Plains down below
Theodore Roosevelt was a champion of the conservation of geologically important sites so Devil’s Tower became America’s first national park site. This odd collection of stone pillars were once the core of a volcano formed my molten magma pushing up over 800 feet in the crater of the volcano. Over time, the rest of the volcano crumbled away and all that was left is this magnificent pillar regarded by the natives as a sacred site.
The hiking trail around the pillar is just over two kilometres long and takes only 30 minutes to complete. There are multiple points where you are afforded a commanding view of the plains below, you can see up to 40 kilometres away on a good day from that vantage point. If you want to climb the tower you will have to obtain a permit and expect to have your climbing gear inspected. One person did try to land on the top with a parachute but it took days for climbers to rescue him, so it’s not suggested.
Spearfish Formation
On your way out remember to admire the Spearfish Formation along the Belle Fourche River that runs through the northeastern corner of rectangular Wyoming. Geologists say that some of the rocks in the area trace back to the Triassic, if you’d ask me I really have no idea what that means.
