Looking east toward Lake Wisconsin from the south face of East Bluff
When talking about hiking, biking and climbing we’ll find Devil’s Lake State Park to be a reoccurring theme. One of our favorite hikes, and certainly the most challenging, is the south face loop or if you’re feeling crazy the “figure of 8″ hike.
The South Face Trails (DNR Park Map)
Easiest access to the south face of the East Bluff is from parking on the south shore of Devil’s Lake. Once in the parking area go to the furthest lot to your right. Then simply follow the main walk way near the parking area toward the East Bluff. The South Face loop is actually a combination of 4 trails that make a loop, Grottos, CCC, East Bluff, & Balanced Rock. Clockwise or Counter Clockwise you will have one challenging vertical hike up about 400 feet of stairs. Keep in mind going down the stone staircases is a challenge as well. The total distance is something around 3 miles but feels like more due to the stairs. Plan for a good couple hours. Wear appropriate clothing, and good shoes. (no heels of flip flops) Take energy snacks and lots of fluids. Better yet, take a picnic lunch for the top.
Devil’s Doorway on the south face of the East Bluff
Why do it? Well if you are into incredible vistas and amazing rock formations this is a knock out destination. It’s simply indescribable. From the top of East Bluff you will look west over the lake and east through a valley that opens to Lake Wisconsin and beyond. You’ll walk over the top of dizzying cliffs (often passing rock climbers along the way), watch big black turkey vultures soar below you and feel the wind rush up over the cliff edges. It goes without saying that the cliffs are dangerous and kids need to be well supervised. The section from the CCC trail to Potholes trail is the parks big secret. It’s beautiful and just enough off the “beaten” path to often let you enjoy it alone. On a hot summer day even the Grottos trail on the bottom of the loop is fantastic. The grottos are small deep dips at the foot of the bluffs which capture cold air and often contain snow into late May or June.
Figure of 8? Ok, now you need to be fit. This is a challenging way to enjoy the south face. From the parking lot begin the loop as before by heading east on Grottos trail. Then in the middle you head up Potholes trail. You’ll pass some impressive rock formations on the way up. Once on top head east, then down CCC, at the bottom head west and then up Potholes again (since you enjoyed it so much the first time), at the top head west and then down Balanced rock trail. – Potholes trail is the most challenging vertical hike in the park. Doing it twice in a day is killer. The Figure 8 is only for the crazy among us!
* Play With Care! It goes without saying that any outdoor activity can be dangerous for some people depending on many factors. We are not attempting to point out every little risk inherit in each activity or location. We assume you will use your common sense, take lessons when appropriate, get your doctor’s O.K. and do more research when deciding to embark on any outdoor activity. Use this information on an “as is” basis and at your own risk.