleteTruly amazing Devil's Tower, Great mountain views. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttps://rupamsarma.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-bliss.html
such a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting and for sharing such breathtaking images!
ReplyDeleteXO Daniela @ ~ My little old world ~
Wyoming has some rugged terrain and interesting rock formations. We lived their briefly prior to moving to Texas. But the first time I saw the tower was on a trip to Michigan. Thanks for the link-up, have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteIt looks almost surreal! Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteWow, very dramatic formation!
ReplyDeleteI've only ever seen it in photos -- and in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." That's so neat that you got to see it IRL, Sue!
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange area. I am curious if you felt something special around.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these beautiful series.
Happy WW and a fine week!❤️😘
It looks amazing with lovely photos of the beautiful scenery.
ReplyDeletehttps://allatseawithme.blogspot.com/2025/11/wordless-wednesday.html