When most people think of Wisconsin Dells, they picture waterparks and family attractions. What surprised me most during my visit was discovering Witches Gulch, a narrow sandstone canyon hidden along the Wisconsin River. Accessible only by the Upper Dells Boat Tour, this short boardwalk trail winds through towering rock walls, lush moss, and some of the most unique scenery in the state. In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to visit Witches Gulch, what the boat tour is like, and whether I think it’s worth adding to your Wisconsin Dells itinerary.

last updated: 6/23/26

Hi, I’m Danielle — an Arizona-based outdoor creator who has personally explored every destination I write about. I’ve been hiking and adventuring across the Southwest since 2020 and started this blog to share honest, firsthand guides so you can skip the guesswork!

I also just wanted to say thank you for supporting a real creator’s work over just an AI summary.

A Quick Introduction to the Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells may be famous as the “Waterpark Capital of the World!®,” but the nature in the area is just as great. If you’re ready to explore beyond the slides and dive into nature’s wonders, the Wisconsin Dells boat tours are an absolute essential. The Wisconsin Dells is about a 1 hour drive from Madison, WI and 2.5 hrs from Milwaukee, WI. Seeing witches gulch is a great place to start enjoying the outdoors in Wisconsin Dells.

Witches Gulch: Quick Facts

If you’re short on time, here are some of the most important details to know!

Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Access: Only accessible via the Upper Dells Boat Tour

Trail Length: Approximately 0.25 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours for the full boat tour, with about 15–20 minutes spent exploring Witches Gulch

Cost: Included with the Upper Dells Boat Tour ticket

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall

Family Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: No, pets are not permitted on the boat tour

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a camera

Highlights: Towering sandstone cliffs, moss-covered canyon walls, scenic boardwalks, and one of the most unique natural attractions in Wisconsin

How to Visit Witches Gulch

One of the most important things to know before planning your visit is that you cannot access Witches Gulch by car or hiking trail. The only way to visit Witches Gulch is by taking the Upper Dells Boat Tour in Wisconsin Dells.

The tour takes visitors along the scenic Wisconsin River, passing impressive sandstone cliffs and rock formations before stopping at several attractions, including Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. Once the boat reaches Witches Gulch, passengers disembark and walk along a wooden boardwalk that winds through the narrow canyon.

The walk through Witches Gulch is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. You’ll have time to explore the canyon, take photos, and admire the unique sandstone formations before returning to the boat and continuing the tour.

Upper Dells Boat Tour Information

• Departure Point: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• Tour Length: Approximately 2–2.5 hours
• Access to Witches Gulch: Included with the Upper Dells Boat Tour
• Reservations: Recommended during summer and fall weekends
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall

I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, especially during peak summer months when Wisconsin Dells is busiest. Since much of the experience takes place outdoors, be sure to bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and have your camera ready for the canyon views.

Witches Gulch/ Upper Dells Tour Timeline

Since Witches Gulch can only be visited as part of the Upper Dells Boat Tour, many visitors wonder how much time they’ll actually spend there. While exact timing may vary slightly by departure, here’s what you can generally expect during the experience:

Board the Upper Dells Boat Tour

The tour begins in Wisconsin Dells, where you’ll board a sightseeing boat and travel along the Wisconsin River. During the ride, guides share information about the area’s history, geology, and famous sandstone formations.

Cruise Through the Upper Dells

As the boat travels upriver, you’ll pass towering sandstone cliffs, narrow rock formations, and scenic stretches of shoreline that helped make Wisconsin Dells famous.

Stop at Witches Gulch

The first major stop is Witches Gulch. Passengers leave the boat and walk through the narrow sandstone canyon on a wooden boardwalk. This portion of the experience typically lasts about 15–20 minutes and is one of the highlights of the tour.

Continue to Stand Rock

After returning to the boat, the tour continues to Stand Rock, another iconic Wisconsin Dells landmark known for its dramatic sandstone formation and historic dog-jumping performances.

Return to Wisconsin Dells

Following the stops, you’ll enjoy a final scenic cruise back to the dock.

Total Time Needed

Plan for approximately 2–2.5 hours for the entire Upper Dells Boat Tour. While the walk through Witches Gulch is relatively short, the boat ride and additional stops make the experience feel much more substantial than a simple hiking trail.

What to Expect at Witches Gulch

Walking through Witches Gulch feels like stepping into a completely different world. After arriving by boat, you’ll follow a wooden boardwalk into a narrow sandstone canyon where towering rock walls rise on either side. The temperature inside the gulch often feels noticeably cooler than the surrounding area, and the combination of moss-covered cliffs, shaded passageways, and winding pathways creates an almost magical atmosphere.

The trail itself is short and easy to navigate, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the way, you’ll pass through narrow rock corridors, cross wooden bridges, and have countless opportunities to stop and take photos. Some sections of the canyon are only a few feet wide, which adds to the dramatic feel of the experience.

During my visit, I was surprised by how peaceful Witches Gulch felt despite being one of the most popular attractions in Wisconsin Dells. The sandstone walls are incredibly impressive in person, and the boardwalk allows you to get up close to features that would otherwise be difficult to access. While the walk doesn’t take long, it was easily one of the most memorable parts of my time in Wisconsin Dells.

At the end of the short walk, they have a concession stand with snacks and some souvenirs!

Is Witches Gulch Worth Visiting? My Experience

Yes, I think Witches Gulch is absolutely worth visiting if you’re spending time in Wisconsin Dells. While the walk through the canyon is relatively short, the experience feels much more unique than a typical hiking trail or tourist attraction.

During my visit, I was surprised by how different Witches Gulch felt from the rest of Wisconsin Dells. After cruising through the scenic sandstone cliffs of the Upper Dells, stepping into the narrow canyon almost felt like entering another world. The towering rock walls, moss-covered cliffs, and shaded boardwalk create a peaceful atmosphere that’s completely different from the busy waterparks and attractions the area is known for.

One of my favorite parts was simply taking my time walking through the canyon and admiring the rock formations. The boardwalk makes it easy to explore, and nearly every turn offers another great photo opportunity. Even though the walk only takes about 15–20 minutes, it was easily one of the most memorable stops from my trip to Wisconsin Dells.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Witches Gulch can only be visited as part of the Upper Dells Boat Tour, so you’ll need to purchase a tour ticket rather than visiting independently. The canyon is also fairly small, meaning it isn’t a destination where you’ll spend hours exploring. If you’re expecting a long hike, you may be disappointed.

However, if you’re looking for one of the most unique natural attractions in Wisconsin Dells, I think the combination of the scenic boat ride, Witches Gulch, and Stand Rock makes the Upper Dells Tour well worth the cost. For me, it ended up being one of the highlights of my Wisconsin trip and an experience I’d recommend to anyone visiting the area.

FAQs: Witches Gulch

Can you visit Witches Gulch without a boat tour?

No. Witches Gulch is only accessible through the Upper Dells Boat Tour. There is no public hiking trail or road access to the canyon.

How long does it take to walk through Witches Gulch?

Most visitors spend about 15–20 minutes walking through Witches Gulch. The boardwalk trail is relatively short, but you’ll likely want extra time to stop and take photos along the way.

How long is the Upper Dells Boat Tour?

The Upper Dells Boat Tour typically lasts around 2–2.5 hours, including stops at both Witches Gulch and Stand Rock.

Is Witches Gulch kid-friendly?

Yes! The boardwalk trail is easy to navigate and suitable for most ages. Families with children often enjoy the unique rock formations and boat ride.

Is Witches Gulch dog-friendly?

No. Pets are not permitted on the Upper Dells Boat Tour, so dogs cannot visit Witches Gulch.

When is the best time to visit Witches Gulch?

Late spring through fall offers the best conditions for visiting Witches Gulch. Summer provides lush greenery and warm weather, while fall brings beautiful autumn colors to the surrounding landscape.

Is Witches Gulch wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility may vary depending on current conditions and tour operations. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly before your visit to discuss accessibility accommodations and requirements.

What should I wear to Witches Gulch?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking along boardwalks and uneven natural surfaces. Bringing water and a camera is also a good idea.

What other attractions are included on the Upper Dells Boat Tour?

In addition to Witches Gulch, the Upper Dells Boat Tour includes a stop at Stand Rock and scenic views of the Wisconsin River’s famous sandstone cliffs and rock formations.