Devil’s Lake Quadrathlon Challenge

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Lynn Mallach

Looking for your next DL Challenge?

Try out the Apex Adventure Alliance Devil’s Lake Quadrathlon Challenge. This challenge includes hiking/ running, swimming, climbing, and a bike ride. Here’s the down-low:

1. Hike/Run the Tumbled Rocks Trail to the “jumping rock.” This is located mid West Bluff.
2. Jump off and swim to the other side of the lake (the short length, east side). Warning: best if done with a boater by your side. No drowning please!
3. Climb three Railroad Routes – style and route selection are your choice!
4. Finish the Hike/ Run by taking the train tracks to the South Shore Beach.
5. Ride the loop around the lake – a strategy piece for time here is deciding which direction you want to take the loop. Your choice!

Get out there for some fun. Let us know how it goes!

Devil’s Lake State Park Current Conditions

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Lynn Mallach

Current conditions of Devil’s Lake’s: still frozen over! Each cold snap we get freezes it up, while the warm spells seems to be wearing away at it relatively slowly. After last weekend’s 50 degree weather and upcoming warmer temperatures, we will see how much longer the continues to have a layer of ice.

While the lake continues to be frozen over with a slow thaw, I wouldn’t head out onto the ice to test the structural soundness. Nosiree! BUT, the current conditions for rock climbing are in pretty good shape. Sunny routes are warm and dry. Approaches are relatively good with some spots on and off trail that continue to have some wet/icey spots. I think we will get a pretty dry start to Spring climbing, with the Spring showers rolling in seasonally. The rock is cold in the mornings, but has been relatively warm after some sunshine.

We are looking forward to spending the warm days at Balanced Rock, which offers an easy approach and stays sunny all day. We might see some weeping (water runoff) from the walls since we haven’t had a truly proper thaw AND dry. Nothing a little chalk, a dirty sock, and some fancy movement can’t get past.

If you are headed out for some spring climbing, don’t forget your helmet and to be extra careful. When rock climbing, rock fall can always occur. At Devil’s Lake, we specifically see it after the Winter when lots of freezing and thawing occur. There are always those pesky sticks, pine needles, and leaves left over from the fall too. As always, be careful, have fun! And if you are starting to plan your Spring or Summer, our calendar and packages are now available!

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Devil’s Lake State Park Current Conditions

4 Steps to Safe Rappelling

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Lynn Mallach

noun. 1. (in mountaineering) the act or method of moving down a steep incline or past an overhang by means of a double rope secured above and placed around the body, usually under the left thigh and over the right shoulder, and paid out gradually in the descent. verb (used without object), rappelled,rappelling. Rappel | Define Rappel at Dictionary.com Safe Rappelling

4 Steps to Safe Rappelling

Practicing safe rappelling is important! Rappelling is one of the most dangerous aspects of rock climbing and easily remedied by using proper technique.

Once you have your rope anchored into the top of a climb or cliff with a strong multi point anchor you can begin to set up a protected rappel. Depending on the whether you are rappelling off a single length or double length rope, make sure that the end of the rope(s) is on solid ground. If not, a stopper knot can be tied at the end of the rope(s). It never hurts to do this since there have been a number of deaths associated by rappelling off the end of the rope

Step One: Thread your friction device through the rope(s) and attach to your belay loop on your harness with a locking carabiner. For easier access you can extend the belay by attaching a cow’s tail. Click here for directions The Mountaineers’ Extended Rappel Belay.

Step Two: Attach a back-up prusik on the ropes below your friction device. You’ll need a sling tied from 5mm- 7mm cord either sewn by the manufacturer or tied with double fisherman’s knot. See how to tie a prusik on NetKnots.com. The prusik is attached to your leg loop on the same side as your brake hand with a carabiner.

Step Three: Double Check harness, all lockers, anchor system, and rappel device one last time. Then
lower yourself to a good rappel position.

Note: You can attach a second prusik on your belay loop with a locking carabiner above the anchor to get in position and release it once you are in the rappel position.

Step Four: Rappel On! Your brake hand moves the back-up prusik as you move down the length of the rope.

Feel Free to contact Apex with any questions info@apexadventurealliance.com

Top 5 Natural Attractions at Devil’s Lake

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Lynn Mallach

There are many amazing sites to see at Devil’s Lake. Lynn and I have done extensive exploring and for the past five seasons, I have very much enjoyed much of “The Lake.” Here is my top 5 list of my favorite natural attractions at Devil’s Lake State Park.

5. A fish out of water.

Grab your license (for purchase at most gas stations in Wisconsin), a tackle box, and your pole. Fishing is a great relaxing way to enjoy the lake. If you are lucky, you will land a big one and have a nice catch for dinner.

4. The south beach on a week day.

Stop at the lake for less crowds and a beautiful serene beach on a week day. Evenings are also prime time to enjoy the quietness the lake has to offer. Of course, any time is the right time to swim, so jump in and splash around. Note that this activity is especially awesome after a day of climbing during the Summer!

3. Balanced Rock Trail meets East Bluff Trail.

Take the Balanced Rock Trail up the bluffs. Check out Balanced Rock on your way up, a naturally occurring rock formation. Keep hiking until you reach Devil’s Doorway, also a natural rock formation. Both have great views and are iconic to Devil’s Lake.

2. A 360 degree view from the middle of the lake.

Take to a boat or raft to gain access to the middle of Devil’s Lake. This spot will not disappoint one bit. You can get a more full view of the extravagance of Devil’s Lake State Park. Can you name the different climbing areas?

1. The view from the top!

Of course, this list can’t be complete without noting that when you reach the top of a climb, there are wonderful, unique views. No matter where you climb at Devil’s Lake, when you reach the top, look behind you. Don’t miss seeing Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River from the CCC and Baraboo from the middle of the West Bluff.

Enjoy all these wonders of nature close to home. And you thought you needed to head westward… let me prove you wrong : )

– Jill

Eek! Devil’s Lake Climbing Surprises!

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Lynn Mallach

Eek! Yikes! Interesting Finds Climbing

and Bouldering at Devil’s Lake.

One of the best things about hanging out at Devil’s Lake State Park is the interesting array of insects, frogs, toads, and snakes we come across while guiding. Not only are these “finds” on the trails, but often on the actual climbs themselves! Climbers can be walking to their destination or reach up for that bomber hold, only to be surprised by any number of things including timber rattlers, toads, and spiders.

Not to worry, these encounters are rare and mostly harmless!

The following is a list of the few my favorite things found while guiding:

Timber Rattler – See where we have found these at the lake. Last year we had several sightings along the hiking trails to climbing locations! With their loud rattler, though shy (thanks goodness!), you’ll hear them.
Frogs and Toads – The perimeter of the lake, the nearing ponds, and sometimes, in the cracks of climbs!
Walking Stick – Check the trees around the park. Keep your eyes peeled, they can be tricky to spot since they look, well, like a stick.
Millipedes and Centipedes – These guys are all over Devil’s Lake State Park! Freaky at first, but not harmful. If seen on the trails, their favorite past-time is being saved and not stepped on.
Wolf Spider – We see these guys on the side of the rocks. Not often, luckily. They never fail to be a freaky sighting.

The Nature Center, located off the Devil’s Lake’s North Entrance offers a wealth of information and examples of wildlife at the lake, as well as a history of the lake and area. It’s well worth a visit. For information about hours visit their website.

Come out climb with us and let’s see what we can find!