Devils Tower Wyoming

Some traditional American Indians view the practice

of climbing on the Tower as a disrespectful act.

Because of the over 100 year climbing history at

Devils Tower National Monument, the National Park

Service considers climbing to be an acceptable

recreational use. As a compromise between these

two viewpoints, during the month of June there is a

voluntary climbing closure. The National Park

Service asks visitors to refrain from climbing on the

Tower or scrambling in the boulders during June out

of respect for this being a sacred place and for the

large amount of ceremonial use during that month.

Some Plains Indian people consider June to be the

most sacred month as the summer solstice is

traditionally a very important time. These contributed

to the decision to use June as the month of the

voluntary climbing closure.

Done