These Are Just SOME Of The Reasons That Devil’s Tower Is So Mysterious

Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming is a wonder to behold. The stone monolith rises about the surrounding countryside like a sentinel watching over the land. It’s also a treasured landmark for Native Americans and naturalists. Here are some awesome facts about this huge natural tower.

Pretty Tall

Devil’s Tower rises 867 feet above the surrounding ground level. It’s more than 5,100 feet above sea level and 1,200 feet above the Belle Fourche River.

Flat Top

The flat top covers the area of a football field.

Wide Bottom

You would have to walk 1 mile around the base to encircle Devil’s Tower in one lap.

Cooled Magma

Scientists believe the tower formed as molten magma cooled near the surface of the Earth.

Very Old

The rock that makes up the tower was created 65 million years ago.

Surrounding Erosion

Land surrounding Devil’s Tower gradually eroded, while the harder rock of the formation remained.

Climbing

Anyone can attempt to climb Devil’s Tower so long as they register with the ranger’s office. The first person to reach the top did so with a wooden ladder in 1893.

Native Americans

In June, no climbing is allowed, in respect for the Native American tribes who hold the monument sacred. Legend has it six Sioux girls tried to escape a huge angry bear, and the Great Spirit lifted the tower out of the ground. When the bear tried to reach the girls, its claw marks created the sides of Devil’s Tower.

National Monument

Devil’s Tower is the first national monument in the United States. Teddy Roosevelt declared it as such in 1906.

Life Forms

Wildlife actually lives on top, and there are native grasses, cacti, and sagebrush up there. Animals that make it to the top include chipmunks, mice, pack rats, and snakes.