Introduction: A Sacred Enigma Rising from the Devil’s Tower Plains
Towering 1,267 feet above Wyoming’s rolling prairies, Devil’s Tower is America’s first National Monument—and one of its most geologically puzzling landmarks. This massive igneous rock formation, with its distinctive hexagonal columns, has been a sacred site for Native tribes, a UFO hotspot, and a world-class climbing destination. From ancient legends of giant bears to modern reports of strange lights, Devil’s Tower holds secrets that defy explanation.
The Geological Mystery: How Did Devil’s Tower Form?
Scientists still debate the origins of this basalt monolith. The leading theory suggests it’s the remnant of an ancient volcanic plug, exposed over millions of years as softer rock eroded away. Its unique columnar jointing—the result of slow-cooling magma—creates a surreal, almost artificial appearance. Less known is the “root system” discovered underground: seismic studies reveal the tower extends hundreds of feet below the surface, like the tip of a massive geological iceberg.
Native American Legends: The Bear’s Lodge and Star People
To the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa, Devil’s Tower is “Mato Tipila” (Bear’s Lodge). One legend tells of seven sisters chased by a giant bear; the Great Spirit raised the rock to save them, leaving the bear’s claw marks (the tower’s grooves) as proof. Some tribes also speak of “Star People” who visited the site, linking it to celestial beings. To this day, many Native Americans tie prayer cloths at its base, honoring its spiritual power.
The Controversial Name: How a Sacred Site Became “Devil’s Tower”
The tower’s modern name stems from an 1875 translation error. Colonel Richard Dodge’s interpreter allegedly misheard the Native term “Bad God’s Tower” as “Devil’s Tower.” Tribal groups have pushed to restore the original “Bear Lodge” name, but the label persists. Few know that Theodor Roosevelt designated it a National Monument in 1906 partly to protect it from mining—early prospectors believed it was a petrified tree stump filled with gold.
Climbing the Tower: A Thrilling (and Controversial) Challenge
Since Fritz Wiessner’s first ascent in 1937, over 5,000 climbers scale Devil’s Tower yearly. The Durrance Route is the most popular, but the “Belly Crawl”—a nerve-wracking squeeze through a narrow ledge—tests even experts. In June, many climbers honor Native requests to avoid ascending, as it’s a sacred month for ceremonies. Some report eerie sensations mid-climb, like whispers or sudden temperature drops.
UFOs and Paranormal Activity: Close Encounters at the Devil’s Tower
After Steven Spielberg featured it in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Devil’s Tower became synonymous with UFOs. But real-life sightings predate Hollywood:
- In 1977, park rangers documented pulsing red lights hovering near the summit.
- A 1988 camper claimed to see a “metal disc” silently circling the tower before vanishing.
- Native oral history describes “flying shields” visiting the site for centuries.
The National Park Service’s declassified files note multiple “unexplained radar blips” in the area.
Hidden Caves and Unexplored Passages
Few visitors realize the tower has hidden caves. The “Boulder Cave”, discovered in the 1940s, contains ancient petroglyphs of strange, humanoid figures. Another cavity, “The Eye of the Devil”, is said to emit low-frequency hums. Geologists suspect a vast network of tunnels may exist within, but collapses have sealed most entrances.
The Devil’s Tower is Acoustic Anomalies: The “Singing Rock” Phenomenon
On windy days, the tower produces an eerie, resonant hum—dubbed “The Song of Mato Tipila.” Scientists attribute it to wind passing through the hexagonal fissures, but tribal elders say it’s the voice of the Great Spirit. In 2019, audio engineers recorded infrasound frequencies below human hearing, which some believe trigger unease or visions.
Conclusion: A Monument Between Worlds of Devil’s Tower
Devil’s Tower straddles science and spirituality, history and mystery. Whether you’re drawn by its geology, legends, or otherworldly aura, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a rock—it’s a portal to the unexplained.
Go to main page
