Some Trails Are Getting Dicey!

Warmer weather has the snow melting and more ice forming out on the trails around Devil’s Lake State Park and it will get worse before it gets better!

Bluff Trails Are Getting Sketchy

Although we offer a weekly trail report, conditions right now are worth a special mention. While the lower flatter trails such as Steinke Basin & Grottos are in good winter condition, some trails are quickly deteriorating as the weather warms up. Here are a few of the more sketchy spots of note out there…

Potholes Trail

All season it seems there has been a frozen ice floe blocking a section of the potholes trail near the top between the pothole formations and the stone gap below. It’s still there and while people have found a way around the ice, it’s not for everyone. If you are uncomfortable climbing around wet ice and slick rock while pulling yourself up and around and ice floe, don’t hike Potholes right now.

Devil’s Doorway

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There are 2 routes to Devil’s Doorway from the East Bluff Trail, a stairway to the east and another longer route from the west. Right now, both are covered with thick ice floes. We don’t recommend visiting Devil’s Doorway right now. Are people doing it? Yes. That said, the cost of a mistake up there right now could be anything from a bruise to a fall to your death. So… be smart.

Balanced Rock Trail

Balanced Rock trail is snow-covered and slippery in sections. It gets worse the closer you get to the top. The worst section is just above the Balanced Rock formation where the trail becomes a slide.

Bottom Line?

Be careful out there! As temperatures warm the snow may melt, but it’s probable that ice will take its place. All bluff trails up the bluffs including the East & West Bluff trails have sketchy spots. If you’re determined to go up, wear cleats and don’t take any unnecessary risks.