Devil's Doorway Devil's Lake
Iconic natural arch carved into quartzite cliffs, offering breathtaking views of Devil's Lake and the surrounding Driftless Area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Devil's Doorway Devil's Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic natural arch carved into quartzite cliffs, offering breathtaking views of Devil's Lake and the surrounding Driftless Area.
"Awesome hiking trail with astounding views and a sense of accomplishment!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots with good grip are a must! Rocks can be slippery, especially after rain or with leaf cover. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on the trails. Ample water and a snack are highly recommended for longer hikes. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Devil's Doorway Arch
East Bluff Trail
The iconic natural archway carved into the quartzite cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Devil's Lake.
East Bluff Trail Views
East Bluff
Hike along the rugged bluffs for sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding Driftless Area.
Boulder Field Ascents
Various trails
Experience the thrill of scrambling over massive, ancient quartzite boulders on challenging, rewarding trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Gear Up for the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots with good grip are a must! Rocks can be slippery, especially after rain or with leaf cover. +1 :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on the trails. Ample water and a snack are highly recommended for longer hikes. :water_wave:
🚗 Parking Pass Required
A daily parking pass is needed. Purchase at the kiosk or ranger station. Prices can vary. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible! Bring your camera or phone for stunning shots of the lake and rock formations. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hiking boots with good grip are a must! Rocks can be slippery, especially after rain or with leaf cover. +1 :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Plenty of Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on the trails. Ample water and a snack are highly recommended for longer hikes. :water_wave:
🚗 Parking Pass Required
A daily parking pass is needed. Purchase at the kiosk or ranger station. Prices can vary. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible! Bring your camera or phone for stunning shots of the lake and rock formations.
⚠️ Watch Your Step
Trails can narrow and rocks can be uneven. Be mindful of your footing and opposing traffic. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and challenging hikes at Devil's Doorway and Devil's Lake State Park. The iconic rock formations and panoramic lake views are consistently praised. However, some find the parking fees a bit high and note that trails can be slippery and crowded during peak times.
"Recommended as number one trail in Wisconsin. It's $16 for a parking pass for the day. We bought it at the kiosk because there was no one attending the ranger building. We had hiked another state park nearby and it was only $11. Not sure about the price difference. We wanted a little bit longer hike so we tied in The grotto, CCC , East bluff trail to the devil's doorway trail loop and then we continue down to balance rock trail which takes you back to the trailhead you started at. I did not have on my Garmin watch so I can't tell you the elevation gained. But as you're hiking along the grotto trail, seeing all the huge rocks. Wondering how this natural formation happened. You never think of the fact that you're going to be climbing up those rocks and then back down on the trails we mentioned. Shoes with soft soles. The hiking boots we had on were way too rigid and several of the rocks were slippery even without being wet. Also ample bug spray. Plenty of water and a snack would be nice."
Shenan Gilleland
"Awesome hiking trail. If you start here, prepare for a gnarly accent up a boulder field but you’ll be rewarded with astounding views and a sense of accomplishment. The rocks can get covered in dirt, sand and leaves and become slippery at times so watch your step. Path narrows in many places so be prepared to side step opposing traffic on many occasions."
Joshua A
"Truly awsome trails
Little bit of adventure and then some nice flat areas with trees and plants"
Sean Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devil's Doorway is located within Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The most common access point is via the East Bluff Trail. You can drive to the park and follow signs for the East Bluff trailhead.
Public transportation options to Devil's Lake State Park are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services or carpooling if you are traveling from nearby cities.
Using a trail map is highly recommended. Many trails connect, and it's easy to create loops. Apps like AllTrails can also provide GPS guidance and trail information.
Yes, there is a daily parking pass fee for Devil's Lake State Park. As of recent reviews, it was around $16, though prices can vary.
Absolutely! Devil's Doorway and the surrounding trails are perfect for a day trip. Many visitors combine it with other park highlights like Balanced Rock and Elephant Rock.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Devil's Lake State Park requires a daily parking pass. The cost has been reported as $16, but it's advisable to check the official park website for the most current pricing.
Parking passes can typically be purchased at a kiosk upon entering the park or at the ranger station. Sometimes, if no one is attending, you may need to purchase it directly.
While specific discounts aren't widely mentioned, purchasing an annual state park pass might be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple Wisconsin state parks throughout the year.
Devil's Lake State Park is generally open year-round from 6 AM to 11 PM. However, specific trail access or facilities might have different hours, especially during different seasons.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Devil's Doorway itself. Entry is managed through the park's daily parking pass system.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trails leading to Devil's Doorway, particularly the East Bluff Trail, are considered moderate to strenuous. They involve significant elevation gain and rocky terrain, including boulder fields. +1
Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are highly recommended. The quartzite rocks can be slippery, especially when covered in dirt, sand, or leaves. +1 Avoid shoes with rigid soles.
Restroom facilities are available at various points within Devil's Lake State Park, including near trailheads and picnic areas. It's advisable to check a park map for their exact locations.
While the views are spectacular, the challenging terrain and steep ascents might be difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues. Consider shorter, flatter trails if you have very young kids.
The natural arch of Devil's Doorway itself is a prime photo spot. Additionally, the overlooks along the East Bluff Trail offer stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Within Devil's Lake State Park, there is a concessions stand and a restaurant that offer food options. Nearby Baraboo also has various dining establishments.
Yes, Devil's Lake State Park has numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a packed lunch.
Yes, Tumbled Rock Brewery is a popular spot mentioned in itineraries for visitors to the area.
Concessions typically offer casual fare like hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, and snacks. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit.
Bringing your own food and water is always a good idea, especially if you plan on a longer hike or want to enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating a golden hour glow on the quartzite cliffs and lake.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the archway. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the cliffs or wildlife.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Wisconsin State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official park regulations before flying a drone.
Elephant Rock, Balanced Rock, and the overlooks along the East Bluff Trail provide excellent photographic opportunities with unique geological formations and scenic vistas.
Absolutely! Many artists are inspired by Devil's Doorway, using it as a subject for paintings and other creative works.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a bit more adventure without the extreme difficulty, exploring trails like the Balanced Rock Trail can offer a good balance of scenery and manageable hiking. Always supervise children closely, especially near cliff edges and on rocky ascents.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a fully charged phone, and be prepared with essentials like water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. The challenging ascents offer a great sense of accomplishment for solo hikers looking to push their limits.
📸 Photographers & Artists
+1 The unique quartzite cliffs and the interplay of light and shadow create endless photographic opportunities. For artists, the raw beauty of the landscape, from the towering rock formations to the serene lake, serves as incredible inspiration. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Devil's Lake
The lake itself was formed when a massive glacier melted, leaving behind a terminal moraine that dammed up the meltwater. Over thousands of years, erosion has sculpted the landscape, creating the iconic features like Devil's Doorway, a natural arch that has been carved by wind and water. The sheer scale and ruggedness of these formations are what draw so many visitors.
Understanding this geological past adds another layer of appreciation when you're hiking the trails. The massive boulders you scramble over are not just obstacles; they are pieces of ancient history, shaped by forces beyond imagination. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience to stand amidst such natural grandeur.
Hiking the Trails Around Devil's Doorway
Many visitors combine the Devil's Doorway trail with other nearby routes to create longer loops. Popular connections include the Balanced Rock Trail, Potholes Trail, and CCC Trail. These combinations can lead you through diverse terrain, including boulder fields and wooded areas, offering a more comprehensive exploration of the park's natural beauty.
+1 The West Bluff Trail also offers spectacular views and a different perspective of the lake and its surroundings.When planning your hike, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear. As many reviews highlight, the quartzite rocks can be slippery, especially when wet or covered in debris.
Best Times for Photography and Avoiding Crowds
To avoid the peak crowds, especially during popular seasons like fall foliage, aim for weekday visits. Arriving early in the morning, shortly after the park opens, is another effective strategy. This allows you to experience the tranquility of the park before the majority of visitors arrive.
While Devil's Doorway is a major draw, exploring other parts of the park, like the less-trafficked trails or the lake shore, can offer a more serene experience. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or late fall) for fewer crowds and unique natural beauty.
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