Wildcat Canyon packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Wildcat Canyon # Wildcat Canyon packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**Starved Rock State Park, IL** * Nearest**Elkmont Campground, 488 mi** Sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls along the Illinois River. The loop is short but has lots of stairs. ## Trip details Distance 2 mi loop Highlights 2 canyons, 3 overlooks Stairs 9 staircases Hours Trails open 7 am to sunset Best season Spring, when the falls run (our pick) ### Source * [Illinois DNR: Starved Rock State Park](https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html) * [Illinois DNR: Starved Rock trail descriptions (PDF)](https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/documents/starvedrocktrailsdesc2.pdf) "Our pick" seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 11 ### Before you go * **Check conditions.** Closures, weather and trail status change. Look at [Illinois DNR: Starved Rock State Park](https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html) the day you go. * **Tell someone your plan.** Where you’re going, who’s with you and when you’ll be back. [NPS: leave a trip plan](https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm) * **Know when to turn back.** Stay on marked trails and behind railings. Turn back if stairs or canyon floors are icy, or if a trail is posted closed. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Closure check**IDNR: some trails could be closed during 2026 for a major trail improvement project. Check before you go.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [Illinois DNR: Starved Rock State Park](https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html) 2. **Stairs and steep overlooks**The loop has 9 staircases. Wear shoes with good tread.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [Illinois DNR: Starved Rock trail descriptions (PDF)](https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/parks/documents/starvedrocktrailsdesc2.pdf) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water**About 1 L each for this short loop, more in summer heat.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71x9VbJrhvL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz $17.99 on Amazon About 1 L each for this short loop, more in summer heat. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N7V1QG/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Yosemite: hiking safety (1 quart every 2 hours)](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hikingsafety.htm) 2. **Food and extra food**Pack snacks plus extra food in case the day runs long.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 3. **Navigation: offline map, map and compass**Trails split often. Save the IDNR trail map.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 4. **Headlamp**Trails close at sunset, and canyons get dark early.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon Trails close at sunset, and canyons get dark early. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 5. **Sun protection**Overlooks are open to the sun.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 6. **Insulation and rain layer**Spray and spring rain.Need itHave it ![FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613vT-iXDWL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s) $22.74 on Amazon Spray and spring rain. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKCZOZC/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 7. **First aid kit**For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**Short trail, but carry a lighter and a space blanket in cold months.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 9. **Knife or repair kit**For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 18, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park](/photos/wildcat-canyon-starved-rock-1.webp) Photo: [hakkun](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wildcat_Canyon_-_panoramio.jpg) · [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) · Wikimedia Commons ![Looking into Wildcat Canyon](/photos/wildcat-canyon-starved-rock-2.webp) Photo: [Yinan Chen](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gfp-illinois-starved-rock-state-park-into-wildcat-canyon.jpg) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **41.3166°N 88.9830°W** Park **Starved Rock State Park, IL** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/alum-cave-trail)[](/spots/old-rag)[](/spots/sky-pond)[](/spots/elkmont-campground)[](/spots/wildcat-canyon-starved-rock) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)