Climbing the Iconic Devils Tower: A Geologist Struggles But Makes It

[@shawnwillsey]

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[@stevew5212]

Thanks for the view from the top. I have been to the tower but never ever in my life would I be able to see the top of it and the view from it with out this video. That is one place I can say I will never ever get to stand on that piece of ground.

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

Me too, seen it but never considered going to the top.

[@hestheMaster]

I totally have a fear of heights . I could never do this. More power to you Shawn, you got guts! Great view from up there!

[@Backroad_Junkie]

I'm with you. I climbed a few of the rocks at the base of the Tower. I got about 10 feet off the ground, and that was too high for me, lol....

[@robertlee3778]

super amazing! I know that I could not do this climb! I am almost sweating, just watching it! Thanks for sharing! (I was a bit disappointed to see that you could not land a large size alien spaceship up top, with a full compliment of scientists and army personnel, though ;) )

[@siralee4975]

I know right?! I was thinking the same thing 🤔 😅 😂

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

Um ... I think the aliens usually land at the bottom of Devil's Tower. That was a great movie - and Devil's Tower was the perfect setting for it.

[@everettnichols9062]

AWWW Shucks!!! You mean you didn't find a UFO Spaceport at the top? I thought there was one up there!!! Thanks for the trip!!! You're a Brave Man!!!

[@tree4408]

As a native Wyomingite, I have walked Devil's Tower as a child, adult and Geology student. My brave silly son climbed part way up free handed. I did not know of this until he was down! Thanks much for the top view!

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

Wow! You’ve talked the talk and climbed the climb. Respect.

[@shelbykeefe971]

Stuff of nightmares! What courage you climbers have! Thanks for taking us with!!

[@andrewmagill4229]

My thoughts exactly.

[@dougsundseth6904]

Longer ago than I would prefer (early 80s), our rock climbing class at UW climbed Devil's Tower after the spring semester was over. We went up Durrance, which I think is the easiest route (5.8, IIRC), including the jump traverse, which was ... memorable. It was a kick, but we were a large group and we didn't get started right at dawn, so our descent was after sunset. Rappelling in the dark with small platforms that you had to hit to start the next pitch of the rappel was definitely interesting. If you like crack climbs and haven't been there, you might want to try climbing at Vedauwoo, just off I-80, near Laramie. Beautiful place with a huge number of excellent routes.

[@rickmessina5396]

When I was climbing back in the early 70’s we pounded iron into the rock which caused problems. I have not used the new cams and too old to climb now. Thanks for the memories…….

[@johnwest7993]

Years ago I'd gone up from Boulder, CO to Devil's Tower to climb it with my buddies. Unfortunately I was coming down with the flu, and it was a hot summer day, so I sadly chose to stay at the bottom taking photos with a big sports lens and keeping a wet bandana on my dizzy head while the 3 of them climbed the Durrance route. But I will never forget the echos from off the tower rock, and the sound of one of my pals about 2/3 of the way up yelling, "5.8 my ass!" I nearly collapsed from laughing. It's hard to carry enough water for a hot day on Devil's Tower. Thank you for the video.

[@shawnwillsey]

I felt the same way on our climb. Hardest 5.7 ever.

[@wyojohn]

Also, my brother climbed Devil's tower. I remember he needed a lot of special protection because of the large cracks. He and his climbing buds carried a small Dino (from a Sinclair gas station) up to the top. And everywhere else they climbed that year.

[@artphotoscamp5788]

I visited for my first time 2023. Not a climber but totally loved seeing the top thru your experince. Love your insight and rock knowlege

[@nohandle257]

Cool video. Thanks. I'd love to see a similar climb with an attending drone videoing. I was surprised how very different the rock looked close up when you were actually making the climb.

[@shawnwillsey]

No drones allowed in national parks.

[@joshsmith3650]

I had a wonderful time with my family hiking around this mountain. I don’t have the juevos to climb it tho lol

[@joshsmith3650]

I’ve really enjoyed the videos Shawn. I never cared much for geology until the last several years. The more I learn, the less I realize I know

[@algomaone121]

It’s amazing to see this.I was there in 2009...it was an official spot on my “bucket list”! I watched the tiny specks of climbers going up, really only noticeable through binoculars...I was fascinated to see the binocs revealing dozens of climbers pretty much invisible to the naked eye! The Missouri Buttes nearby are fascinating to me because they can represent what the tower looked like in the middle of the eons of erosion. For some reason, maybe due to the presence of the Belle Fourche River, Devils Tower has eroded faster than the Buttes.

[@Riverguide33]

Awesome vid, Shawn! Congrats for your bravery! 👍

[@gsmith9531]

I climbed with you in spirit - thank you for all your amazing field trips!

[@Firebuck]

For me, worlds collide in the best possible way in this video. I'm not a climber but I'm an enthusiastic fan of all kinds of climbing... including (especially?) crack. Just came from a Wide Boyz video of 5.14 near Moab. The geology of Devil's Tower in these past two videos has fascinating. I also live in the America west and learning the geology is just making me love it more. Thanks Shawn!

[@sifridbassoon]

I can barely climb my stairs, but DS has long been on my bucket list

[@spazoq]

Next time you climb to the top, have someone on the ground take a video of you at the top from the bottom! I took some pictures of people who were near the top, they are tiny little dots. People don't have a good concept of how tall or big Devil's Tower is. Seeing a person from the ground on it give you a new sense of the scale of it.

[@JanetClancey]

What a view!!! Something I’ll never see in person.. thanks for taking us with you 😊

[@chucklearnslithics3751]

Now _that_ was a Close Encounter at Devil's Tower. Beautiful place!

[@almeadows8277]

My buddy and I climbed it twice by two different routes in June of 1972. Our ascents were among the first 1000. Now, apparently, 5000 parties sign in to climb it every year.

[@williamkrenik5005]

Great to spur the memories. 48 years ago a friend and I did the same route up, the Durance Route and repelled down. Thanks for the video.

[@Dan-we7vs]

Thanks for taking us to a place that most of us will never see 👍

[@TimT-um6rt]

Drove near there in the early 70s ,thanks for the on top view! As a old Yosemite climber,I know how great climbing and Geology go together!

[@irmaoksanen6830]

That was amazing. That 'tower' is such an intriguing anomaly in that landscape.

[@ricksanderson4640]

Excellent video! I have really been interested in seeing you combining climbing and geological discussions. Love to see more in depth like this: good vs bad rock, etc

[@stanfullerton8485]

Amazing, most of us have only gazed up from the botton in awe. Catching glimpse of the other similar peaks (intrusions as you called them) interesting in same proximity.

[@Barley150]

Thanks for taking us safely along! -- charlie, sacramento CA

[@sdmike1141]

Wow! Above and beyond the usual presentation of most instructors! Well done. Thanks. Looked like near perfect weather for you.

[@Glen.1966..]

Awesome view Shawn, can't believe how high it is, thanks for sharing this video . 👍👍👍

[@Jayne-z5s]

You are all very brave and courageous, you couldnt pay me enough to do that, so a great big THANK YOU.😊

[@lealoo6287]

Grats on making the climb! I can't say that I would ever take on that challenge, I'm more comfortable hiking, but mad respect to Climbers.

[@VincentDay-l9q]

I summited the Tower on June 6, 2006. We went up Hollywood and Vine. I had to Jumar through the 5.10C pitch, but the climb was great. We got to the top a bit after sunset, and rappelled down in the light of the full moon. Definitely the highlight of my life. I learned to climb at 53, specifically to climb the Tower. I'm 76 now and still climb.

[@shawnwillsey]

Awesome!

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Your geology knowledge sharing is why I watch but man I really enjoy your rock climbing snippets. Thanks!

[@chrismarlow6571]

This was really cool to see you are much braver than me thanks for videotaping your climb. We went to Devils Tower a couple of years ago and saw the climbers going up the side of it. Such a different perspective when you are actually climbing it.

[@ExoticTerrain]

Wow, you’re the man! Beautiful view!

[@matambale]

Nicely done, and thank you for additional detail on climbing gear Prof. Willsey.

[@karenabram9607]

WOW ! Always been fascinated of Devil's Tower since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" What a view and very interesting geology lessons too.

[@robertmitchell1920]

Looks like some nice climbing, Strangely enough a lot of the climber friends were geologists too!

[@karentrimmer]

This is something I always wanted to do but never had the chance. Thank you for taking us with you!

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Wild! i didn't know we are allowed to climb it. Amazing experience. Thanks for sharing. Two Thumbs Way Up.

[@jclaytoncabral5106]

I'm completely freaked out here on my couch. Great job!

[@Nrc3neallyo]

WOW! Those flat-topped topographic reliefs (toward south?) look incredible.

[@debbieschilbe4091]

That was an amazing climb you did on this mountian. The view from the top was wonderful.

[@stevensteptoe682]

Thank you for sharing this. I've been intrigued by this ever since I saw Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, and it was great to see footage of you on the top of it, and the great viewpoint it offers.

[@gregrussell7704]

Beautiful video such views. Good job climbing.

[@bottomup12]

Incredible views and and amazing effort! How does enough soil build up and stay in place to be able to grow grass? Crazy to realize the whole thing was underground and eroded away. I visited there while going to Yellowstone.

[@garyb6219]

Thanks for this. Looking up at the climbers from the base is an amazing sight, even with binoculars it's surprising how massive that tower is.

[@vegalyra6705]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience, and the views from up there with us down here (not a climber), but I am so very fascinated by it, especially Devil's Tower.. Awesome!! 😊

[@SusanS588]

Another cool hike/climb to an area I’ve only seen from below. Also introduces a new rock type. And it’s great to see it up close.

[@vebnew]

Thanks for dragging me along; just another place I'll never be!

[@Rachel.4644]

Gosh, I've been there but no parking was available...super popular. It's pretty scary looking down! Wow, beautiful, thank you!

[@wyojohn]

I grew up in Northern Wyoming. One football trip, we stopped at Devil's Tower. We convinced some freshmen that if they walked around to the other side of the tower, there was an elevator that would take you to the top. Silly freshmen.

[@kenwalker1111]

Awesome climb! Looks like fun.

[@WiseSnake]

I'm interested in the species richness at the summit.

[@shawnwillsey]

sagebrush and grass

[@jpexoticpets146]

You are brave! Thank you for the video@

[@gigistrus490]

Interesting. I always wondered how they could insert an anchor. Thanks for sharing.

[@DMLand]

Active cam anchors were brand new technology when I was a climber. I think I owned just one because money was so scarce. Our protection consisted of passive devices called "nuts," "chocks," and "hexentrics" of various sizes. Placement of such passive protection is an art form … that you bet your life on.

[@gigistrus490]

@@DMLand Oh my word, I can't imagine how it's possible.

[@DMLand]

@@gigistrus490 It has a lot to do with being young and imagining you're gonna live forever. I don't think our host thinks he's gonna live forever, but climbing is a sport for… Well, not me anymore :-)

[@pencilpauli9442]

Rather you than me Shawn! I got vertigo just watching the video!

[@PedroB7494]

Always wanted to see what the top of this looked like close up - ever since Close Encounters film. Yes i agree scary climb! Dedication Shawn but as you say it’s easy when you are passionate about something. Thanks for sharing.

[@3xHermes]

Such a cool location!!

[@SuntoSet77]

So impressive...ill look to see if you have a video regarding the history n geology of this incredible rock.. Rock climbers are the most fit and brave. Thats you Shawn and Darren !

[@nothanks3236]

What a spot to camp, gotta say. Congrats, nice climb!

[@RonHei]

My brother and his friend fell while climbing “Bears Lodge/Devil’s Tower”. They had to be rescued while hanging from their ropes. No serious injuries just wounded pride. I was surprised to hear it happened because my brother is not a rock climber. He’s an idiot to be frank and thought they could do it without problems because they bought some equipment. It’s not the only story I can tell you about him.

[@jackprier7727]

Okay, thanks for the up-close views. From any distance, the columns appear smoother and cleaner and more regular. The rappels gotta be terrific-

[@MXP90DL]

I was expecting to see the space saucer from the movie. 😅 Actually I was surprised how small the top is. Thanks for showing

[@jamiedbg51]

We can’t see him! He got stuck in a rock! You guys are gutsy. Couldn’t pay me enough to look down let alone climb! I’ll leave it to you!

[@RandomExitsJT]

Much thanks!!!

[@ebo360]

When you were at the top (kudos to you for doing so, I couldn’t) you pointed out a few other intrusion cones in the area. Are there any volcanoes in the area? Did any of these intrusions lead to eruptions? The landscape doesn’t look like it. I’ve never been anywhere near there personally, so I’m just going to off what you show in the video.

[@AllensTrains]

Looks very dangerous. You were fortunate that the Devil's Tower is not at that much altitude and you did not have snow and ice to contend with! Thanks for uploading.

[@brendanacord]

Awesome ascent and video! Couple questions: how hard would you say was the grade? Also for rappelling are there fixed rings or do you somehow make anchors to repel from without using your gear? Thanks for sharing!

[@shawnwillsey]

Climb was 5.7 but felt way harder because the style was so different than what I am used to. Rappel anchors exist for descent.

[@brendanacord]

@@shawnwillsey I think this is pretty common with old classic routes yeah? Anyways well done, climbing Devil’s Tower has got to be way up there on most people’s life list, and that sign up top is perfection :)

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Thank you for this experience. 60 years ago, I would have loved to learn all this, alas, not able now.. Please do a few rock climbing basics for the totally unknowing flat landers. The views are wonderful.

[@suziperret468]

Wow…you made it to the top! That’s a scary climb!

[@gtmurphy2611]

Looks like you climbed Tad 5.7+ I recognize the route. I climbed it in2019 fun route

[@rickc4317]

Thanks for the view, Shawn. I don't like heights. Those nice shots near the edge made my hands sweat and my legs ache. 🙂 Yikes!

[@davidcook1714]

Following you explanation of how the rock was formed in the previous video would like to ask a question. If the rock was cooled in the way you stated then i am assuming the surrounding land must have been above what is now the exposed tower. What happened to all that land? Erosion yes but how? Ice maybe? Just seems like a hell of a lot of material has gone if this is the case. Thanks

[@sandradankowski6120]

That's a good question. I visited Devil's Tower in 2002 and was wondering that back then. I also agree that the intrusion explanation makes more sense to me based on previous video as well .

[@dmc9136]

It's in a river valley, exposed by erosion.

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

Two miles' worth. 50 million years is a long time.

[@shawnwillsey]

Erosion of land mainly via streams and rivers have lowered the landscape.

[@loisrossi841]

Congrats!

[@Mark_in_Boulder]

I've been waiting for this video since you were planning this trip. Excellent! Looking forward to Fremont Canyon. I was last climbing at the tower in the early 90's. crack climbing heaven. When we were climbing there in the 80's, after we'd come back down, the tourists would inevitably ask "what's on top?" We'd say " you wouldn't believe it but there's a McDonalds up there. We had a hot fried apple pie and coffee". Sometimes it took them a few moments to catch on, then they would start laughing with us. What route is this?

[@shawnwillsey]

Route is called TAD.

[@briane173]

I'm sorry man -- beyond the grueling toll that climb takes on your body, the look straight down just about maxed out the pucker factor. Gotta be an awesome feeling once you're finally at the summit but _jeeeeez_ -- I'm sorry, can't do it.

[@JanisLC]

Wow.. climbers really have guts to do these climbs putting their life in the hands of those little crevice clamps things .. crazy scary.. glad you made it up and down ok!

[@gregrussell7704]

Thanks!

[@marjieestivill]

Love your climbing vids so much!

[@sleeplessstu]

Don’t tell me you were piling up your mashed potatoes to make a tower on a your plate 😂. Great informative video as always. 😉

[@thomaspeacock7248]

When I was in college, I was also taught Devil's Tower was a volcanic neck and that the columns were basalt. But that doesn't match the rock types of a stratovolcano all that much. What do geologists theorize is the source of the formation? Could it be a now-extinct hot spot?

[@DJDouglasWarden]

Yall must need am extra set of ropes to haul those giant testes it takes to do that. Lol I get vertigo just from watching. Awesome footage! Thank you

[@tomolson1320]

Impressive! Cool!

[@geoffgeorges]

Can you post some close ups of the rock? I am obsessed with porpharitic andesite and basalt and have never heard of what you mentioned here.

[@dilligaf2818]

Amazing

[@Backroad_Junkie]

Great climb! 'Course, I got this thing about heights, and I'd be crying for mommy about 30' off the ground...

[@rickc4317]

Me, too.

[@fredrossman1189]

thanks for that view.

[@Corvusfromcentaura]

Disproving the tree Theory: If it was a tree, it would have reached into the troposphere. The troposphere is about 10 km (6.2 miles or about 33,000 feet) above sea level. According to a team of Georgian (state not country) biologists, the maximum height of a tree lies somewhere between 400 and 426 feet (122 and 130 m).

[@HylanderSB]

30 years ago I learned to call those camming devices 'friends.' Is that term still used?

[@shawnwillsey]

Not so much anymore.

[@albertlutton9920]

"Friends" was the name given to the very first spring loaded camming devices. Every manufacturer now has their own copyrighted name for their own cams, but they all basically work under the same principle. Once the cams are retracted and placed inside a crack, with a downward pull on the main stem, the cams try to expand outward, but cannot due to the hard rock surface. They stay in place due to spring tension outward on each cam lobe touching the rock inside the crack. Hope this gives you a better understanding. They are amazing pieces of technology. The inventor of the very first cams, (Friends) was an aerospace engineer!!!

[@ecleveland1]

I always wondered what was on the top of the tower!

[@snakeman48]

Visited the Tower several time during the Sturgis MC Rally back in the day. I never wanted to climb it. Not trained to do that, but that Tower is sooo cool just to walk around it. Was at the Rally from 2000 to 2006.

[@richardkelso9478]

Professor, you are making me very homesick😅. Wonderful and fascinating videos on, yes, the nation’s first national monument. We also had the first national park and first to let women vote. Haven’t had many firsts recently, tho. Bummer. Oh, also Josh Allen, so there’s that.

[@F88koff]

Close Encounters makes it seem sooooo much larger....I was surprised when we got to go there. The rangers (?) wouldnt let us go near the base, and I didnt know climbing was allowed. Do you need a permit for that??

[@pmm1044]

55.8 MA Eocene I’m placement along with Missouri Buttes (2018). This is when Siletzia terrane is being accreted along wa ore coastline.

[@Class9importantnotes]

Verry Education al