TRY ROCK CLIMBING AT DEVIL’S LAKE
Whether you’re a complete beginner seeking a day of adventure, or a gym climber transitioning to outdoors, Devil's Lake is the best place to learn rock climbing within driving distance of Madison (1 hr), Milwaukee (2 hrs), Chicago (3.5 hrs), and Minneapolis (3.5 hrs)!
✅ Good for children ages 6+, adults and active seniors
✅ Beginner climbing routes to match your ability and goals
✅ Trips for individuals, pairs, families or any size group
The Best Rock Climbing in the Midwest
Devil’s Lake State Park is known for the best rock climbing in the Midwest with dozens of climbing routes rated for all different skill levels, from complete beginner to advanced. Our amazing guides have been providing climbing trips and camps for adults and children since 2010. Come for the day or plan a weekend of climbing, camping, hiking & more!
CREATE MEMORIES AT DEVIL’S LAKE
Trying new and challenging things is one of the best ways to break out of your routine, escape from the constant distractions of everyday life, and gain a renewed sense of confidence. Rock climbing naturally demands your full attention, helping you stay present in the moment while challenging both your body and mind. Sharing this adventure with someone—or a group—is a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories!
ROCK CLIMBING IS A FUN, CHALLENGING, AND REWARDING ACTIVITY FOR ANYONE
WHO IS CAPABLE OF ROCK CLIMBING?
The most common misconception about rock climbing is that you need to be strong and athletic. Rock climbing is a personal growth activity that is more mental than physical. The easier climbing routes at Devil’s Lake provide easy footing for beginners. We do trips with children ages 6+, active seniors, and all ages in between! There is a 15-30 minute hike up to the climbing area.
WHAT IS TOP ROPE CLIMBING?
Top rope climbing leverages a rope that is securely anchored at the top of the route and connected to the climber’s harness. A trained belayer manages the rope from the ground, keeping it tight and controlling any falls or descents. Top rope climbing is one of the safest and most beginner-friendly ways to experience climbing, widely used outdoors and in climbing gyms.
WHAT IS A CLIMBING TRIP LIKE?
Standard trips are 7 hrs to make the day worthwhile and ensure plenty of time for you to learn, climb, take breaks and really enjoy yourselves!
• Meet at predetermined trailhead inside Devil’s Lake State Park
• 15-30 minute hike up the bluff (about 500 feet)
• Your guide(s) set up anchors and ropes at a cliff location chosen to fit your group's ability and goals
• Settle into basecamp at the base of the climbing area with 30-minute belay school with your guide(s)
• Climbing, belaying, resting and learning for 4-5 hours!
• Climbs last 15-60 minutes each, depending on height, difficulty and climber tenacity
• Hydrate, eat, take photos and bathroom breaks as desired
• Everyone learns how to belay, tie knots, and use climbing communications
• You’ll get a variety of routes to challenge you and everyone in your group at just the right level
• 15-30 minute hike back down the bluff
• Final goodbyes at the trailhead. Ask your guide for recommendations for dinner, hiking, swimming or other activities at Devil’s Lake!
MEET SOME OF OUR AMAZING GUIDES
Our guides are wonderful humans that are passionate about teaching rock climbing as a vehicle to promote personal growth for all ages and abilities. Let us show you what rock climbing is really about!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DEVILS LAKE CLIMBING GUIDES
Book YOUR Climbing Trip
Our guides offer private trips 7 days/week from April-November. Individuals or pairs may prefer joining Saturday Open Group Sessions.
| Group Size | Price | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday Open Group | $145/Person | Book Now |
| Private - Individual | $475/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 2 People | $250/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 3 People | $195/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 4 People | $165/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 5 People | $145/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 6 People | $130/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 7 People | $125/Person | Book Now |
| Private - 8 People | $120/Person | Book Now |
Open Group Climbing Sessions
EVERY SATURDAY — $145/PERSON
April - SEPTEMBER: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM (7 HOURS)
March, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER: 8 AM - 3 PM (7 HOURS)
Open group sessions are a great place to meet new people and potential climbing partners! No experience required. If we don’t meet our minimum enrollment of three climbers for your session, we will notify you of cancellation 48 hours beforehand.
Quite possibly the nicest, craftiest, most bad-ass librarian on the planet. And with extremely good taste.