Baraboo, Wisconsin
Devil's Lake East Bluff Loop
A 500-foot quartzite bluff loop above one of the Midwest's most striking lakes.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 770 ft
- Duration
- 2–3
- Best Season
- Apr–Oct
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Quartzite cliffs, Glacial lake
About the trail
Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's most popular park for a reason. The East Bluff Trail climbs steep stone stairs from the lakeshore through 1.6-billion-year-old quartzite to dramatic clifftop overlooks. The loop drops back via the Potholes Trail past Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 43.4264, -89.7290Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Devil's Lake North Shore day-use lot.
- Take the East Bluff Trail up the stone staircase.
- Walk the clifftop south past Elephant Rock and Devil's Doorway.
- Descend the Balanced Rock Trail back to the shore.
- Walk the Tumbled Rocks Trail along the lake back to your car.
Parking
North Shore lot — Wisconsin state park sticker required.
Tips from the trail
- Clifftop edges are unguarded — keep kids back from the rim.
- Trail is icy November–April; bring traction.
- Combine with a swim at the South Shore in summer.