Potholes Trail

A natural Stairmaster, the stone steps of this steeply climbing trail provide a serious workout while taking you to the top of the East Rampart. Start from the north end of the South Shore parking lot, crossing the railroad tracks, then heading east (right). Enjoy the flat, wooded Grottos Trail for a few minutes, then find a left turn (signed) heading straight up the bluff. The visual highlight of this trail is undoubtedly the natural stone hallway at Red Rocks, about three-quarters of the way up, where you find yourself surrounded by tall, beautiful red Baraboo Quartzite. A huge pine grows inside the hallway; it is really neat, reminiscent (to the author) of Bryce Canyon National Park. Near the top, look for ancient, rounded, eroded potholes formed by swirling water and a cool, tight hallway through red quartzite faces. The upper end of the Potholes Trail emerges just east of the famous Devil's Doorway.