GETAWAYS
Devil's Lake State Park
Baraboo, WI
Sept. 24-26, 2024
If this is your first hike of the season, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
Setp. 24-26, 2024
3-days
$190.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Ranges from 2 to over 3 miles per day with significant uphill and downhill sections.
Escape to the natural splendor of Devil’s Lake State Park, just a leisurely 3-hour drive away. This hidden gem boasts breathtaking scenery that will leave you in awe. Picture-perfect Devil’s Lake, flanked by towering 500-foot cliffs, creates a stunning backdrop against vibrant fall foliage and striking rock formations.
Join us for 3 unforgettable days as we explore the wonders of Devil’s Lake and its surrounding treasures. Traverse the park's fabulous trails, including the nearby Parfrey’s Glen with its serene creek and delicate waterfalls. For the adventurous souls, there's the option to scale the cliffs with rock climbing or glide peacefully across Mirror Lake's tranquil waters in a kayak. Alternatively, you can enjoy the region's rich history and natural beauty on the iconic narrated Dell’s boat cruise or a visit to the International Crane Foundation to view hundreds of exotic birds.
Retreat to the comfort of Sunset Beach Resort on Lake Delton, where water views await from your room's patio or balcony. Indulge in relaxation with access to the resort's indoor pool, hot tub, dry sauna, and complimentary kayaks for exploring the gorgeous lake.
*Itinerary may change, subject to weather and conditions
Registration Cost
Included in booking:
2 Guides for 3 days of hiking and evening camaraderie
Delicious catered box lunch on Day 2
Use of the resort’s kayaks on Lake Delton
Reservations & arrangements made for optional activities
Photos from your Getaway
Not included:
Lodging is not included in booking
Double Occupancy at Sunset Bay is $145.11/person
Single Occupancy at Sunset Bay is $290.22
Meals are not included (except lunch on Day 2) See itinerary for restaurants we will visit.
Devil’s Lake State Park entrance fees: $16.00/car/day (National Park passes welcome) We can carpool to optimize savings.
Cost of optional activities:
Rock Climbing 1/2 day in AM: $100.00/person
Kayaking on Mirror Lake: $40 Double, $30 single for 2 hr.
Wisconsin Dells Boat Tour: $38.50, 2 hour cruise
International Crane Foundation: $12.50/person. (stay as long as you like, open from 9am-5pm)
Lodging: Trailbound has reserved a block of rooms at Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort.
Please call: (608) 254-8406 to reserve your room.
Full refund for cancellations 72 hours in advance.
Less than 72 hours, loss of 1st night deposit.
See link below for website to Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort.
What to Bring:
A full Packing list will be sent to registered individuals.
Main items:
Comfortable, worn-in, hiking shoes with ankle support
Day pack for lunch, water, and clothing layers
Poncho
Sandles or water shoes for beach/kayaking
Swimsuit for pool/hot tub or Devil’s Lake swim
Driving Directions
Parfey’s Glen Trailhead is in Merrimac, WI. The parking lot is off “DL” road on the north side, shortly after passing Bluff Road, if driving from hwy 90 to 78.
One may also take a short cut and a lovely FREE ferry ride if traveling from Lodi and hwy 113. The ferry is only 7 minutes, and can be a fun part of the journey.
Travel time from Palatine, IL is approx. 2 hr and 45 min.
Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort is on Lake Delton
921 Canyon Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
DAY 1
Meet at Parfrey’s Glen: This charming 1.7 mile trail (moderate difficulty) will stretch our legs after a morning car ride. This is a serene trek along a babbling creek into a deep gorge that ends at a delicate waterfall.
Check in to your room at the Sunset Bay Resort. The resort is nestled on the quaint sandy shore of the 250 acre Lake Delton. Enjoy picturesque lake view from your room, private balcony or patio. Each room has 2 queen beds, mini-fridge, microwave and Wifi. Explore the resort and take advantage of the ammenities: indoor pool, hot tub, dry sauna, and use of their kayaks at a 1st come basis.
Dinner at the High Rock Cafe: A highly rated Tripadvisor restaurant, enjoy the “creative modern American cuisine” with the locals.
(cost on your own)
S’Mores and Bonfire: Make new firends and reconnect with old. Skits, singing and burnt marshmallows around the crackling fire at the resort.
DAY 2
The option to join us for breakfast at the Broadway Diner in downtown Baraboo, or make your own plans.
An invigorated group hike at Devil’s Lake:
We will explore 3 different trails starting from the South Entrance.
Our first hike ascends 500 feet on the Balanced Rock trail to the lake’s eastern cliffs, giving stunning views Devil’s Lake below. We then give our legs a reprieve through the wooded East Bluff trail before heading to the famous Devil’s Doorway. Here we marvel at these ancient rocks still stand today. After lunch, we descend down the stairs carved out of rock on the Potholes Trail, an unforgettable trail itself. A total of 3+ miles with 500 ft ascending and descending gives our legs a great workout.
Lunch on the trail: A gourmet lunch from Broadway Diner
Afternoon activity:
We will plan on kayaking together unless it is raining.
Kayak on Mirror Lake:
Kayak along sandstone bluffs at this gorgeous Wisconsin lake 10 minutes from our lodge.
2 hour rental, single: $30.00, double: $40.00
Cruise the Upper Dells:
Take a 2 hour narrated boat cruise along the Dell’s signature sandstone cliffs and some of the area’s tallest rock formations. $38.50/person
Relax at the hotel:
Enjoy your balcony/patio or the sand beach. Use the pool, sauna, hot tub, & resort kayaks on a first come first serve basis.
Visit the Interanational Crane Foundation: View cranes from around the world along with 100 other exotic bird species. Wander down an interpretative trail of restored prairie, wetlands and oak savanna. 5 minutes from our resort.
Open from 9am-5pm, $12.50/person
Dine at the River’s Edge Restaurant.
This unique venue brings the outdoors inside with a 100 year old oak tree growing in the middle of the restaurant and fish swimming in a 4,000 gallon aquarium. Another highly rated Tripadvisor restaurant with American cuisine.
(cost on your own)
Stargazing and Games
DAY 3
Those who have chosen to rock climb will have a continental breakfast at the trailhead at 7:30am provided by Trailbound.
Non-climbers will enjoy breakfast at the Bella Goose Cafe or eat on their own. (cost on your own)
Rock climb and rappel with Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides. The guides will “show you the ropes” and give you the opportunity for 3 or 4 climbs.
From 7:30am-11:30am. $100.00/person
International Crane Foundation. View cranes from around the world along with 100 other exotic bird species. Wander down an interpretative trail of restored prairie, wetlands and oak savanna. 5 minutes from our resort.
Open from 9am-5pm, $12.50/person
Hike the Tumbled Rocks trail.
This relatively level, paved trail hugs the western shores of Devil’s Lake and winds through huge boulders or red, purple, and pink quartzite. Super fun to wander through the boulders.
Lunch on the south shore of Devil’s Lake at the quaint concession stand allows us to unwind and share our stories. The sandy beach and clear waters of the lake provide an inviting opportunity to swim and relax before commencing the journey back home.
Begin the journey home, with a heart full of confidence, friendships, adventure, and stories to tell.
Cancellations & Refunds
You may cancel your Getaway to Starved Rock for a full refund if made 30 days in advance.
If you cancel less than 30 days, a refund will be made if your spot can be filled from a wait list.
If you cancel less than 72 hours, Trailbound will not refund your deposit.
Full refunds will also be made if Trailbound cancels due to dangerous weather.
**Some itinerary changes may be made due to light/moderate rain.
Rock climbing Refunds
Rock climbing deposits will be fully refunded if there is a cancellation within 30 days.
Less than 30 days are subject to a 25% administration fee
Less than 72 hours is non-refundable.
Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort Policy
Full Refund for your room for cancellations 3 days in advance.
If canceled within 3 days, you lose the deposit for the 1st night.