DEVIL’S TOWER Q&A 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 seri-ously — providing access and helping tribes maintain those connections … because their cultural stories preceded the establishment of the tower as a national monument. 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 climb-ers 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. 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. 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 19th-century 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 . Tell us how you felt the first time you saw the national monument. TR: I saw it on the horizon and was in-exorably 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. From stargazing and camping to ranger programs, there are many ways to experi-ence 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 full-moon walk that begins at dusk for hikers with flashlights. FROM TOP: NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER BUNDLES, FLICKR/DROBNIKM; WOMAN PHOTOGRAPHS DEVILS TOWER, ERIC LINDBERG. WY INDEED: FIND OUT HOW THE TOWER ROSE TO HOLLYWOOD FAME AFTER THE RELEASE OF “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND,” WHICH IS CELEBRATING ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. SCAN THIS PAGE TravelWyoming.com 21
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2017 Wyoming OTJ: Page 21
