2016-10-21 08:10:21
Devils Tower — America’s first national monument — brings more than 400,000 visitors to Wyoming’s northeast corner every year. Tim Reid, the monument’s superintendent and nearly 30-year veteran of the National Park Service, and Kacey Caldwell, of the Wyoming Office of Tourism and a proud Wyoming native, offer insight into why the 1,267-foot rock tower near Hulett and Sundance remains such a timeless landmark. A rock-climbing destination, geologic wonder and legend-steeped national monument — Devils Tower is many things. What makes it special to you? TIM REID: Devils Tower is special to me because it’s a world-class destination in many regards, whether it’s the cultural value for Native American tribes in the area who regard it as a sacred site or the international community that comes here for world-class rock climbing. KACEY CALDWELL: Aside from being such a cool and interesting part of history as the first national monument, Devils Tower is special to me because it’s a place unlike any other. I love that you can hike around the tower and admire its beauty while reflecting on the spiritual feelings so many people who have come before have felt Tell us how you felt the first time you saw the national monument. TR: I saw it on the horizon and was inexorably drawn to it. It’s a stunning visual image that definitely pulls people in. I think what impressed me upon arrival is that it still offers a small-park experience — a rare commodity in a very crowded world. KC: Driving through this part of the state, you can see the tower from miles away. At first glimpse, I had a “there it is!” feeling, but actually winding around the tower and driving into the parking lot at the tower’s base filled me with excitement. When I got out of the car, I had this “wow” moment. The size of the tower is impressive, and standing next to it is indescribable. Seeing it in a picture could never do it justice. More than 25 Native American tribes have a cultural affiliation with Devils Tower, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Shoshone. Why is sharing the landmark’s history and significance to native tribes so important? TR: It’s a sacred site to Native American tribes, and that’s a trust and responsibility the National Park Service takes very seriously — providing access and helping tribes maintain those connections … because their cultural stories preceded the establishment of the tower as a national monument. Many rock climbers honor the monument’s significance to local tribes by voluntarily opting not to ascend the tower during the month of June. What kind of spiritual celebrations take place at Devils Tower? TR: Ceremonial expressions go on every day, 365 days a year at Devils Tower, but most of them are unseen; some may occur at night. The most common visual reminder of the tower’s ceremonial and spiritual significance to Native American tribes is the prayer bundles you see in the area’s trees. From stargazing and camping to ranger programs, there are many ways to experience the monument in a unique way. What do you recommend? TR: My favorite spot to [see the tower] is on the outer Red Beds Trail … With that being said, every day that I go up to talk with staff or engage with visitors in the tower base parking lot area, I find myself standing in the lot, looking up and drifting off in reverie. It’s really stunning and looks different with every change of light angle — any of the parking spaces in the lot on any given day can become my favorite spot to enjoy the tower. KC: Summer cultural programs offer speakers on a variety of subjects, and on select evenings, there’s also a fullmoon walk that begins at dusk for hikers with flashlights. What are some interesting facts about the landmark that you think visitors should know? TR: There are more than 200 different climbing routes at Devils Tower, and climbers come from all over the world to climb the unique crack systems here. There’s nothing like them on the globe. Walking around the base of the tower any given day, you’re likely to hear any number of foreign languages spoken. For those who’ve never been to the Hulett and Sundance area, what are some other must-sees near Devils Tower visitors should add to their itineraries? KC: Don’t miss the Ham ‘N Jam held every year on the Wednesday of August’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Also, be sure to make a stop at Aladdin General Store, a 19thcentury mercantile preserved with its original windows and interior. Stop and boat at Keyhole Reservoir, or soak in some sunshine on the 50-mile shoreline. Learn more about Devils Tower at TravelWyoming.com/national-parks and nps.gov/deto.
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