Devils Tower

Devils Tower in Wyoming is an iconic location, especially for fans of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), directed by Steven Spielberg. The massive rock formation plays a central role in the film, serving as the meeting place for humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrials.

In the movie, Richard Dreyfuss’ character, Roy Neary, becomes obsessed with the shape of Devils Tower after experiencing a UFO encounter. He sculpts it out of mashed potatoes and later discovers it’s a real place, leading him—and others drawn by the same vision—to the monument for the film’s climactic alien encounter.

Spielberg chose Devils Tower because of its unique and mysterious appearance, making it the perfect location for an otherworldly event. The National Park Service even experienced an increase in visitors after the film’s release, as people wanted to see the famous site in person.

Our Trip to the Monument

During our latest adventure, Michelle and I visited one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States—Devils Tower. Rising majestically from the rolling plains of northeastern Wyoming, this massive monolith has long captured the imagination of travelers, climbers, and Native American tribes who hold it sacred.

As we approached, Devils Tower dominated the horizon, its sheer, vertical columns standing in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. The closer we got, the more awe-inspiring it became. After stopping at the visitor center to learn about the geological and cultural history of the monument, we set off on the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile loop that encircles the base of the formation.

Walking the trail, we marveled at the intricate details of the Tower’s columns, their hexagonal shapes a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Along the way, we saw colorful prayer cloths tied to trees—reminders of the site’s spiritual significance to many Native American tribes. The path meandered through pine forests and boulder fields, offering different perspectives of the monument at every turn.

We took our time, pausing to take in the quiet beauty of the area, listening to the wind rustle through the trees and watching birds soar high above the Tower’s summit. Occasionally, we spotted climbers making their way up the sheer rock face, a feat that seemed both daunting and exhilarating.

By the time we completed the loop, we felt deeply connected to this incredible place. Devils Tower is more than just a geological wonder; it’s a site of history, spirituality, and adventure. Visiting it was an unforgettable experience, and one that left us in awe of the natural world and its mysteries.

Devils Tower is an iconic geological formation in northeastern Wyoming, rising 867 feet from its base and standing 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River. It’s a massive, columnar rock formation, famous for its striking appearance and significance in Native American culture. The tower was designated as the first U.S. national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Interesting Facts About Devils Tower:

• Sacred Site: Many Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow, consider the tower sacred. It is central to several legends, including one where a bear’s claws created the vertical grooves in the rock.
• Climbing Destination: The tower is a world-class climbing spot, but there is a voluntary climbing closure in June to respect Native American cultural practices.
• Geological Wonder: It’s believed to be an igneous intrusion, formed around 50 million years ago, though scientists debate the exact process.

Things to Do:

• Hiking: The 1.3-mile Tower Trail loops around the base, offering great views of the rock and surrounding landscape.
• Wildlife Watching: Look for prairie dogs, deer, and various bird species in the area.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Devils Tower is a great place to see the night sky.

Have you been to Devils Tower, or are you planning a visit?