Frequently Asked Questions
Guided Rock Climbing Trips at Devil's Lake
Some questions come up often, and we’ve taken a crack below at the ones we hear most. Keep ‘em coming, there’s no stupid question. And we love questions we have never heard before!
Safety & Risk Management
Is rock climbing dangerous?
Yes. Many inherent, dangerous, objective hazards are inherent to rock climbing. There are many ways we can become injured or even killed during a climbing day. Why do we climb if it’s dangerous? Similar to highway driving or airplane travel, we actively anticipate and manage risks so we can participate in climbing in a reasonable way.
Our instructors assess and manage risk before and throughout each trip or course, and attending a guided rock climbing outing is a great way to learn about risk management. Our guides employ a variety of risk management strategies, such as pre-planned safety protocols, safety equipment such as helmets and harnesses, clear guidelines for clients, and close supervision. We communicate with clients about risks, using a combination of directives and recommendations to help them make good decisions regarding their safety, and empowering them to become better outdoor risk managers themselves.
We encourage clients and prospective clients in inquire with any questions regarding climbing safety and/or climbing risk management before, during or after a climbing event with us.
What measures are taken to mitigate risk while rock climbing?
Rock climbing is dangerous, so your knowledgeable DLCG instructor will take numerous measures to decrease/mitigate risks. For example, an instructor may require clients to attach to safety anchors when near cliff edges, or to wear helmets when there is risk of rockfall from above.
Some safety measures are organizational. We require all DLCG lead instructors to be currently certified as Single Pitch Instructors by the American Mountain Guides Association, and as Wilderness First Responders. We inspect safety equipment regularly for integrity and proper fit.
What if I fall while rock Climbing?
Your harness, rope, and belayer (the belay system) work together to “catch” you. If you slip off the rock face, your weight will transfer from your feet to the climbing rope, and you’ll be able to rest on the rope in a somewhat seated position. The ropes we climb with have elasticity, which absorbs some of the fall force, allowing you to stop gently. This elasticity also means you will fall a few feet lower as your weight transfers onto the rope.
Once you are hanging on the rope, the choice is yours: rest for a moment, then continue climbing your route, or have your belayer lower you gently to the ground.
How many instructors will we have?
The number of instructors depends on the size of your group. Our guide-to-client ratio never exceeds 1:6, but is typically 1:4 or 1:5.
How do I know your instructors are qualified?
All of our Lead Instructors hold AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) certification as well as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. The AMGA SPI provides codified training for instructors on managing risk, climbing instruction, and providing an excellent client experience, while WFR certification provides training on responding to and managing medical situations in remote areas. Both certifications require renewal at least every three years, and all of our Lead Instructors maintain current certifications.
Physical, emotional & Mental
What if I’m afraid of heights?
For some, rock climbing is a great way to explore the natural, human fear of heights. Part of climbing’s excitement being exposed to great heights and beautiful views, all while being attached to a rope strong enough to bear many times your weight. Of course, this can be unsettling for those with a fear of heights. We take the following measures to help all our clients feel comfortable:
We communicate early and often regarding your options.
We are on your side. We value our clients’ emotional safety and strive to be your advocates and teammates. We will never trick you into doing something we know you don’t want to do.
We encourage client questions regarding climbing and related activities, and we answer client questions thoroughly and carefully, to the extent possible.
You don’t need to decide now how much or how high you’ll climb now. Your instructor will be there to help you gauge your abilities, set goals, and find success in ways appropriate to your experience, interest and comfort level..
Am I physically fit enough to climb?
At Devil’s Lake, many of the climbing approach trails require around 15-20 minutes of hiking up steep stone stairs and/or informal rocky trails. If you feel ready to tackle this hiking approach, you’ll likely enjoy the challenge of vertical rock climbing as well.
Devil’s Lake is home to over 1,500 rock climbing routes of varying difficulties and climbing styles, so while there are plenty of strenuous routes, there are also an abundance of climbs appropriate for beginners. That said, every body is different, so please let your instructor know if you have specific concerns - they will plan a day around your abilities.
We encourage folks with specific concerns about physical abilities to contact us. We are happy to arrange adaptations for climbers with physical disabilities.
What if the members of our group vary in climbing ability?
Our instructors are experienced at facilitating great climbing days for groups with varying abilities. Oftentimes at Devil’s Lake, a beginner-level climbing route is near one or more intermediate or advanced routes, so it’s easy to choose a location that fits a range of experience levels. Be sure to note your relevant experience on your participant information form and share with your instructor the day of your trip. Your instructor should have no problem helping everyone find their own challenge.
Activities Included in a Rock Climbing Day
How many routes will we get to climb?
Groups vary widely in the quantity and difficulty of routes they climb. Most individuals climb 2-5 routes during the course of their day, but every group is different.
Your instructor will work with you to make sure your trip is a comfortable pace and enjoyable level of challenge for all involved. How many routes you climb is influenced by:
the number of people in your group
the difficulty of the climbing routes relative to the climbers’ abilities/experience
the length of the climbing routes
group preparedness
whether you choose to repeat routes
We generally discourage prioritizing the number of routes you climb. Rather, we suggest clients prioritize their climbing experience, spending time working on specific problems and/or sequences and making the most of each route.
What is “belaying”? will we learn to Belay?
Belaying is the act of managing the rope for a climber by taking in slack through a belay device. A responsible belayer is critical to the safety of a climber, and solid belay skills are some of the most important skills a climber should have.
Your instructor will guide you through:
the differences between belay devices
how to use them
how to communicate as a climber and as a belayer
how to safely lower the climber from the top of the climb
Your instructor will back up your belay until you’re able to demonstrate safe belay technique, and will continue to monitor throughout your trip.
What is the minimum age to climb?
Our minimum age for climbing is 4 years old. Most 4-year-olds and their families are not yet ready to climb, but we have had some exceptional kiddos and families who were. It really comes down to expectations, or rather, a lack of expectations. Our priority with everyone, but especially with younger children, is to help them have a great day - whatever that means. If a child or, more likely, their parent, is emotionally tied to the child accomplishing a certain thing - getting to the top, trying a certain amount, climbing at all - there’s great potential for disappointment. Our goal is always, “Let’s pack to go rock climbing and we’ll see what actually happens.” Results vary, and that’s part of the fun!
Is there a minimum age To belay?
Belay instruction and participation is up to instructor discretion, and is impacted by a variety of factors, such as height, weight, the individual’s interest/ability, maturity, and environmental conditions. We teach kids to belay if they are interested and we feel they are ready.
Will we do any rappelling?
A DLCG rock climbing trip can involve rappelling, but it’s not “standard.” If you're interested in rappelling, let us know. Your guide tailors your experience to your group, so they may be able to incorporate rappelling into your day.
How tall are the climbs at Devil's Lake?
Devil's Lake offers a wide variety of climbing at different heights. Unless you're joining us for a Bouldering or Talus Scrambling outing, the routes we climb will range between roughly 45 - 95 feet tall.
Guided Climbing Day Logistics
Where exactly will we be climbing?
We don’t typically decide on a particular climbing location in advance. Many locations at Devil's Lake lend themselves well to guided climbing outings, and we try to spread our use throughout the Park. Our most common meeting spots are the CCC Trailhead, the South Shore Parking Lot, the South Shore Boat Launch, and the North Shore Parking Lot. Your exact trip location will be planned by your instructor after considering your goals, the day of the week, and the weather forecast. Be sure to check your confirmation email for rendezvous details, and remember your guide may change meeting locations on-the-fly the morning of your trip.
Seven hours seems long... do you offer half-day trips?
We don't offer half-day trips (for top-rope climbing), and here's why: We typically meet at 7:30 AM, and begin with introductions and equipment distribution. Then, there's a 15-20 minute hike up to the crag, after which your instructor will set up the ropes for your group. Once the ropes are set up, your instructor will give a belay orientation, and you'll be able to begin climbing. All the while, your instructor is helping to make sure things are moving at the right pace for your group. Between the approach, set-up, safety orientation, snack breaks, and the excitement of climbing, we think you'll find that time flies. In addition, many of our instructors live 45+ minutes away from Devil's Lake State Park, and we value their time and expertise by offering full day trips. Bouldering, Talus Scrambling, and Rappelling trips offer shorter-duration options.
What should I Wear, and what should I bring with me?
Plan to bring plenty of water (two liters/person), lunch/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray (if desired), a rain jacket (if applicable), and a backpack to carry your gear for the day in. Check out our What To Bring Guide, which details our suggestions for practical climbing attire, as well as what to bring and what to leave behind.
Will we go back to the trailhead for lunch?
No. Since our climbing destinations involve a 15-20 minute hike up steep terrain, we like to save the hike time and stay at the crag to enjoy lunch with a view. Please plan to pack snacks, lunch, and plenty of water with you.
Can we bring a cooler for our lunches?
We recommend against it, unless your “cooler” is more of an insulated lunchbox that fits in a backpack. Everything you need for the day should fit in your backpack, so your hands can be free when hiking on the steep, uneven terrain of the hiking approach.
What is the bathroom situation?
Bathrooms or outhouses are available at or near most of our meeting locations. Once we embark on our approach hike, however, there is no access to bathrooms until we return to the parking lot at the end of our trip. This means you’ll take care of any "business" during the day wilderness-style, following Leave No Trace principles.
Peeing: Find a private spot. Drip dry, or bring tissues to wipe. Pack any tissues out with you.
Pooping: Option 1 - Hike back to the trailhead to use the restroom there. Option 2 - Poop in a Wag Bag, clean up, and pack it out with you.
Can observers come along?
Observers are welcome, but even hanging out at the base of the cliff involves risks. Observers must sign our liability waiver, adhere to guides' instructions and wear a helmet.
How does tipping work?
Tips are common, but not expected or required. You may tip your instructor with cash, or through Paypal using their DLCG email address.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Our clients have myriad opinions on rain; some shrug it off, others really don't like it. Can climbing on a rainy day be enjoyable? Yes. Is wet rock more difficult to climb? Absolutely. Here's the policy:
If the weather forecast calls for greater than a 40% chance of rain within 24 hours of your trip start time, you may reschedule for a different date at no charge or cancel for a 75% refund. If there is not at least a 41% chance of rain, you may not cancel for weather reasons. Rain cancellations or rescheduling must occur at least 90 minutes before scheduled trip departure.
If DLCG cancels your trip for rain or lightning while a trip is in progress, we will reschedule the trip for another date at no additional charge or you may request a 50% refund.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your trip is 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to departure. Once inside the 30-day window (up to 48 hours in advance), cancellations are subject to a 25% administration fee.*
Cancellations within 72 hours of trip departure are non-refundable (excepting rain or sickness, see below). We recommend purchasing trip insurance to avoid losing money due to emergencies or changes in your travel plans. We cannot refund your trip inside the cancellation window due to illness or injuries of yourself or members of your group, as we have turned away other clients so we could run your trip.
* Special limited-enrollment courses like AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Adventure Day Camp are non-refundable once students have paid their course deposits unless another student is willing to take their spot in class.
Where should I stay in the area?
Nearby Baraboo is host to numerous accommodations options, including full-amenity hotels, quiet family campgrounds, and home rentals. Check out our Lodging Guide and our Camping Information Guide to read about some of our favorite options near Devil's Lake State Park.