Tuesday Topics – Too Risky? A Winter Hiking Discussion

As our climate changes and visitor numbers climb, Devil’s Lake State Park’s bluff trails see hikers well into winter, with the East & West Bluff trails now active year-round. But let’s be clear – winter hiking here comes with serious challenges: ice-covered cliff edges, snow-hidden drops, treacherous stairs, and unstable trail conditions that can send you stumbling. It’s even easier to lose your way and find yourself off-trail entirely. This is exactly why we started providing trail reports on our website some years ago.

Whenever we share winter hiking conditions, some readers express concern about us being up there at all. We understand – someone new to Devil’s Lake should absolutely not attempt these trails in icy conditions without proper experience, training, and equipment. That’s precisely why we document them.

Here’s the thing: risk assessment is personal. In outdoor activities, appropriate risk-taking – backed by experience, training, and good judgment – actually builds competence and safety. After more-years-than-I-care-to-count of hiking Devil’s Lake – from learning these trails as a Baraboo kid to stretching out to enjoy many adventures around the country and the world – I’ve developed many ways of sizing up conditions and risk. But I’m curious about YOUR thoughts!

– Should people be banned from hiking the bluff trails in winter?

– How do you decide if conditions are too sketchy for a hike?

– If you go, what “must have” supplies do you take with you?

– What makes you turn back?

– Do you avoid all challenging weather, or do you have specific things you look for?

– Who taught you about trail safety?

For me, hiking these bluffs for many years makes a huge difference in what I’m comfortable tackling. But I remember starting out much more cautiously! Share your winter hiking experiences and safety tips below or join the discussion on Facebook.