devils tower

 

Devils Tower is not only a Wyoming landmark but also a destination for climbers.  The first ascent was July 4, 1893 by a couple of cowboys using wooden ladders, remnants which can still be viewed.  The first technical climbing ascent was in 1937 and today thousands explore the 150 climbing trails among the hexagonal or six-sided columns which comprise the laccolith.  The last large column fell about 10,000 years ago with the next one to go probably the Leaning Column; however, a park analysis in 2006 decided that the column continues to be safe for climbing.  I only hiked the 1.3 trail around the perimeter of Devils Tower.

 

Devils Tower, Wyoming

6.12.2014