Devil’s Lake State Park Steinke Basin Quarry Road
Technical quartzite climb to Wisconsin's stone legacy
The quarry road climbs through the Baraboo Hills to where Italian stonemasons carved building blocks from billion-year-old quartzite that built half of Wisconsin’s historic courthouses. The road starts easy but turns technical as it switchbacks up through the Steinke Basin, with loose quartzite scree and exposed bedrock that’ll have you picking lines carefully. The old quarry faces create dramatic cliff amphitheaters where peregrine falcons nest, and the views across Devil’s Lake and the Wisconsin River valley are worth every scraped skid plate.
This is difficult terrain requiring real 4×4 capability and experienced driving — the quartzite is unforgiving and recovery points are scarce. Spring through fall works best, but avoid wet conditions when the rock becomes glass-slick. Wisconsin state park sticker required plus day-use fees. The reward is exploring abandoned quarry operations, world-class geology, and camping in one of Wisconsin’s most scenic spots. Bring recovery gear and a buddy — this isn’t the place to break down alone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1180 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with rock sliders |
| Nearest town | Baraboo, Wisconsin |
| Land manager | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Wrangler handle the quartzite sections on this trail?
No. You need modified 4WD with rock sliders minimum - the quartzite ledges and loose rock will destroy stock skid plates and potentially damage your oil pan.
Is the trail accessible in winter or does the park close sections?
Wisconsin DNR closes backcountry vehicle access November through March. Best window is April-October when conditions are dry and park access is fully open.
Do I need a special permit beyond the state park entrance fee?
Yes. Devil's Lake requires a state park vehicle admission sticker ($28 annual or $8 daily) plus you must register for backcountry vehicle access through the park office.
What's the gnarliest obstacle on this route?
The final quarry approach has near-vertical quartzite ledges with loose scree that'll test your line choice and throttle control. Many rigs need a spotter through this section.
Are there camping options near the trailhead or do I need to drive back to town?
Devil's Lake has three campgrounds within the park, but they're standard car camping - no backcountry dispersed sites. Book ahead as they fill up during peak season.