Size
Devils Tower in Wyoming is 1,267 feet high with columns that have four to seven sides.
Features
The most distinguishing features are the large columns that stretch across the tower and resemble corrugated metal. Rock climbers are often seen scaling these massive columns, attempting to gain the summit.
Theories/Speculation
Although geologists agree Devils Tower is phonolite porphyryl, they don't agree how the tower was formed. Some think the tower is an intrusion that was pushed up to form this giant column called a laccolith. Others believe Devils Tower is the core of an ancient volcano.
Misconceptions
Because of the columnar appearance of Devils Tower, people often mistake it for basalt because basalt cliffs are often composed of columns such as the ones on Devils Tower.
Fun Fact
In 1941, George Hopkins, a daredevil parachutist, landed on top of the tower and became stranded. Jack Durrance, one of the few climbers in the world who, at that time, was capable of ascending the tower, was commissioned to rescue him. Durrance had to travel by train form the East Coast to rescue Hopkins, who was stranded for six days.
