A bit of background firstMore people are hiking up the bluffs of Devil’s Lake State…
If you’re planning to get outside this weekend, be ready for some real cold. Saturday’s high is around 4f and Sunday won’t be much warmer, with lows dipping below zero. Trails around the park will be crunchy, uneven, and slick, especially on the bluffs. If you’re heading out, skis, snowshoes, and warm layers will make the experience a lot more enjoyable. I’ll link the forecast below for anyone planning their outing.
– National Weather Service Forecast
Trail Conditions to Expect
Devil’s Lake’s trails tighten up in this kind of cold. Stairways can be icy or buried under windblown snow and footing on the bluffs can change from one step to the next. Ice cleats and trekking poles are a good idea on the East Bluff, West Bluff, and Tumbled Rocks trails.
Devil’s Lake uses a multi-use trail system. If you see ski tracks, stay to the side, and in general, let skiers keep their momentum. Courtesy goes a long way. – NPS Winter Trail Etiquette Guide
And yes, you can still borrow snowshoes free of charge at Devil’s Lake State Park (And Mirror Lake State Park) during normal hours. – Snowshoeing At Devil’s Lake
What To Wear in These Temps
This is one of those weekends where the right clothing makes all the difference. A synthetic base layer, an insulating layer like fleece or wool, and a windproof outer layer will go far. Hats that cover your ears, facemasks or balaclavas, and mittens over gloves will keep you comfortable. Waterproof boots with room to move your toes are key. Cotton works against you in the cold, so change out of anything wet as soon as you can.
Know your limits, take breaks, and give yourself time to get back to warmth before you start feeling the early signs of frostbite.
A Note About Pets
As much as our dogs love being part of winter outings, this might not be their best weekend. Paw pads can frostbite quickly on frozen ground and young or elderly pets lose body heat a lot faster than healthy adults. Every dog is different, so use your best judgment, but it’s perfectly reasonable to let them skip this one. – Winter Pet Safety Guide
Is the Lake Frozen Yet?
Not yet.
It takes more than a few cold days to lock in a lake this size. That said, you’re welcome to make your guesses in the comments. Everyone has their own theory. – When Does The Lake Freeze?
If You’d Rather Stay Warm
If hiking in subzero windchill isn’t your thing, you can still get out of the house. Baraboo’s Very Merry Holiday Fair runs Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Baraboo Arts Building near Circus World. Sixty artists, craftsmen, and food vendors fill the space, and it’s a good place to find gifts for the folks you actually like. – Very Merry Holiday Fair
Hunting Continues
Deer Hunting continues with the December 4-Day Antlerless-Only Hunt starting today. (Dec. 11 – 14) Yes, hunting is allowed in the park.
Final Thoughts
This weekend is going to be a cold one. If you head out, dress for it, take your time, and watch your footing. If you’d rather stay warm, Baraboo has you covered there too, just go shopping for Christmas instead…
Stay safe out there, and let me know what you’re seeing on the trails.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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