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Devils Tower

Location

Wyoming

United States

44° 35' 26.232" N, 104° 42' 56.52" W

See map: Google Maps

US

General info:

Devils Tower is the most improbable rock formation rising dramatically 1,267 feet (386 m) above the surrounding terrain with summit 5,114 feet (1,559 m) above sea level.

It was the first declared United States National Monument, established in 1906. For Native Americans it has been a sacred place from ancient times.

It is not completely certain how the mountain has been formed. Most common theories say that it is either a laccolith or a volcanic plug. In either of the cases Devils Tower is formed of molten rock that has cooled and become solid igneous rock. It did not visibly protrude out of the landscape until the overlying sedimentary rocks eroded away.

Today it is a popular tourist destination with 400,000 annual visitors. Not surprisingly, it is also very popular among rock climbers.

Getting there:

The access by car is very easy. Devils Tower is located off Wyoming State Route 24, which is accessed via US Route 14. The US-14/WY-24 intersection is about 1 hour east of Gillette and 1 hour and 30 minutes west of Rapid City.

Costs:

Admission Rates
1-7 Day Vehicle Pass-$10
1-7 Day Motorcycle Pass-$5
1-7 Day Individual Permit (by feet or bicycle)-$5

Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except December 25 and January 1.

The Visitor Center hours:
April 5 - Nov. 26; Beginning May 27, daily 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sept. 4 hours change to 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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