Devil’s Lake Climbing Etiquette

IMG_1636We often see climbers at Devil’s Lake State Park from out of town. We love visiting with them and finding out more about where they are from, their local crag, and what brings them to our home crag.We also commonly exchange information on the area, including rock climbing etiquette.

Devil’s Lake State Park has over 2,000 top rope and traditional (trad) routes and over 2,000 Boulder problems.  The area is unique because there are no bolts for sport climbing. These circumstances make Devil’s Lake have some interesting and unique sets of etiquette. Apex Adventure Alliance adheres to the best climbing etiquette as possible. We work hard to positively impact the climbing areas as little as possible. We hope that you can too!

Don’t reserve a climbing or bouldering spot. Be willing to be flexible. Sleeping at a location to reserve it is not the best way to make friends.

Keep your group together. If you have a larger group, pick climbs that are near each other. It is more fun to rock climb and socialize together.

Set up top ropes properly. Don’t cross hiking paths. Have a good understanding of anchor setting or get more training. Your safety is worth it!

Don’t Hog. Sharing is fun. Sharing ropes at Devil’s Lake is common etiquette. Just make sure you check what is up top!

Yield to lead climbers, remember there are non-climbers that enjoy the park too.

Oranges, Reds, and Yellows

It’s we travel deeper into the month of September, those beautiful trees will shed their leaves, and we are going to begin to stock food for the winter hibernation.

But wait! Maybe this year can be different.  Instead of escaping the weather by staying indoors, make some goals and get out there. Adventure On!

So, what are your Fall goals?  Don’t let the beautiful weather escape you and be stolen by time !  Do you want to leave the crowds behind and enjoy a crisp day of quite, crowd-less climbing? We’ll help you with that!  , we should become one with it.  We need to plan ahead and create goals!

Climbing during the fall is beautiful. You can climb the Quartzite cliffs of Devil’s Lake State Park and enjoy the oranges, reds, and yellows. Make sure to pick up some apple turnovers at Ski-Hi Orchard located between the north and south entrance of Devil’s Lake on Ski-Hi Road.  If you get there in the morning, they will still be warm and extra gooey.  We may have even picked up a pie or two to enjoy up at the cliff.  (Just don’t forget a fork like we did or if can get messy.)

Follow the “Peak Color Report” at http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report and you’ll be able to time your Fall climbing trip just right.

Don’t regret your Fall like this little guy! Climb On!