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Date: August 21, 2007
Contact: Dona Rutherford, 307-467-5283 x 221

Devils Tower Climbing Routes Closed due to potential falling rocks

On the evening of August 19^th the southeast face of the Tower was struck by lightning.  The climbing route known as El Cracko Diablo received some damage.  Beginning immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is closing several climbing routes along the southeast and east faces of Devils Tower until the stability of the rock has been determined.  Any travel around or above these routes is prohibited, including the use of the Exit Us Rappels.  The areas to be closed include all pitches of climbing routes between and including “Solar Eclipse” and “Troglodytes Trauma” on the southeast and east face and “Exit Us Rappels.”  Climbers may ask at the climber registration office or visitor center to see a list of all closed routes.

Park officials with assistance from the NPS Geohazard Management Team will survey the Tower to determine the potential hazards of falling rock due to the lightning strike. 

Separate from this closure, Devils Tower National Monument has a voluntary climbing closure in effect for the month of June, out of respect for American Indian cultural traditions.  For further information on the climbing closures please contact the monument’s acting chief of resource management, Taryn Flesjer, at (307) 467-5283 ext 212.