Devils Tower

I was eight years old when the film, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind hit the big screens, and from that point on I was fascinated by Devils Tower, the iconic geological feature that starred as the meeting point between humans and extra terrestrial life forms. So we absolutely had to visit whilst we were within driving distance.

In reality it is the first American National Monument, a rock formation that was formed around fifty million yeas ago by magma pushing up through the sedimentary rock layers millions of years ago, then solidifying. The surrounding rock, mainly sandstone and siltstone gradually eroded away leaving the harder solidified magma behind slowly unveiling Devils Tower

We parked up at the visitors centre and decided that we would only walk along the Tower Trail. This is a short walk, under 2 miles that gives you great views close up to the tower. Whilst you are walking the circuit you can see mountain climbers scaling the steep cliffs, however if you want a good look at them then you will need a good set of binoculars the tower base to summit is 867ft, and most climbers appear only as specks to the naked eye

The magma when cooling formed hexagonal columns, some up to 20ft wide and these can be seen clearly from the tower trail. This trail as it is elevated, also gives you a great view of the surrounding prairies. So its worth remembering to look away from the tower occasionally.

Although Devils Tower's Tower Trail is under 2 miles there is lots of other options for longer walks offering great views of the tower at a distance. Devils Tower trading post is also worth stopping at if only to meet the Prairie Dogs that pop up to greet you as walk by. 

All in all a really memorable morning out, and one of the most striking rock formations that will live in the memory for a very long time.