Devils Tower
During our overnight in the
Badlands National Forest in Wyoming, we made a loop of the
surrounding area, stopping by America's first National Monument, the
Devils Tower.
This large outcropping of rock has been considered
sacred by numerous Indian tribes. Legends about two young girls
trying to escape a large bear by climbing atop a rock vary from tribe
to tribe. Most end with the Great Spirit raising up the rock, so
that it was too tall for the bear to reach the girls. Some legends
also tell of the rock remaining as a tipi for a very large bear.
View from 7 miles away
Proclaimed a National Monument by Roosevelt in 1906, the 1240 foot tall rock towers along the edge of the valley floor and is pretty impressive.
I can also imagine a
pretty impressive story being shared by the Indian elders, as young
children sit mesmerized around a tipi fire during the long winter
months.
One point of interest, the name, Devils Tower is missing an apostrophe. It was apparently omitted in
it's recording as a National Monument, and remains missing today.
Hikers returning from the loop
A trail around the base of the tower is 3 miles long. Devils Tower is a popular spot among visitors of all walks of life. It is especially popular today with hikers and rock climbers.
We are constantly amazed at this beautiful country. The hills, the rock formations, the forests, and the meadows with green grass and yellow sweet clover, are soothing to the spirit. We are blessed.
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