Gibraltar Rock offers some of the best views in southern Wisconsin

The Baraboo area is packed with outdoor gems, from the bluffs of Devil's Lake to the state's first natural area at Parfrey's Glen.

But about 20 miles to the southeast is another little natural area that can hold its own against those popular spots: Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area. The 66-acre natural area near the Wisconsin River between Merrimac and Lodi offers stunning views of the surrounding Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin from the top of a blocky 200-foot butte.

A short segment of the Ice Age Trail winds through the area, taking hikers from the base of the bluff to the top, then back down the other side. It's perhaps one of the most scenic segments of the trail in southern Wisconsin, and certainly offers some of the best views.

The views from 1,246 feet above sea level are especially good when the leaves are down, although towering red cedars on the bluff top provide some greenery and view obstruction year-round.

The area's modern history dates back to the 1920s, when renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen formed the preservation group Friends of Our Native Landscape in Madison. In 1927 the group purchased the Gibraltar Rock land and established Richmond Park, named for the Richmond family that settled the land in the 1800s.

A sign at the top of the bluff commemorates the group and the park, which became a state natural area in 1969. It was managed by Columbia County until 2007, when it was turned over to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

But the natural area's history dates back much further than the early 20th century. The dramatic sandstone outcroppings are the remnants of a massive sea that once covered the area, depositing sand that hardened into slices of orange rock. Other layers of rock heaped on in the ensuing millennia, including a hard dolomite cap that protected the softer sandstone layers from eroding.

Many years later, humans added their own rock — an asphalt road that wound its way to the top. The road is closed now, and the Ice Age Trail provides a more natural way to get to the top.

From the small parking lot on that road, aptly named Gibraltar Rock Road, follow the Ice Age Trail as it slowly climbs the bluff. The trail can be muddy or even icy in the winter and spring, so hike with caution.

Near the top of the bluff, a white trail spur veers to the right. Continue following the Ice Age Trail to the left to hike through groves of fragrant red cedars and to the bluff top, where a number of lookouts provide spots for photo ops and soaking in the views.

Look for turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and other birds of prey soaring on the thermals created by the 200-foot cliffs, but keep a safe distance from the edge — there are no guard rails, and the bluff top can be especially windy. Loose rocks and sand add to the danger. In 2011, one man died and another was injured here in the span of just a month.

Continue following the Ice Age Trail along the bluff top, and hop on the white loop to circle back to the parking lot.

Or, keep following the yellow trail down the backside of the bluff, where large erratics (rocks) deposited by the last glacier dot the woods. The trail continues through a swath of open prairie — look behind you for a glimpse of the butte you just climbed, and straight ahead for views of the Baraboo Hills.

According to the Ice Age Trail Atlas, it was at this spot in the mid 20th century that Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day and onetime Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator, ran into Don Horton working his fields.

"You've got a beautiful piece of land here," Nelson told Horton, who the state purchased the land from in 2008.

The trail continues through a patch of woods to an Ice Age Trail parking lot on Highway V.

The total segment is about 1.7 miles, but it's only about a .7-mile, moderate hike to the top of the bluff.

Hiking at a brisk pace, the entire segment — 3.4 miles roundtrip — would take about an hour and a half. But leave yourself two or more to linger here. Pack a picnic and savor views of quintessential Wisconsin —  farmlands, patches of woods, Lake Wisconsin in the distance and traces of the glaciers. Devil's Lake may get more attention, but this slice of the Baraboo Hills is mighty in its own right.

While you're there: The entire Gibraltar segment of the Ice Age Trail continues along a .9-mile connecting route, then another 2 miles of trail to the north. When the leaves are down, the segment offers terrific views of Lake Wisconsin. There's also a dispersed camping area for long-distance hikers.

The segment ends (or begins) at the Merrimac Ferry landing along the Wisconsin River. The free passenger and car ferry is officially part of Highway 113, and a version of the ferry has been shuttling people across the river to Merrimac since 1848. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week when the river isn't frozen.

RELATED: Gorge at Parfrey’s Glen is a peek into the past

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More information: Like most other state natural areas, Gibraltar Rock is open to pets as long as they're on a leash. Camping and rock climbing are not permitted.

For more on the Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area, see dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=73.

Getting there: Find a parking lot for the natural area on Gibraltar Rock Road, about 100 miles west of Milwaukee via I-94, Highway 60, Highway 113 and County Highway V.

Reach Chelsey Lewis at clewis@journalsentinel.com or on Twitter at @chelseylew.