A giant tower of stone in Wyoming’s Black Hills.
My strongest memory of Devils Tower before I visited was, of course, watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind. (I may have actually read the book first though.) Devils Tower made a strong impression and not just in mashed potatoes. So when I found myself in the region, I made a long drive to see it from Nebraska.
Devils Tower (a.k.a. Bear Lodge Butte, Bear’s House, Bear Lodge, Bear’s Tipi, etc.) was named its current name in 1875. Devils Tower is another mistranslated Native American name. The native interpreter called it “Bad God’s Tower.” The name stuck. Local tribes believe that it was formed by a very large bear clawing on the rock trying to get to a few girls who climbed to the top of the mountain to escape said bears. In the process, the bear’s claws left the weird marks we see today. Honestly, I totally understand why they went there.
Wandering Jana Really looks like something was scratching on it.
Scientifically speaking, Devils Tower used to be a volcano. The magma solidified and then the softer rock eroded around it, leaving a columny flat top mountain. There are other similar buttes like this one in the area, but they are not as spectacular.
Wandering Jana Devils Tower sure is spectacular.
Wandering Jana The road leading to Devils Tower passes an adorable prairie dog town. So adorable.
Wandering Jana They made the most adorable squeak. They were too far away to film so here is an example from YouTube. They sound like squeaky toys.
Wandering Jana Look at this chonky one. (Beware, more photos of prairie dogs will be in future posts. They are too adorable not to share.)
The small visitor center is located at the bottom of Devils Tower. From the parking lot, you can access the Tower Trail, which goes around the base of the mountain.
Wandering Jana The mountain peeking through the pine trees.
Wandering Jana There is a giant rubble pile around the base. It’s the part of the mountain that eroded off.
Wandering Jana More cuteness. This chipmunk stayed still just long enough for me to get this photo.
Wandering Jana A good view of Devils Tower but bad lighting.
Wandering Jana The divot in the center of the mountain is called The Window.
Wandering Jana It does not surprise me that people are crazy enough to climb it.
Wandering Jana The striations are completely straight up and down. Some curve a bit at the bottom.
Wandering Jana Giant rubble pile.
After I finished the Tower Trail, I decided to do another trail before moving on. I chose the Juniper Ridge Trail which was said had good views of Devils Tower, which was towards the sun. It may be better to go in the afternoon.
Wandering Jana It is still a good view though.
Wandering Jana Found a little family of turkeys.
Wandering Jana The trail goes through a prairie. I suggest wearing pants if you hike it. Lots of pokey pants.
Wandering Jana Full of pretty pokey plants.
Wandering Jana Ponderosa Pine forests and prairies both surround Devils Tower.
Wandering Jana Ponderosa Pine forests tend to be very grassy and have lots of meadows.
Wandering Jana A bit of a hazy view.
Wandering Jana Meadows are lovely.
Wandering Jana The trail passes through a short hollow.
Wandering Jana Gorgeous prairie.
Wandering Jana Trails tend to be fairly narrow through prairies. There is no avoiding the pokey plants.
Wandering Jana Very pretty trail.
Devils Tower is a fairly small natural monument. There are a few trails that you can hike away from the mountain itself. The Tower Trail is crowded because everyone does it. However, the Juniper Ridge Trail had much less traffic and was great. I was reminded, though, how allergic I am to Ponderosa Pine forests. I haven’t missed that.
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Start at the beginning of this northwest Midwest road trip!
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