[Sunday] 06.08.14 Devils Lake State Park, WI

DEVILS LAKE STATE PARK

WEST BLUFF, BALANCED ROCK, DEVILS DOORWAY, & PART OF EAST BLUFF TRAILS

Ramblr Summary

Location: Ice Age National Scientific Reserve
Park: Devils Lake State Park
County:  Sauk (in the Baraboo Range)
Latitude: 43.2453
Longitude: -89.4247
Distance:  5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Population: Busy
Address:  S5975 Park Road
                 Baraboo. WI 53913
Phone: (608) 356-8301 ext 140 (Nature Center)

Directions: From Madison: 
Follow Highway 12- East, turn right onto Highway-159 and follow that road for 2 miles. This will go straight into the park.

**NOTE- All motor vehicles are required to pay a fee for sopping in at state park and recreation areas. Vehicle Admission Stickers are available at the entrance. For out of state plates the fee was $10

Hiking Trails
1.) Balanced Rock Trail (0.4 miles)
2.) CCC Trail (0.3 miles)
3.) Devils Doorway Trail (0.1 miles)
4.) East Bluff Trail (1.7 miles)
5.) East Bluff Woods Trail & Loop (3.4 miles)
6.) Grottos Trail (0.7 miles)
7.) Potholes Trail (0.3 miles)
8.) Tumbled Rocks Trail (1.0 miles)
9.) West Bluff Trail (1.4 miles)
10.) Johnson Moraine Loop Trail (2.8 miles)
11.) Steinke Basin Loop Trail (2.4 miles)
12.) Upland Loop Trail (3.8 miles)
13.) Panfrey's Glen Trail (0.7 miles)
14.) Ice Age Trail Entire Loop (13.7 miles)
15.) Sauk Point Trail (4.5 miles)
16.) Ronznos Meadow Trail (1.8 miles)

35 miles North of Madison, WI, lies Devil's State Park, the biggest state park in Wisconsin. Sitting on 9,217 acres the park is well-known for its 500-ft quartzite bluffs , which was created by a glacier during the ice age approximately 12,000 years ago.

Entrance to the Park

Once, you enter the park, follow the winding road to the visitor center. Here is where you need to pay your vehicle fee, and can pick up a park map, if you don't already have one.

Visitor Center

Across from the visitor center, is the lake and the Park Headwuater.. There is a paved trail that goes around the lake. Follow the lake's paved trail west, until the hit the West Bluff Trailhead.

Area around the Park HQ

West Bluff Trail (1.4 miles) Finally, you hit the trail, and no longer on pavement. It starts relatively flat and then you start climbing, 

Trailhead

 Nice, man-made stairs that goes on forever. 

1st Set of Stairs

Once, you finally get to the top, there are several overlooks with a panoramic-view of the lake. It is gorgeous. There are also, various information boards concerning the Ice Age and the impact that created this park.

Overlook

 A view of the lake from the West Bluff Trail

Overlook

As you continue on the west bluff trail you will start to descent on the backside. Eventually, you will hit the road, and continue around the South side of the lake. This will lead to the boardwalk and the south shore area, with additional parking and another visitor center.

Boardwalk

As you continue and passed this recreational area you will come to a railroad. Cross over it  and take a left to get to the Balanced Rock Trail

Railroad Crossing

Once, you cross the railroad you will come to an intersection, left will take to the Balanced Rock Trail (0.4 miles) steep climb or right which will take you to the Grottos Trail (0.7 miles)

Intersection

This 0.4 mile trail is a jagged, technical climb. It is steep and narrow, so proceed with caution and care.

Rocks

Keep an eye out for the Balanced Rock!

Once, you pass the scenic balanced rock, you will come to another intersection. If you take a left you will be on the East Bluff Trail (1.1 miles) straight will lead you to East Bluff Woods Trail (1.3 miles) and right will lead you to the remainder of the East Bluff Trail(0.6 miles).

3 Way Intersection

I decided to take a right on the shorter East Bluff Trail to reach another iconic scenic area.

Overlook Near Devil's Doorway

Not far from the intersection you will come to Devil's Doorway Trail (0.1 miles). This is a must see rock formation. 

Devil's Doorway

After I spent some time admiring such amazing creations, I backtracked back to the intersection and look left trail to finish off the East Bluff Trail (1.1 miles)

Rock Formation on East Bluff Trail

After I spent some time admiring such amazing creations, I backtracked back to the intersection and look left trail to finish off the East Bluff Trail (1.1 miles)

Trailhead East Bluff Trail

 The trail ends east of the Park HQ, where I had originally parked. Overall, the trail amazing, and beautiful. It is hard to believe that over 12,000 years ago a glacier had created these bluffs. It is a must see, and I am glad I had the opportunity make a stop here.

Maps and Resources
Devils Lake State Park Map- DNR
Resources- Devil's Lake State Park Visitor Guide
Resources- Wikipedia