An intriguing part of Wisconsin Dells in the Midwest, Witches Gulch is a mysterious narrow slot canyon with tall, mossy walls accessible only by boat tours.
Last updated: January 9, 2026
A Slot Canyon Like No Other
With the cliff rising high like guards over the narrow passage and green moss covering the protective walls, in summer Witches Gulch reminds you of the evergreen Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It’s vibrant and several degrees cooler than the surrounding area. The raised boardwalk that towers over the ravine looks somewhat similar to the gorgeous Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, Canada.
And yet Witches Gulch is none of these sites, nor is it like any other slot canyons elsewhere. The eerie beauty of the gulch remains undisturbed most of the time except for those times when a tour boat brings another group of awestruck visitors.
Location, Time, and Getting to Witches Gulch
Carved by wind and water in the sandstone cliff along the Wisconsin River, Witches Gulch is located just a boat ride away from the heart of Wisconsin Dells. No one knows exactly how old or when the slot canyon appeared. It wasn’t until the late 19th century when photographer Henry Hamilton Bennett started arranging guided tours that the natural landmark got the attention of travelers.
Up to this day, a guided boat tour is the only way to visit the unearthly Witches Gulch area.
Guided tours are offered daily from April through October. The time of the excursions vary depending on demand and availability. On average, the boats depart every 30-40 minutes. You can claim your spot either on the open top level or in the cabin with large windows allowing for good sightseeing.
You can purchase your ticket online (we did just that to make sure spots were available when we arrived) or at a booth right at the boat dock. No prior reservation is required.
How to Visit Witches Gulch: Tour Options
To avoid being soaked to the bone as we planned an extensive Wisconsin Dells excursion after the trip to Witches Gulch, we said no Jet Boat Adventures at once and chose a more gentle option: a ride on a two-leveled tour boat. Two routes are available: the Upper Dells tour and the Lower Dells tour.
The Upper Dells tour travels the Wisconsin River above the dam in Wisconsin Dells past multi-layered sandstone formations and imposing ancient cliffs. The excursion includes two short shore landings: the dramatic Witches Gulch and Stand Rock, popularized as a dog-jumping site.
The Lower Dells tour cruises the Wisconsin River below the dam in Wisconsin Dells past equally astonishing sandstone cliffs and such iconic sites as Hawk’s Bill and the Rocky Islands.
Both tours are complete with detailed narratives that transports you into the past and lift the curtain on the present situation of the area and Witches Gulch.
UPPER DELLS TRIP WITH A STOP AT WITCHES GULCH
A guided trip above the dam with a stop at Witched Gulch lasts approximately 2 hours. The boat departs from the tour company’s main dock in downtown Wisconsin Dells. A spacious parking lot is provided behind the dock.
About 1 hour into the journey, the boat arrives at its first landing stop: the mysterious Witches Gulch.
Witches Gulch
Witches Gulch is a short, but scenic slot canyon that takes about 5 minutes to walk through. Yet if the “traffic” allows, slow down a little bit and enjoy the remarkable corridor the narrow path runs through. Covered with moss from the bottom to the top, the guarding walls on both sides of the boardwalk, suspended about a foot above the ground, look otherworldly.
At the end of this short trail, you will find restrooms, concession facilities, and a designated smoking area. The majority of your Witches Gulch’s tour companions would linger here for a while, getting some snacks for the return trip to Wisconsin Dells or puffing cigarettes.
TIP: If you want to take beautiful pictures of Witches Gulch or enjoy the views without the madding crowd, don’t waste your time here and head back immediately or as soon as you can. The slot canyon trail is practically empty at this time. Your walk will be ten times more enjoyable than it was just a few minutes ago.
Stand Rock
The next landing destination is roughly 5 minutes away. The Stand Rock formation is famous for two towering pillar rocks with flat plateau-like tops. The site is used as a dog jumping location to entertain Upper Dells tour guests.
The famous jump went through a few stages of evolution. It was first performed by Native Americans as a part of “Indian Ceremonial” traditions. Later tour guides took over this role while entertaining their amused guests. Today the famous jump is a sole privilege of trained dogs.
Due to hypothetical danger and despite a large safety net suspended between the rock formations, insurance companies stopped covering any accidents that may occur during the human jumps. Thus, guide jumpers had to be replaced by dog jumpers.
The second landing point of the Upper Dells tour looks different from Witches Gulch. The scenic trail runs along the shore, zigzagging along scenic outcrops and rocky walls. Near the end of the trail, you will find a gift shop with a restroom facility.
The Last Stretch of the Upper Dells Tour
The tour boat departs and heads back to Wisconsin Dells when all guests are back. At this point, you have about 20-30 minutes left to return to the city. The tour guide stops all the narration, letting the visitors embrace the serenity and natural beauty of the Wisconsin River.
Can You Visit Witches Gulch in Winter?
Witches Gulch is a seasonal attraction. It’s accessible only via boat tours that normally run from April through October. The tour company ceases its operation for the rest of the year. In winter, depending on the weather and ice conditions, you may pass by Witches Gulch in a boat. Yet access to the site at this time of the year is unavailable.
