Gibraltar Rock – A High Point in Wisconsin Parks
I finally visited Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area near Lodi, WI over the weekend. It's been on my list for a long time, but somehow I just never got around to getting there. I'm glad I finally made it!
Gibraltar Rock is 1234 feet above sea level, with 200′ cliffs. (Yeah, watch that first step!) It's a fairly steep climb to the top (especially wearing 25 pounds of camera gear!), but very well worth the effort. From this height, even cornfields are picturesque! :^D There's no avoiding that hike – parking is at the bottom of the closed-off road you take to get to the top of the bluff. The road is in decent walking condition and winds its way up the forested slope, so at least you're not just climbing straight up the hill. Once you get to the top, the Wisconsin countryside opens out beneath you in a beautiful pastoral vista. Just remember to be aware of where you (and your feet!) are as you follow the relatively short path along the cliff – there are no steps or railings here to protect potential Darwin Award recipients from themselves.
The light was pretty strong and direct when I was there, so I made some pastoral scenic images. I really want to get back in strong weather, and this autumn – should be epic!
The park is easy to get to – just a couple of left turns right outside Lodi. If you haven't yet, treat yourself to a visit!
http://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/information-center/other-natural-areas/gibraltar-rock/
As always, chime in below with your thoughts, experiences, and comments!
— Jack
Looks like a nice place to explore Jack. You have to love what a bit of elevation can offer in terms of composition possibilities.
Yeah, I need to get back there when there’s more interesting light…
Re: elevation – I’m thinking of putting a shooting platform on top of my car so I can get a bit of height in situations where I’m shooting from a Subaru-accessible location… 🙂
— Jack