The nearly vertical monolith known as Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the meandering Belle Fourche River. It is the remnant of an ancient volcanic feature. Known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge, it is a sacred site of worship for many American Indians. The rolling hills of this 1,347 acre park are covered with pine forests, deciduous woodlands and prairie grasslands. Deer, prairie dogs and other wildlife are abundant. Proclaimed September 24, 1906 as the nation’s first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt.
History & Culture
All who have seen the gigantic stump-like formation, known as Devils Tower, rising some 1,200 feet above the Belle Fourche River, will understand why it inspired the imagination of the Indians. They called it Mateo Tepee, meaning Grizzly Bear Lodge and had several legends regarding its origin. According to the Kiowas, who at one time are reputed to have lived in the region, their tribe once camped on a stream where there were many bears. One day seven little girls were playing at a distance from the village and were chased by some bears. The girls ran toward the village and when the bears were about to catch them, they jumped to a low rock about three feet in height.
One of them prayed to the rock, “Rock, take pity on us Rock, save us.” The rock heard them and began to elongate itself upwards, pushing the children higher and higher out of reach of the bears, When the bears jumped at them they scratched the rock, broke their claws and fell back upon the ground. The rock continued to push the children upward into the sky while the bears jumped at them, The children are still in the sky, seven little stars in a group (the pleiades). According to the legend the marks of the bears’ claws may be seen on the side of the rock.
The Cheyenne version of the origin of the Tower is somewhat different. According to their legend, there were seven brothers. When the wife of the oldest brother went out to fix the smoke wings of her tipi, a big bear carried her away to his cave. her husband mourned her loss deeply and would go out and cry defiantly to the bear. The youngest of the brothers was a medicine man and had great powers. He told the oldest one to go out and make a bow and four blunt arrows. Two arrows were to be painted red and set with eagle feathers; the other two were to be painted black and set with buzzard feathers. The youngest brother then took the bow and small arrows, told the older brothers to fill their quivers with arrows and they all went out after the big bear.
At the entrance of the cave, the younger brother told the others to sit down and wait. He then turned himself into a gopher and dug a big hole in the bear’s den. When he crawled in he found the bear lying with his head on the woman’s lap. He then put the bear to sleep and changed himself back into an Indian. He then had the unman crawl back to the entrance where the six brothers were waiting. Then the hole closed up. after the Indians hurried away., the bear awoke. He started after them taking all the bears of which he was the leader.
Recreation
The Devils Tower Visitor Center is located about three miles from the entrance of the monument. Interpretive exhibits explain the geologic, natural and cultural history of the area. The Visitor Center staff provide information about climbing and trail conditions and park activities. The Devils Tower Natural History Association Bookstore is located in the Visitor Center. It is stocked with publications and educational items about geology, history and climbing for children and adults.
Hiking
There are 7 miles of hiking trails at Devils Tower National Monument. The most popular is the 1.3 mile paved Tower Trail that circles Devils Tower itself. Other, longer trails traverse tranquil forests and meadows and afford different view of Devils Tower. Hiking is a great time to checkout the wildlife.
Climbing
Rock climbing at Devils Tower is a popular recreational sport. The tower is acclaimed as one of the premier crack climbing areas in North America and boasts a colorful 100-year climbing history. Climbers are asked to refrain from climbing during the month of June out of respect for American Indians. The non-climbing visitor is encouraged to spend a moment watching the climbers.
Getting There
By Plane
Nearest commercial airports to Devils Tower National Monument are at Gillette, WY and Rapid City, SD
By Car
Visitors traveling east on Interstate 90 exit at Moorcroft, WY. Visitors traveling west on Interstate 90 exit at Sundance, WY, take Highway 14 north to Highway 24, then take Highway 24 north to Devils Tower.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Devils Tower National Monument
P. O. Box 10
Devils Tower, WY 82714-0010
Phone: 307-467-5283
Fax: 307-467-5350
Operating Hours & Seasons
Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Visitor Center is open April 9 through November 28, 2004, then closes for the season. Information can be obtained at the Administration Building during the winter. Spring Visitor Center hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Summer hours (May 29 - Sept 6) are 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Fall hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m..
The campground and picnic area open April 9 through October 29, 2004, weather permitting.
Weather/Climate
Weather conditions can change rapidly in this area. Severe storms are possible at any time, particularly in the summer and winter months involving heavy precipitation, thunder and lightening and high winds.
