Baraboo Range

Baraboo Range is a striking ridge of hard rock that cuts across the landscape between two counties, with forested slopes and rocky outcrops visible throughout. The terrain features a series of elongated ridges and valleys that create a dramatic topography quite different from the flat surroundings.

The ridge formed around 1.7 billion years ago when ancient sediments transformed into hard quartzite through intense pressure and heat. Glaciers later sculpted the eastern slopes while the western portion escaped glaciation, creating a marked landscape boundary.

The Nature Conservancy manages multiple preserves within the range, including Baxter's Hollow and Hemlock Draw, protecting 9,844 acres of natural habitat.

The area offers numerous hiking trails at varying difficulty levels that lead through forests and across ridges for different experience levels. Year-round exploration is possible, though spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activity.

The western end of the ridge shows no signs of glacial sanding and preserves habitats that have remained unchanged for millions of years. This contrast between polished and untouched sections makes the location important for understanding ice age history.