Devils Tower National Monument
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On December 20, 2015, Ashlie and I visited Devils Tower in Wyoming while on our Winter Road Trip, Part One. This was our first time visiting here and we were both amazed.
This area had intrigued me for many years and was something I was very excited to finally see in person. The year prior, while on the Papa.Bravo.Fourteen Road Trip with my friend Steven, we almost made the journey here. Due to winter weather we encountered on that trip, it slowed us down and caused us to slightly reconfigure our itinerary. We had to make the tough decision between Devils Tower or Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The Presidents won that coin toss. Looking back, I am glad it work out that way so Ashlie and I could experience this place together for the first time. |
Ashlie and I arrived here in the afternoon. It was a cool, brisk day and the ground was lightly covered with snow. As we entered the park we passed a few vehicles leaving. From that point forward, we did not see too many people. If memory serves me right, we only encountered about five others the whole time we were there.
Devils Tower, also known as Bear Lodge Butte for its proximately to the Bear Lodge Mountains, is a natural marvel from every angle. Although located in a mountainous area, it definitely stands alone and is visually noticeable many miles out. The summit stands approximately 5,112 feet (1,558 meters) above sea level and from base to summit there is an elevation change of approximately 867 feet (264 meters). Whether on the ground or in the air, it is easy to see just how unique this site is.
Devils Tower, also known as Bear Lodge Butte for its proximately to the Bear Lodge Mountains, is a natural marvel from every angle. Although located in a mountainous area, it definitely stands alone and is visually noticeable many miles out. The summit stands approximately 5,112 feet (1,558 meters) above sea level and from base to summit there is an elevation change of approximately 867 feet (264 meters). Whether on the ground or in the air, it is easy to see just how unique this site is.
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Devils Tower became Americas first National Monument in 1906 thanks to President Theodore Roosevelt. Since then, it has drawn crowds by the millions, with a yearly average of about 500,000 visitors.
The most popular destination here is the 1.3 mile paved Tower Trail which circles around the base. It offers amazing views of the Tower and the surrounding area. We were fortunate enough to have this trail all to ourselves while visiting. |
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From the parking lot to trail head is not that far of a walk, but there is a slight incline. I mention this because on our trip it started to ice over and we had to help each down as we walked back to the FJ. Shoutout to Ashlie for holding my hand and making sure I did not fall down!
The trail is lined with ponderosa pine trees and masive boulders. In the distance we could hear the sounds of animals calling to each other. Venturing down the path we noticed the moon began to glow against the bright blue sky and the Tower came alive with bright colors from the setting sun. It was a beautiful picture that not even the best artist could capture.
The trail is lined with ponderosa pine trees and masive boulders. In the distance we could hear the sounds of animals calling to each other. Venturing down the path we noticed the moon began to glow against the bright blue sky and the Tower came alive with bright colors from the setting sun. It was a beautiful picture that not even the best artist could capture.
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The sunlight quickly began to fade and we found a nice spot on the trail to watch the sunset. Although not as vivid as others I have seen, this one joins memorable places like the Dead Sea, Horseshoe Bend, and the Hoover Dam where I had the privilege of watching a sunset.
For us, walking the trail was a remarkable experience. Since we saw or heard no other people, we had no distractions to take away from nature. One of the benefits to visiting outside of the tourist season. |
It is believed that this area has been occupied by people for thousands of years. Present day, this area still has significant meaning to Native Americans who continue spiritual practices passed down to them from generation to generation. Some of this carries over onto the walking trail around the Tower as you can see pieces of cloth attached to some of the trees.
All of the sights, sounds, history, and geology brought together into this one special place definitely makes for an unforgettable adventure.
All of the sights, sounds, history, and geology brought together into this one special place definitely makes for an unforgettable adventure.
To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument, please click here: Devils Tower
Sources: NPS.gov | Wikipedia.org
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*Winter Road Trip, Part One (2015)*
Second Trip
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On July 21, 2017, I visited Devils Tower National Monument while on my West Coast MINI Road Trip. This short visit was an unexpected surprise. This was my second time here, but first time seeing it during the summer.
Earlier that day I was at Mount Rushmore National Memorial having coffee with the presidents. We concluded our meeting earlier than expected and I had a little extra time for a quick adventure here. |
Depending on the route, Mount Rushmore is about 130 miles south east of Devils Tower. One of the things that excited me the most about the drive between the two, was the journey through the Black Hills. I have driven through that area several times before, but it was always at night or close too. Although I had enough lights on the FJ to turn night into day, it just was not the same.
On my first visit, Ashlie and I were able to walk the Tower Trail around the base of Devils Tower which allowed us to get great close up pictures. This time however, I wanted get pictures from afar as I did not get too many the first time. I am still not to sure which point of view is more impressive and here is why I say that:
Although kind of the same, they are two different experiences. I have said this to other people who have visited here and they had a very similar take way. If I had to compare this size difference to something else I guess it would be a large ship, like a cruise liner. If you have ever viewed one up close and then again from further away (or vice versa), the size feels different even though nothing changed except your perspective.
I have visited things like the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Petra, Redwood Forest, and other areas that have large natural or man made structures, but none of them really had that noticeable size difference. I would attribute that to the fact they are usually surround by other things such as hills, mountains or similarly sized objects. Therefore, their grandeur is somewhat lost, where as Devils Tower stands tall all on its own and does not need to compete for supremacy. Having said all that, when you stand on the Mike O'Callagahn - Pat Tillman Bridge overlooking the Hoover Dam you can really appreciate its size, but that feeling I just explained (to me anyway) is not there as you walk across the Dam.
On my first visit, Ashlie and I were able to walk the Tower Trail around the base of Devils Tower which allowed us to get great close up pictures. This time however, I wanted get pictures from afar as I did not get too many the first time. I am still not to sure which point of view is more impressive and here is why I say that:
- The closer you are, the smaller you feel.
- The further away you are, the larger Devils Tower feels.
Although kind of the same, they are two different experiences. I have said this to other people who have visited here and they had a very similar take way. If I had to compare this size difference to something else I guess it would be a large ship, like a cruise liner. If you have ever viewed one up close and then again from further away (or vice versa), the size feels different even though nothing changed except your perspective.
I have visited things like the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Petra, Redwood Forest, and other areas that have large natural or man made structures, but none of them really had that noticeable size difference. I would attribute that to the fact they are usually surround by other things such as hills, mountains or similarly sized objects. Therefore, their grandeur is somewhat lost, where as Devils Tower stands tall all on its own and does not need to compete for supremacy. Having said all that, when you stand on the Mike O'Callagahn - Pat Tillman Bridge overlooking the Hoover Dam you can really appreciate its size, but that feeling I just explained (to me anyway) is not there as you walk across the Dam.
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*West Coast MINI Road Trip, 2017*
Bourn Adventure Postcards
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Not only do we document our travels, but we also sell rad stickers, patches, and other products as a way to help others show off their adventures! Going to the mountains? We have a patch for that! Going camping? We have a sticker for that! Sun beating down on your head? You guessed it; we have a hat for that!
Since we launched our store in 2012, we have shipped products all over the United States and to more than 15 countries. We are blessed to have so many people around |
Click on the picture to see our other postcard adventures!
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the globe rocking Bourn Adventure Gear. We wanted a way to personally thank them for their order.
Our solution was to create Bourn Adventure postcards. This allowed us the opportunity to give each order a personal touch while continuing to share adventures from all over the world. We breathe new life in our postcards by periodically changing destinations and showcasing new locations. Each postcard series is assigned a number and runs for a limited time. Once that particular postcard is gone, it is done!
We selected the Devils Tower to be featured as our BA 2017 postcard series #4 and just like the postcard before it, it was a big hit! Customers have told us of conversations generated by the postcards hanging on their refrigerator or in their office. Hearing that something so simple could spark curiosity and encourage adventure brings a smile to our faces.
To place an order and get your Bourn Adventure postcard, please visit our retail site: Bourn Adventure Gear
Our solution was to create Bourn Adventure postcards. This allowed us the opportunity to give each order a personal touch while continuing to share adventures from all over the world. We breathe new life in our postcards by periodically changing destinations and showcasing new locations. Each postcard series is assigned a number and runs for a limited time. Once that particular postcard is gone, it is done!
We selected the Devils Tower to be featured as our BA 2017 postcard series #4 and just like the postcard before it, it was a big hit! Customers have told us of conversations generated by the postcards hanging on their refrigerator or in their office. Hearing that something so simple could spark curiosity and encourage adventure brings a smile to our faces.
To place an order and get your Bourn Adventure postcard, please visit our retail site: Bourn Adventure Gear
