Oh, Wyoming. Probably one of the most desolate states I’ve ever driven though. There’s not much there, and despite some of the prettiest sunsets and mountains I’ve ever seen, it’s still pretty barren.
That being said, I had the opportunity to visit Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, and when I told people that I was going to be passing through, they got all excited and said it was in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I still have not seen this movie, but I now understand why Steven Spielberg thought it would be a great addition to a freaky film: This monument definitely looks like it could have been created by aliens.
The drive there was long, and my never-ending patience began to wonder if it would even be worth it. From South Dakota into Wyoming on a state route was pretty empty, and did I really need to see yet another underwhelming (sorry Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse) national monument? I mean, I haven’t been to Yellowstone, but I’ve been to Jackson and the Grand Tetons twice, so how much can Wyoming really have to offer?
When I arrived there, it was a pretty awesome site. Really awesome. If you look closely in the photo, you can see the holes from where people have scaled the tower.
No one really knows how it formed, but there are theories (even though they left out the alien formation one). It has mystical and spiritual significance to the Native American tribes in the area, and there are pretty walking paths and benches around the monument to sit and enjoy the majestic structure.
After walking the 1.5 mile path around the base of the site, and realizing my choice of footwear was less than appropriate (what do you mean, I can’t climb rocks in riding boots!?) I bade farewell to the monument and Wyoming. Up close, it was one of the most interesting looking things I’ve seen in a long time, and it never would have been on my list, but I’m glad I saw it.
But I still haven’t seen Close Encounters.
And all the roads we have to walk are winding... 
Definitely the aliens!
PS – love the outfit!
Awww yay. And I’m with you, it was the aliens.
It really began many years ago (despite what the signs say), when a local native American was bored and wanted something to do. He saw his reflection in some still water and noticed his teeth. Opening his mouth wide revealed the rear molars and the thought occurred – why not carve a tooth from that mountain over there. So he did. Erosion of course followed, over the centuries, and we now have the spectacle you have photographed 😉
That’s quite the creation story! Thanks for stopping by 🙂