Climbing Devil's Tower

We’re in Wyoming at Devil’s Tower National Monument about to tackle a technique called crack climbing up more than 800 feet of sheer rock. Our goal is to ascend El Cracko Diablo - a route which takes up to sections called pitches that get progressively harder the higher we climb. Devil’s Tower was formed underground 50 million years ago by the same forces that created the Rock Mountains. Magma welled up and eventually cooled and hardened into rock columns over time. Those columns were forced upwards and Devil’s Tower emerged. Of course, there are many other creation stories passed down by Native Americas which are just as fascinating.
This is our nation’s first National Monument. There’s a certain mystique and power about this place. The tower jets out of the ground and completely dominates the landscape. Devil’s Tower rises more than 1,200 feet about the great plains of North Eastern Wyoming and is considered sacred by the Northern Plains Indians. We’re here to explore that spiritual connection and tackle what early explorers thought was impossible - standing at the top of Devil’s Tower.
Rock the Park is an Emmy award-winning adventure series seen every Saturday on ABC featuring our national parks and other public lands across America and the world. Now in its 6th season, Jack Steward and Colton Smith go off the beaten path to explore magnificent landscapes, incredible wildlife and all the exciting ways to immerse yourself in and around nature. Whether it’s swimming with sea turtles, climbing to the top of a volcano or repelling into a glacier, Jack and Colton are living life to the fullest and inspiring others to do the same.
Join Jack and Colton every week as they post new episodes and new adventures. Go behind the scenes of their hit TV series with Jack’s KZbin series - The Pursuit is Happiness and tune into helpful hacks and how-to’s to make your outdoor adventures the best they can be. And if there’s a park or wilderness you’d like to see or a question or comment for the guys, just leave it for Jack and Colton.
Subscribe to Jack's vlog The Pursuit is Happiness to get behind-the-scenes footage from Rock the Park!
Jack Steward
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[@wetbadger2174]

The guy who put the climbing rope up there is the real hero

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Agreed

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Lead climbing with some cams. 🤷‍♂️. Easy 5.7 route. I wasn’t ever a great climber but even a novice trad climber would be able to set a top rope on that route. I never lead higher than a 5.10 in my prime but would have easily done that. Everything I ever learned came from a book called “freedom of the hills”. Check it out. Started on 5.6-5.9 climbs and had a lot of fun. Learned to face my fears as I’m afraid of heights also. Climbed local rock 2-4 days a week in Oregon. Now I don’t climb often anymore but still have all the gear I accumulated. Never could get rid of it. Someday I might go back to being a rock jockey again. Idk.

[@drinnerd8532]

@@MatanuskaHIGH you sound like someone who is very aware of his climbing accomplishments... and enjoys talking about them, lol

[@TheGoonSquadd]

@@MatanuskaHIGH ayyy man. You interested in selling some gear to a newbie getting into the sport ??!!

[@yolorogue7720]

And what about the camera man!!!

[@lamboplayz5520]

Im impressed with the camera man more then them....

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

He's amazing!

[@azucarinho1]

It looks to me as if the climb was filmed with a drone... but all the same it's quite impressive!

[@therandomguy4233]

Than*

[@Lysa622003]

I always say that. The camera person was there first and is hanging on a rope filming the climber, much harder.

[@skinnyguygains2459]

that dude who helped you guys is a legend too!! super chill guy

[@leewilliams6174]

Frank is the king, what an experience I hope you guys treasure it.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Frank is the best!

[@johnvonhorn2942]

@@RockTheParkOfficialFrank really is the best! I also don't like heights but am tempted to try this under Frank's excellent tutelage.

[@eiendeflowlight]

That old man still rockin dayyum

[@johnperez1730]

Old Frank is my hero.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Frank is the best!!!

[@smol9832]

You guys deserve more than 22k subscribers goddamn this channel is underrated

[@Uncommonsensetoo]

Tried climbing it without ropes once. Did not get very far ;-) Amazing place. First learned about it watching that Spielberg movie. Just had to see it when visiting Wyoming. Very nice documentary. Good job.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Isn’t there some 5.7 routes on it?

[@KyleRockHill]

"It's considered a sacred place so let's climb all over it and film it" lol 😅

[@mikebrummy]

That was awesome! Production quality is a 10/10, I was surprised you guys don't have millions of subs. Just joined a rock climbing gym the other day because I want to climb this and El Cap one day!

[@skinnyguygains2459]

your guys channel is so sick!! surprised you don’t have more subs!! keep grinding guys !! great production value too!!

[@outbackwack368]

Stayed at the KOA there on the 4th of July a few years back while moto-camping. That moved me. Glad I got one of their little cabins because it rained and was windy as hell that night. And I remember seeing the headlights from climbers up on the summit. Not in that rain and wind! Thanks for sharing!

[@nombreapellido9038]

Frank rocks! In shape for sure.

[@austinjacobs7680]

Devils tower is awesome. I took a trip their with my grandparents and they made us watch close encounters of the third kind before getting there. great movie and great place!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

It's a pretty eerie and really cool. Glad you got to check it out.

[@sasquatch6772]

Wish me look I’m going to climb it

[@GodofKings-Raj]

Beautiful atmosphere on the Top ❤️

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

Wish I could rock climb but can’t stand heights. What an awesome experience and great video!

[@jerryde2861]

You guys inspire me. Much LOVE.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Always here if you need any any tips!

[@PahaPoniesSpanishMustangs]

You guys are awesome... Thanks

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thanks so much!

[@agungwarih]

Really cool guys, great journey. Frank is a really wise man.

[@roadtojrs]

Awesome job dudes 👏 finally you did it

[@ellaxracz]

Astonishing... what an achievement..... my legs are wobbling here on my sofa watching this... my trip to the tower next mth rom England I cannot wait...

[@laffilmfest3759]

Great adventure guys!!

[@hollowkaizer7419]

Wow this illustrate my feeling when I climb Peter Both Mountain. My 1st ever rock climbing experience

[@albertlutton9920]

Frank Sanders is quite the legend. Many 1st ascents to his credit are included among his more than 2000 total ascents! Major history!!

[@chatter3422]

Awesome... 👍❤😍

[@JasonT850]

I think I just found one of my favorite channels. And I also am from Minnesota.

[@rajathiruppathi4706]

Really amazing man...

[@jochenbecht6191]

Thanks my friends. Take care and god bless.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

That old dude is dope!

[@elliswoodall407]

I'm happy for you and congratulations! I wish I was there with you.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thank you!

[@elliswoodall407]

@@RockTheParkOfficial You are very welcome.🙂

[@christinerogers731]

Can't wait to try this in October!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Yes! Have a blast!

[@df2studios]

Frank is a pro but i want everybody to listen to me.This is dangerous if it wasnt for Frank Sanders they would not have made it.Frank Sanders i have the utmost respect for you sir.

[@yuyito83]

I wanna be like Frank when I grow up ! God bless him !

[@Tom-tt1vg]

WOW that was cool Id Love To Go Se Devils Tower.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

You totally should. There's nothing quite like it.

[@USARoadtrip364]

Wow it is incredible.. honestly I went to the Devil's Tower national monument last July,2020. I saw three teams doing rock climbing.. looks like you are the one of the teams? hehe.. enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing your video

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

That's so awesome! Well hey, hopefully we'll stumble on each other in the future. Make sure to say hi if spot us 🙌

[@21cbrandon]

Frank seems like an awesome guy

[@nathanlindahl8336]

I feel like the climb down must be the most terrifying part of rock climbing.

[@chatter3422]

I love it bro

[@db90990]

Visited there in 1987 its Awesome!!

[@paulcorrigan7999]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="676">11:16</a> another thing I noticed was how little pro Frank placed. He's climbed the tower so many times this easy route probably feels like a hike.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Frank is the man. He scaled that like it was nothing.

[@JG-fx8jm]

I climbed Durance back in 93. Amazing experience.

[@sasquatch6772]

Frank and Rich are homies and cheer for me because I’m climbing Devils Tower this summer with Rich and Erik

[@braynhaze]

Frank is awesome!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Frank is the best!

[@braynhaze]

@@RockTheParkOfficial I’ve never met him IRL, but I know a genuine and kind person, when I see one. Thanks for responding!

[@evangelinarodriguez0]

👁️🙏👁️ SO BEAUTIFUL 🙏❤️

[@alvarofunes1486]

Just earned a new subscriber

[@anthonydennis82]

You guys gave me mad sweaty palms from those heights and I used to be a roofer. Mad respect but I have to ask how old was frank? He has mad strength! In all seriousness all 3 of you need to enjoy conquering that summit. Was so steep.

[@anthonydennis82]

And im fat

[@Carteramazing2000]

I love Rock The Park!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thanks!! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@Carteramazing2000]

Thx RTP

[@LadyT94577]

Still wondering how you got down?? The same way or heli??

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

We repelled down the way came up.

[@jeffreymccommon8759]

I climbed with them and signed the leger also...Thank you to Rock the Park,Tremendous Entertainment and U Tube...I can now say that I also climbed The Devil's tower...

[@jeffreymccommon8759]

Isn't technology great?❤

[@sophallaseng9606]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ichirofakename]

Climb starts at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="638">10:38</a>

[@dubthedirector]

Funny, El Cracko Diablo is my Ex’s name too. I will always think of it as Bear tower because of the natives, hope to visit one day

[@xsolent]

Do you guys feel changed by this experience? Enjoyed your video.

[@michaelchurch5110]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="647">10:47</a> ol dad in red hiding in the background trying to take a good piss before the point of no return lol!! Haaaaoooohhhhh yeaaaaahhhh

[@smol9832]

How long does it take to reach the top?

[@simspektor]

So much potential with this channel. Great scene work, great dialog. Too many cut shots to you for reactions, head nods, eyebrow raises, etc. and lose the Subaru for God’s sake.

[@strawberrymilkshake5419]

big clap to the cameraman!!!

[@thelyrebird1310]

I can't climb a 6' ladder no way could I even contemplate this

[@janzimmermann5861]

Franky is the man

[@jasonlewis460]

Frank is the Real MVP

[@joshuastreich5638]

Imagine If Space Aliens From Mars Saw You At Devils Tower While You Were On Top Of It! Like They Did In 1977!

[@Nomo_Popo]

Frank rules!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Frank's the best!

[@jeremyoliver]

How did you get back down? Repel?

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Exactly! It's a lot quicker going to down that it is going up. Haha!

[@DarkstarDarth]

I would of liked to see Richard Dreyfus climb that rock😄👌🏼

[@juansebastianrodriguez4428]

im here because reading "Yakari", a very beautifull comic

[@nickclark6240]

What was the grade of the climb ?

[@cindyrissal3628]

I wanna know if there's anything like tree rings visible up there...per the theory that it's a huge tree stump..

[@feekey21]

Damm thats a big tree stump

[@DANNY-bv7od]

You should come to UK and climb Malham cove

[@theguy7604]

Wish we saw the descent.

[@gaames]

How did you get down? Shouldn't that be part of the story?

[@MegamiSaikou7]

Okay but have you seen the devils tower battle??

[@raven_salvation]

How did you think I did? Frank: How did it feel? Frankie deeply connected with mother nature!

[@mimi-gz5km]

Oh yeah

[@leaksquad355]

this is clearly a Tree stump that's why it was so "grippy"

[@michaelmerck7576]

Just imagine an entire forest of redwoods like that one used to be

[@leaksquad355]

@@michaelmerck7576 exactly!

[@jacktherex9242]

No.....it's not Remove the tinfoil hats

[@kotastrophie]

👍

[@thisgame2]

my dead auntie used to cling to the smallest of rocks. lol

[@kennyw871]

As the saying goes: "The summit is only half way." I think you should have documented the difficulties descending the Devil's Tower. People watching need to understand that descending can, and often is, more difficult. Thanks.

[@robertliepe6766]

💯"For it grew from the earth are ancient Indian ancestors named it the tree of life"🎄🥂😎🇺🇸

[@BenChorba]

I’m confused is this a tv show or KZbin thing?

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Hey Ben 👋, glad you asked! Rock the Park is an adventure series seen every Saturday on ABC featuring our national parks and other public lands across America and the world. Our host, Jack Steward, has a KZbin series that provides helpful hacks and how-to’s to make your outdoor adventures the best they can be. Jack's vlog aligns more with a KZbin series if you'd like to check it out: kzbin.info. Hope this was helpful! Let us know if you have any other questions

[@longliveDAC]

Is one of these guys brothers with the expedition unknown guy

[@therandomguy4233]

I want to live up there

[@dougheffernan6546]

How did they get down - did they get a helicopter to get them down

[@virtualcommercialaviation-9302]

Good men´s !"

[@haydenamaro]

I don't understand why this is being shot like an old fashioned cable television show. Is this being screened on syndicated television too?

[@CESmith]

Rock the Park is a show that was syndicated to tv stations around the US. It aired generally on Saturday mornings but the stations had final say as to when it aired. It also qualified for the required educational shows that stations had to show. As such, it was aimed at Saturday morning families in style.

[@kermitderfrosch5432]

Frank is a real gigachad

[@GodofKings-Raj]

I would like to be part of your mission 👍

[@HighTekVR]

I've been there

[@LVThN_von_Ach]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="477">7:57</a> Aaah! Loose shoestring!

[@0_dearghealach_083]

Well, as long as ya don’t parachute on top of it like George Hopkins.

[@launiesoult3248]

I've been to devil's tower of quand double tower I think that it was the 1st Yellowstone I mean you're in the general area so it makes sense to me that it was the 1st Yellowstone

[@matrixsurvivor3216]

Its the foot (tendon of a Giant)

[@chadhalbert2914]

Then you take the down elevator?

[@ogedeh]

Ah yes, the mountain jimi hendrix historically stood up against

[@sasquatch6772]

Wish me look I’ll be climbing it this Sunday with Will I just hope snake does not go in crack and bite me rattle snake and I’m 12

[@seangoodrich7177]

I would hire frank as my life coach.

[@michaelbruns449]

Really bad time to get Vertigo (bppv).

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Haha for real!

[@Jagueyes1]

A petrified giant tree surrounded by giant petrified wood chips after being cut by a giant saw. Look for the petrified root system to prove this theory.

[@ArtistJoshuaWeigand]

Is it just me, or does Frank have a kinda David Carradine vibe?

[@vooodkathetruthseeker6747]

You climbed a giant ancient tree stump

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Hahaha

[@kayleenflorence8822]

Yes it petrified in noah's flood

[@vooodkathetruthseeker6747]

@@kayleenflorence8822 I like that answer.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

🙄

[@jacktherex9242]

@@kayleenflorence8822 So where's the other giant petrified tree stumps?

[@thomasphenomas7007]

I love Frank