This sentinal of igneous rock rises up almost vertically from the landscape to a height of 1,267 feet. Studied, climbed, and popularized by Hollywood, this rock formation has become an immediately identifiable American landmark. The tower has also seen its share of controversy. Soon, they began climbing and studying, quickly dispatching with the Indian mythology behind it. But modern science, too, is divided on the tower.
Geologists agree that it was formed by the intrusion of igneous material, which has since eroded.
But beyond that, there's no firm agreement. The tower holds some of its mysteries for itself. While the tower is the star here, deer and bison wander the surrounding grassland, the smell of Ponderosa pine fills the air, and hawks and eagles circle overhead. Whether climbing, hiking, or driving, the monument offers something for everyone. It's no surprise that climbing is far and away the big thing at Devils Tower, a tempting target and one of the premier crack climbing areas in North America.