Devil’s Tower and Petrified Forest Site

Driving out to Devil’s Tower National Monument pulls up my awe at the people who made these trips before superhighways and big cars. Shank’s mare or even riding on horse back would make the trip more than I’d probably want to do. 

On our drive through Custer State Park, we met two beautifully restored Ford Model T’s (or their equivalents, not knowing anything about old cars). That evening, they were parked at the motel next door in Keystone, so I could see their California licenses plates. Did they drive those open top roadsters all the way? Without AC? I assume via blue highways because I doubt they can drive the required minimum 40 miles per hour for the interstates. How long would that take? It’s 1200 miles one way to Sacramento, farther to other places. Perhaps a whole summer to come and go. Lots of bugs along the way, if our windshield is any indication.


We were lucky to get the last parking place at Devil’s Tower, only because Grant went in the out to double back and grab it after our first tour of the small lot. Since there’s no picnic area, we sat in our truck and ate lunch. There was lots of work on the walkways to get to the trail circumnavigating the base. When it’s done, I think it might be more handicap accessible. We walked a short ways, but lost interest with the crowds. 

I had hoped to watch climbers with my scope, but there is a voluntary ban for all of June on climbing, rock scrambling, and hiking off trail “to respect American Indian cultural values associated with the Tower”. Tying religious bundles and cloths to trees is allowed. I don’t know who gets permission. 


We had the Petrified Forest Site all to ourselves and enjoyed the solitude. Close to Buffalo, Wyoming, it is a 0.7 mile loop on a cattle ranch through sage brush. Interpretive signs explain the geology. Fire ants and cacti kept us on the narrow path. Definitely need to change from flip flops and sandals to sneakers and boots. I’m not sure if Clara understands how trees turn to stone, but she has learned the meaning of being petrified. She also found a rhinestone earring stud on our walk. 



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