2019-01-16 19:21:04
MANY PEOPLE, MANY STORIES, ONE PLACE This astounding geologic feature protruding out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural world. Anchoring the northeast corner of the Black Hills of Wyoming is the laccolithic butte made up of igneous rocks — Devils Tower National Monument. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed it as the country’s fi st national monument. As you drive through the picturesque Belle Fourche River Valley and approach the town of Hulett, glimpses of Devils Tower come tantalizingly into view. Larger and larger it looms. Then, finally the jaw-dropping geological feature rising 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain fills the hori on. While Devils Tower National Monument garnered signifi ant attention as the backdrop in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the tower is sacred to many Northern Plains Indian tribes who made their homes in the Black Hills region. With a rich history that combines the country’s First Nations with cowboys, rock climbers and incredible night skies, Devils Tower is a must-visit destination. SACRED HISTORY Devils Tower is a sacred site for the indigenous people that have a connection to the Black Hills area. Lakota legend tells the story of two Lakota boys who wandered far from their village. Mato, a massive bear with claws the size of tipi poles, spotted them and wanted to eat them. He was almost upon them when the boys prayed to Wakan Tanka, the Creator, for help. They rose up on a huge rock as Mato tried to get up from every side, leaving huge scratch marks on the stone. Finally, he sauntered off, disappointed and discouraged. The bear came to rest northeast of the Black Hills, at what is now known as Bear Butte. Wanblee, the eagle, helped the boys off the rock and back to their village. A painting depicting the Cheyenne legend hangs over the fi eplace at the Devils Tower Visitor Center. These landmarks retain spiritual signifi ance to the Native American tribes. Sacred ceremonies are still held at the tower, including sweat lodges, sun dances and prayer offerings. CLIMBING For adrenaline-pumping activity, climb one of the abundant routes at the tower. Hundreds of parallel cracks divide the stone pillar into large hexagonal columns, making it one of the premier traditional crack climbing areas in North America. If you are interested in climbing the tower and want a professional guide to lead the route, contact Sylvan Rocks Climbing School & Guide Service. All climbers who wish to ascend the tower or scramble above the boulder field need to register before their climb and follow all rules and regulations. Registration can be completed at the kiosk in the center of the paved parking area. The June Voluntary Climbing Closure takes place during the entire month of June to show respect to the tribes that view the tower as sacred. HIKING The fi e hiking trails at Devils Tower National Monument — Tower, Red Beds, Joyner Ridge, South Side and Valley View — provide different views and perspectives of the tower. Tower Trail is the most popular route, taking visitors along a 1.3-mile-long path around the base. The one hour, self-guided trek offers close-up views of the forest and wildlife and spectacular views of the tower itself. Meanwhile, Joyner Ridge is an easy 1.5-mile-long hike that offers pretty perspectives of the tower, especially at dusk. The Red Beds Trail covers a much broader three-mile loop around the monument and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. For Devils Tower National Monument business listings, turn to page 145.
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