![]() This is a relaxing, moving, and awe-inspiring place. The fact that it's a site with significant meaning to Native Americans makes it all the more worthwhile (you can't help but be moved by the Native American prayer bundles tied to trees around the monument). Devils Tower is a remarkable testament to geology and the power of Mother Earth. It offers amazing views of the Tower as well as the surrounding countryside. ![]() My family opted for the paved trail that circles the base. There are several trails around the monument. It was busy with a steady stream of people. However, the place has a mythological and sacred meaning. There was ample parking once we got there. This is the case of Devils Tower, which is believed to have been formed around 50 million years ago. Once you arrive at the Tower, there's a short drive from the National Park entrance to the visitor's center. Northeast Wyoming boasts some incredible real estate. The tale tells of two young boys who were lost in the prairie. Vertical joints divide the rock mass into. It is composed of a crystalline rock, classified as phonolite porphyry, that when fresh is gray but which weathers to green or brown. The drive leading up to the monument is spectacular. The legend behind the creation of Devils Tower is one that is both mystical and alluring. Devils Tower is a steep-sided mass of igneous rock that rises above the surrounding hills and the valley of the Belle Fourche River in Crook County, Wyo. But I found Devils Tower to be better than expected. Some places are anti-climactic after years of build-up. As a result, I've always wanted to visit Devils Tower. "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" came out when I was a kid, and it's always been one of my favorite movies. This is iconic americana that should not be missed if you are in the Black Hills area. Facilities are limited, but there is a campground and general store just outside the entrance gate. There are good places to view the insane climbers braving the steep face of Devil's Tower. Take time to read the interpretive signs along the paved, circular trail. The elevation change can be a bit challenging, but your ears and breathing should adjust just fine. The walk to the tower is steep at times but there are plenty of benches along the way in which to rest. Start at the small visitor's center to grab a map of the grounds. You'll want to get out and take pictures even before you reach the visitor's center (especially at the adorable prarie dog town). Most of the drive is on I-90, though once you exit at Sundance, WY, there is quite a bit of driving on winding two-lane roads. ![]() The tower is a doable drive from the Black Hills, especially if you are staying up north (we were in Spearfish).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |