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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!
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 ;) )
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.
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…….
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!! 😊
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.
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 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 :-)
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.
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 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 :)
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.
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
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 .
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.
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?
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.
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??
I get nauseous when you lean over the edge. Rock climbing fascinates me and enjoy watching but I can get sick when the camera leans over the edge. It gets worse the older I get. Free Solo is one of my favorites watching Alex Honnold climb without the safety of ropes. However I would free climb the snake river basalt ledges in the dark when I was a teenager usually a full moon out to see by.
I love looking out from high places as long as it’s a safe place and I’m alone but my fear of falling from a high place kicks in if there are other people around. Go figure. I actually get dizzy, my legs get weak and my heart pounds out of my chest when I watch TV and Radio transmission tower workers climb those really tall towers to change lightbulbs.
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).
Thank you so much. I was excited to learn from your trip. But I was imagining you would take us for such a wonderful adventure and experience. I have been a non-functional walker (electric chair for many years now). However, I go places most may not when out and about in Maine and New Hampshire. This was such a treat. Thanks again, and we love learning from you❣️🦋❣️⛰️🥰
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.
stunning view from the top and with the rock/rubble field at the base where over the millennia where the ice has cracked it open you have to wonder how big it actually was and the base looks different so did that have the columns or was it an outer shell around the intrusion that has eroded away ? , and it has to be said that close up it doesnt look that impressive but from a distance ......
I am not a climber, so please forgive what is likely an ill-informed question. With so many climbers going up, and more specifically down the tower, does there not become an accumulation of belays ( not sure of the correct term or spelling) after the rappelling down ?
Not quite sure I understand your question. There are bolted anchors that are used for rappelling. Then we pull the rope down, thread it through the next anchor, rappel to next station, and so on.
I suppose you could down climb it if you wanted to. And how difficult was your route? And could the tent have been put there by one of the guide services as a rest spot for clients and a cache for extra water or the like?
that _Actually Does _*_Appear to be_*_ a_ very daunting ( "little" ) climb. That being said. I'm not a "Fan" of (tiny) interior man-made rock-wall climbing, Let alone the real-life wild variety. Good GOD, I got the "height *heeby-geebies"* @2:15 just from the view looking DOWN over your shoulder at the trees I think, that--- *That was a very impressive achievement*
You can support my educational videos by clicking on the "Thanks" button just above (right of Like button) or by going here: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EWUSLG3GBS5W8
or here: buymeacoffee.com/shawnwillsey
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!
Wow! You’ve talked the talk and climbed the climb. Respect.
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 ;) )
I know right?! I was thinking the same thing 🤔 😅 😂
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.
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!!!
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.
Me too, seen it but never considered going to the top.
Stuff of nightmares! What courage you climbers have! Thanks for taking us with!!
My thoughts exactly.
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…….
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.
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
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.
Awesome vid, Shawn! Congrats for your bravery! 👍
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.
No drones allowed in national parks.
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!
What a view!!! Something I’ll never see in person.. thanks for taking us with you 😊
I had a wonderful time with my family hiking around this mountain. I don’t have the juevos to climb it tho lol
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
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.
I can barely climb my stairs, but DS has long been on my bucket list
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
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.
I'm completely freaked out here on my couch.
Great job!
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.
Awesome!
That was amazing. That 'tower' is such an intriguing anomaly in that landscape.
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.
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.
Wow! Above and beyond the usual presentation of most instructors! Well done. Thanks. Looked like near perfect weather for you.
Thanks for taking us safely along! -- charlie, sacramento CA
Wild! i didn't know we are allowed to climb it. Amazing experience.
Thanks for sharing. Two Thumbs Way Up.
Your geology knowledge sharing is why I watch but man I really enjoy your rock climbing snippets. Thanks!
Awesome view Shawn, can't believe how high it is, thanks for sharing this video .
👍👍👍
This is something I always wanted to do but never had the chance. Thank you for taking us with you!
Nicely done, and thank you for additional detail on climbing gear Prof. Willsey.
WOW ! Always been fascinated of Devil's Tower since "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" What a view and very interesting geology lessons too.
Wow, you’re the man! Beautiful view!
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.
That was an amazing climb you did on this mountian. The view from the top was wonderful.
WOW! Those flat-topped topographic reliefs (toward south?) look incredible.
Beautiful video such views. Good job climbing.
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!! 😊
Looks like some nice climbing, Strangely enough a lot of the climber friends were geologists too!
You are brave! Thank you for the video@
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.
I'm interested in the species richness at the summit.
sagebrush and grass
I was expecting to see the space saucer from the movie. 😅
Actually I was surprised how small the top is. Thanks for showing
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.
Interesting. I always wondered how they could insert an anchor. Thanks for sharing.
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.
@@DMLand Oh my word, I can't imagine how it's possible.
@@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 :-)
Much thanks!!!
Rather you than me Shawn!
I got vertigo just watching the video!
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.
Okay, thanks for the up-close views. From any distance, the columns appear smoother and cleaner and more regular. The rappels gotta be terrific-
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!
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.
@@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 :)
What a spot to camp, gotta say. Congrats, nice climb!
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!
Looks like you climbed Tad 5.7+ I recognize the route. I climbed it in2019 fun route
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.
Congrats!
Impressive! Cool!
thanks for that view.
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.
Wow…you made it to the top! That’s a scary climb!
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
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
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 .
It's in a river valley, exposed by erosion.
Two miles' worth. 50 million years is a long time.
Erosion of land mainly via streams and rivers have lowered the landscape.
Don’t tell me you were piling up your mashed potatoes to make a tower on a your plate 😂. Great informative video as always. 😉
Amazing
Thanks!
I always wondered what was on the top of the tower!
Great. I'd love to try it. How much are the fees?
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.
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?
Route is called TAD.
Love your climbing vids so much!
Thank you thank you thank you
Verry Education al
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.
But what do the flutes look like close up, once you've reached the summit of the base?
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??
Great climb! 'Course, I got this thing about heights, and I'd be crying for mommy about 30' off the ground...
Me, too.
I was expecting to see the hexagonal column rock formation, but when you're up against it, it's not visible at all.
I get nauseous when you lean over the edge. Rock climbing fascinates me and enjoy watching but I can get sick when the camera leans over the edge. It gets worse the older I get. Free Solo is one of my favorites watching Alex Honnold climb without the safety of ropes. However I would free climb the snake river basalt ledges in the dark when I was a teenager usually a full moon out to see by.
I love looking out from high places as long as it’s a safe place and I’m alone but my fear of falling from a high place kicks in if there are other people around. Go figure. I actually get dizzy, my legs get weak and my heart pounds out of my chest when I watch TV and Radio transmission tower workers climb those really tall towers to change lightbulbs.
I was so expecting a big UFO on top somehow 😂😂
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).
"No climbing beyond this point" ROFL! I guess not: nowhere else to go but back down! Too funny.
❤❤❤❤❤ thanks Shawn!
what is that plant that grows right on the rocks ?
Thank you so much. I was excited to learn from your trip. But I was imagining you would take us for such a wonderful adventure and experience. I have been a non-functional walker (electric chair for many years now). However, I go places most may not when out and about in Maine and New Hampshire. This was such a treat. Thanks again, and we love learning from you❣️🦋❣️⛰️🥰
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.
A great day to be out! Congratulations on your send :) Did you do the Weissner or Durrance routes?
Durrance was busy. We did TAD.
Which route was that?
TAD
So the columns are not basalt and not a lava rock per se but more uplifted granitic material? Its more puzzling than I thought.
See other DT video I made.
I was a rock climber in my 20's and 30's, now at 72 I get vertigo just watching others climb.
stunning view from the top and with the rock/rubble field at the base where over the millennia where the ice has cracked it open you have to wonder how big it actually was and the base looks different so did that have the columns or was it an outer shell around the intrusion that has eroded away ? , and it has to be said that close up it doesnt look that impressive but from a distance ......
I am not a climber, so please forgive what is likely an ill-informed question. With so many climbers going up, and more specifically down the tower, does there not become an accumulation of belays ( not sure of the correct term or spelling) after the rappelling down ?
Not quite sure I understand your question. There are bolted anchors that are used for rappelling. Then we pull the rope down, thread it through the next anchor, rappel to next station, and so on.
I suppose you could down climb it if you wanted to. And how difficult was your route? And could the tent have been put there by one of the guide services as a rest spot for clients and a cache for extra water or the like?
Route was 5.7. Not sure on tent.
Did you climb the route Tad? El Cracko?
Tad
How do you get the rope to disconnect after the rappels?
Rope is pulled through anchor once we are down
My mashed potatoes have never looked the same.
that _Actually Does _*_Appear to be_*_ a_ very daunting ( "little" ) climb.
That being said. I'm not a "Fan" of (tiny) interior man-made rock-wall climbing, Let alone the real-life wild variety.
Good GOD, I got the "height *heeby-geebies"* @2:15 just from the view looking DOWN over your shoulder at the trees
I think, that--- *That was a very impressive achievement*
How do you get your line and tackle off the rock?
The lead climber places the protection and the 2nd climber removes it.
What route was it? I have always wanted to climb it.
TAD
I can barely watch you climb this! It would be a cold day in you know where if I tried it.