Hiking Devil's Lake: East Bluff Trail to Devil's Doorway With Our Dog
Visited July 2025
On our July 2025 trip, we took a day away from the waterparks and hiked the East Bluff Trail from the North Shore to Devil's Doorway, the famous rock formation perched on the edge of the bluff, with our son and our dog. It was about 5 miles round trip by the time we got back, and with all the stops for views and photos, it took most of the day.
If you're staying in the Dells and want one big outdoor day, this is the one I'd pick.
Quick highlights
- Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's largest state park, with quartzite bluffs about 500 feet above a 360-acre lake
- The East Bluff Trail climbs fast from the North Shore, with lake views almost right away
- Devil's Doorway is a short side trail off the East Bluff, and it's the photo everyone wants
- It's a real hike: lots of stone steps, rocky footing and steep spots
- Dogs are allowed on the trails on a leash of 8 feet or less
- About 30 to 40 minutes from our homes
The route we took
We parked at the North Shore and took the East Bluff Trail, which starts at the east end of the North Shore area. From there we climbed the East Bluff Trail south along the top of the bluff to Devil's Doorway, then made our way back down and around to the North Shore. All in, it was roughly 5 miles.
For a shorter version, the out-and-back from the North Shore to Devil's Doorway on the East Bluff Trail is about 3.1 miles, with around 640 feet of climbing.
The climb
The trail doesn't waste time. After a short flat stretch it turns up a long run of stone steps, and you're climbing right away. The DNR rates the East Bluff Trail as "most difficult," and the steps at the north end are the reason.
The payoff comes quickly, though. Within the first stretch, the trees open up and you get your first look at the lake below and the West Bluff across the water, with its pale rock slides running down to the shore.
Along the top of the bluff
Once you're up, the trail rolls along the top of the East Bluff with lots of ups and downs and one overlook after another. We stopped at nearly every one. The rock up here is quartzite, and it's everywhere: big tilted slabs at the overlooks and boulder fields along the trail.
It was a hot, hazy July day, so we took it slow and made sure everyone, including the dog, had plenty of water. There's no drinking water on the bluff trails, so bring more than you think you need.
Devil's Doorway
Devil's Doorway is a short, rocky side trail off the East Bluff Trail, and it's the highlight of the hike. Two stacked columns of quartzite with a slab across the top form a "doorway" that frames the lake below. It's the most photographed spot in the park, and it's even more impressive in person.
It's a popular spot, so expect other hikers waiting for their photo. People come and go, so if you wait a few minutes, you'll usually get a turn. Watch your footing: the rocks around the Doorway drop off steeply, and kids should stay close.
Heading back
On the way back down, the trail passes big boulders and runs below the rock walls of the bluff through the woods, which was a nice shady change after the open overlooks.
Other ways to reach Devil's Doorway
- From the South Shore: the Balanced Rock Trail (0.4 miles) and Potholes Trail (0.3 miles) climb steeply up the East Bluff from the south side, mostly on rock steps. Shorter, but steeper. Balanced Rock itself is about three-quarters of the way up.
- Make a loop: combine the East Bluff Trail with the East Bluff Woods Trail (1.3 miles, wooded, no lake views) for a loop of about 2.7 miles.
- Easier option: the Grottos Trail (0.7 miles) is a level gravel trail along the base of the East Bluff, good for anyone not up for the climb.
Bringing your dog
Our dog came with us, and Devil's Lake is a good park for dogs if you know the rules:
- Dogs must be on a leash of 8 feet or less at all times.
- Dogs are allowed on most trails, but not on the beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds or in buildings.
- The park has designated pet swim areas, including an off-leash spot at the South Shore boat landing, and a pet-friendly picnic area on the North Shore.
- Bring water and take breaks. The rock gets hot in summer, and the climb is a workout for dogs too.
See our dog-friendly Wisconsin Dells guide for more places to take your dog.
Tips for hiking the East Bluff
- Wear real shoes. Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip. Flip-flops and water shoes don't cut it on the rocks.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. There's no drinking water on the bluff trails.
- Take it slow on the steps, especially coming down.
- Stay back from the edges. The bluffs are steep, and falls happen here, so keep kids close at the overlooks and around Devil's Doorway.
- Go early on summer weekends. Devil's Lake is one of the busiest state parks in Wisconsin, and parking fills up.
- Plan on half a day or more if you're hiking with kids and stopping for views.
Practical details
- Where: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Drive from our homes: about 30 to 40 minutes
- Admission: a vehicle pass is required. In 2026 it was $13 a day for Wisconsin plates and $16 for out-of-state plates. A 12-month pass is $28 or $50, Wisconsin seniors pay less, and certain federal passes, like a National Parks pass, are honored at Devil's Lake.
- Trail: East Bluff Trail, 1.7 miles one way, rated most difficult. Devil's Doorway is a 0.1-mile side trail.
- Park office: (608) 356-8301
Our verdict
If you only do one hike near the Dells, make it this one. The climb is real, but the views start early and keep coming, and Devil's Doorway is worth every step. It's a great break from the waterparks, and a perfect day trip from a stay in the Dells.
For more hikes, see our guide to hiking and nature near Wisconsin Dells.
