Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, USA is a unique natural formation that has been attracting travellersfrom across the globe. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this remarkable wonder:
Geological wonder: Devils Tower is one stunning igneous intrusion composed of hexagonal columns. Standing tall at 867 ft (264 meters) tall, this is a classic example of columnar jointing, which is a rare geological phenomenon.
Sacred: The tower holds great spiritual importance for many Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Kiowa. They have various legends and stories associated with its formation.
First National Monument: Did you know that Devils Tower was designated as the first national monument in the United States by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906? This marked the beginning of the Antiquities Act, which allows the president to designate national monuments.
Credit: iStockClimber’s den: Devils Tower is a popular rock climbing destination, attracting climbers from around the world. The climbing season typically runs from June to September, and it offers a variety of routes for climbers of different skill levels.
First ascents: The first recorded ascent of Devils Tower was in 1893 by two local ranchers, William Rogers and Willard Ripley. Notably, the first solo ascent was made by Fritz Wiessner in 1937.
Wildlife: The monument’s surrounding area is noted for being home to diverse wildlife, including prairie dogs, deer, turkeys, and a variety of bird species. Prairie dogs can often be spotted near the base of the tower.
Hollywood connection: Devils Tower gained additional fame after it was featured prominently in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 science fiction film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Credit: iStockStargazer’s spot: Devils Tower is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing.
Hiking trails: There are several hiking trails within the monument, including the popular 1.3-mile Tower Trail that circles the base of Devils Tower, offering different perspectives of the formation.
Source : Times of India