Gibraltar Rock Trail Hiking Guide
Gibraltar Rock is a flat-topped butte north of Lodi that the DNR says rises 200 feet above the surrounding landscape, with views over the Wisconsin River valley and Lake Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail crosses the top, and from the upper parking lot the summit is a short, steady climb through woods. It is one of the most rewarding short climbs near Madison, with one serious caveat: the cliffs at the top have no railings.
Permit: State Park sticker required to park in the Gibraltar Rock Road lot (daily $13 Wisconsin / $16 non-resident, or the 12-month pass)
From the Upper Lot
Mapping apps list the out-and-back from the Gibraltar Rock Road lot at about 1.5 miles with roughly 310 feet of gain. The trail climbs steadily through white pine, hickory and oak, with rock steps and a few wooden bridges, then levels out on the summit. Most hikers reach the top in 30 to 60 minutes. The DNR's directions: from Lodi, take Highway 113 north 4.1 miles, County V west 1.1 miles, then Gibraltar Rock Road south 0.2 miles.
The Summit Edge
The top is a broad, flat bench of sandstone and dolomite that ends abruptly in cliffs with no fencing or guardrails. The views west and south, over farmland, the river valley and Lake Wisconsin, are best from close to the edge, which is exactly where to be careful. Footing on the rock is fine when dry and treacherous when wet or icy. Rock climbing is prohibited on the butte.
Longer Option: The Full Segment
The summit sits on the Ice Age Trail's Gibraltar Rock Segment, which the Ice Age Trail Alliance lists at 4.8 miles. Beyond the natural area it crosses the Alliance's Steenbock Preserve and rolls through woods and prairie with views of Lake Wisconsin and the Baraboo Hills. Trail parking at Slack Road and other access points along the segment makes a point-to-point hike possible with a car at each end. Mapping apps list a 6.9-mile version of the segment hike.
Rules That Surprise People
Gibraltar Rock is a State Natural Area with unusually strict rules. The DNR's property page bans pets, food and drinks on the rock, even though dogs are generally welcome on the Ice Age Trail elsewhere. Parking there takes a State Park sticker, and hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Buy the sticker online before you go; this is a small rural lot.
Hiking tips for Gibraltar Rock Trail
- Stay well back from the summit edge; the 200-foot cliffs have no railings.
- Leave the dog at home; the DNR prohibits pets in the natural area.
- Buy a state park pass online before driving to the Gibraltar Rock Road lot.
- Skip the summit in rain or ice, when the rock at the edge turns slick.
- Add the full 4.8-mile Ice Age Trail segment for a longer day with lake views.
Nearby trails to explore
- Parfrey's Glen Trail
- Devil's Lake East Bluff Trail
- Pewit's Nest Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Gibraltar Rock gives you a big Lake Wisconsin view for a short climb. Use TrailMates to find Madison hikers heading to Gibraltar Rock. Download the TrailMates app to connect.