Devils Tower, WY

We missed the Devils Tower National Monument when were in this area on few years ago.  Decided to try it again.  We are staying at a KOA campground at the foot of the road that leads up to the big rock. We plan to take a couple of days to rest and visit Devils Tower National Monument.

 

We had a great view from the RV park.   From the entrance of the park to the visitors center is 3 miles up a scenic road to the base of the rock.

This is the beginning of a very steep path that led up to the boulder field at the bottom of the rock.

We made it to the boulder field.  That's as much climbing as I wanted to do.  We talked to a woman that had climbed up the boulders the day before and she was telling us about a 6' Bull snake and a rattlesnake that people had seen in the boulders while they were climbing up.  I was surprised that people were allowed to climb the boulder field at all.  If you wanted to climb the rock.....yes, people come from all over to climb the tower....you have to register at the visitor center if you plan to climb higher than the boulder field. 

If you look closely, you can see the people climbing up the boulders.  Some looked like little ants when the reached the top.  The cracks between the rocks were really big as well.  Some people had small children with them.


 

Here is another view of the people climbing and some were only there for a photo op.

This is another perspective looking up.











Well, we finally got to see Devils Tower.  I would not consider it a destination, but would recommend it to anyone that was in the area and had the time to drive up to it. 

On the way down from the tower, we stopped to check out the Prairie dogs.  They were in one certain area with what looked to be hundreds of prairie dog holes.  You could get very close to them before they would run back down in their hole.  We were able to get some great pictures of these cute little creatures.

How many do you see?

Babies were playing.....



While Mama was watching.
 



This is a picture that I took of the Indian legend.  This rock is sacred to the Indians.  Prayer clothes as well as prayer bundles are still left by the tribe.  There are signs asking you to be respectful of these items. 
I have posted a link to the National Park Devils Tower Monument for anyone interested in reading and understanding why it is a National Monument.

Click on link :

Devils Tower National Monument







AFTERNOON STORM: 

A storm this afternoon became severe.  There were severe storm warnings and tornado warnings posted but not until after this came through.  No one was hurt and the only damage was done was to our car.  One of the limbs hit the windshield and put a hole in it big enough to put your fist through.  I took this picture through the window before the storm was over.  There were a few more larger limbs on the ground before it was over.  We will have to stop in the next big town to get the windshield replaced......glass was all inside the car.  Luckily nothing hit the motorhome.  The RV park was a mess.  We ended up having to move from our spot because there were still broken limbs hanging above us.