Hiking and Nature Near Wisconsin Dells: Devil's Lake, Lost Canyon and More
The waterparks get the headlines, but the Dells exists because of its rock: sandstone canyons carved by the Wisconsin River, and a short drive south, the purple quartzite bluffs of Devil's Lake. Some of our favorite days up here have been outside. This guide covers the hikes and nature spots worth your time, from easy to sweaty.
You'll need a Wisconsin state park vehicle pass for the state parks and natural areas below. In 2026 a daily pass is $13 for Wisconsin plates and $16 for out-of-state plates, and an annual pass is $28 or $50. Buy it online before you go to skip the line at the gate.
Devil's Lake State Park
The big one. Devil's Lake, near Baraboo, has 500-foot bluffs over a clear lake, nearly 30 miles of trails and two sandy beaches. It's the most popular state park in Wisconsin, and once you're on the bluff you'll see why.
We hiked the East Bluff to Devil's Doorway with our son and our dog. It's rocky and steep in places, so wear real shoes. Plan on 30 to 40 minutes from my homes.
Which trail to pick:
- East Bluff (1.7 miles, hard). Stone steps, big views, and a short spur to Devil's Doorway, the rock arch everyone photographs.
- Balanced Rock (0.4 miles, hard). A steep rock staircase straight up the bluff, past a boulder balanced on a narrow base. Short but a real climb.
- West Bluff (1.4 miles, hard). Paved in spots, with views back across the lake to the East Bluff.
- Tumbled Rocks (1 mile, easy). Flat along the lakeshore through giant boulders. The best pick with little kids, and the north half can work with a stroller.
Beat the crowds. On summer and fall weekends the lots can fill before 9 am. Go on a weekday, first thing in the morning, or late afternoon for sunset. Don't park along the roads.
Bringing your dog? Dogs are welcome on leash on the trails, and Devil's Lake has designated pet swim areas. See dog-friendly Wisconsin Dells.
Lost Canyon
Not a hike, but the easiest way to get deep into a sandstone canyon. Lost Canyon Tours runs a 30-minute horse-drawn wagon ride through about a mile of narrow, cliff-walled gorges on the south shore of Lake Delton. We've done it twice and loved it both times, and it's great for all ages.
It runs March through November, daily from 9 am to 7 pm, weather permitting. Call ahead for current prices.
Mirror Lake State Park
Just south of Lake Delton, Mirror Lake is the calm, quiet option: a no-wake lake between sandstone cliffs, with over 19 miles of trails. It's best from the water. The park's concession rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards in summer. On land, try the 0.6-mile Echo Rock trail or the 2.2-mile Ishnala trail.
Mirror Lake is also home to the Seth Peterson Cottage, a small Frank Lloyd Wright design you can rent overnight.
Rocky Arbor State Park
About a mile and a half from downtown, Rocky Arbor has a 1-mile loop through a sandstone gorge, an easy hour that's a good leg-stretcher between other plans.
Short hikes near Baraboo
If you're heading to Devil's Lake, two short gorges are worth adding:
- Pewit's Nest. A 30- to 40-foot gorge cut by Skillet Creek, about a quarter mile from the parking lot. The lot is small, so go early. No climbing or jumping from the cliffs.
- Parfrey's Glen. A narrow, mossy gorge with a small waterfall. The old boardwalk washed out years ago, so you walk the rocky creek bed and ford the stream once, about 1.6 miles round trip. No dogs allowed.
Along the river in town
- Chapel Gorge, part of the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, has a 1.5-mile loop off River Road down to a sandy river beach. Parking is very limited.
- The River Walk downtown is a short, paved path along the river, an easy evening stroll after dinner on Broadway.
Tips
- Wear real shoes. The bluffs at Devil's Lake are rocky and steep, and the gorges can be wet.
- Bring water in summer. There's little shade on the bluff tops.
- Buy your park pass online before you go.
- Pair a hike with a boat tour. The Upper Dells tour walks you through Witches Gulch and to Stand Rock.
FAQ
What is the best hike near Wisconsin Dells?
The East Bluff trail at Devil's Lake, out to Devil's Doorway. For something easy, try Tumbled Rocks at Devil's Lake or the loop at Rocky Arbor.
Do you need a pass for Devil's Lake?
Yes. Every vehicle needs a Wisconsin state park pass. In 2026 a daily pass is $13 with Wisconsin plates and $16 with out-of-state plates.
Is Lost Canyon a hike?
No. It's a 30-minute horse-drawn wagon ride through the canyon, so it works for all ages and abilities.
Can you hike Witches Gulch?
Only on the Upper Dells boat tour. It's on private land and closed to walk-in visitors.
