Hiking Wind Cave - Logan Canyon

Overview

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RATING: Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 2-4 hours (3.8 miles)

MAPS: MOUNT ELMER, UT

SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: None, bring all you need.

Looking out of Wind Cave

Wind Cave, just across the canyon from the Crimson Trail, is one of the iconic, must-do Logan Canyon hikes. The hike is about 2 miles and 1,100 feet of elevation gain to reach the cave, then another 2 miles and 1,100 feet of descent on the return. Though most consider it a pretty strenuous hike, it is still immensely popular. I've visited numerous times over the years, and the parking lot has always been full or nearly full! It is iconic for a reason - a really stunning place to visit.

Season to Visit: Fall, when the leaves are changing, is probably the most stunning time to visit the cave. That being said, my last visit was in the spring (May), and the wildflowers and greenery of the canyon were really stunning. If visiting in the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water. It my experience, it can be HOT in the summer, with patchy shade but also plenty of exposed sections without shade!

Geology Note: Contrary to what its name implies, the wind did not carve this Wind Cave. Instead, it is an ancient, collapsed cave system born from the compressed shells of prehistoric marine life, which solidified over millennia into the thick Lodgepole Limestone that forms Logan Canyon’s towering cliffs.

The actual sculpting of the caves began when tectonic forces pushed this ancient seabed skyward, fracturing the rock and allowing acidic groundwater to seep into the cracks. This water slowly dissolved the limestone from the inside out, hollowing out hidden subterranean chambers. Millions of years later, as the Logan River cut its way down to create the canyon, it drained the caverns and sliced open the cliffside.

Inside Wind Cave

Getting There

The trailhead is up Logan Canyon between Spring Hollow and Guinavah/Malibu Campgrounds. From the mouth of Logan Canyon, take 89 east about 5 miles. The trailhead is on the left side at about mile post 465.8.It is signed and has a fairly large parking area.

Diane in Wind Cave

Route Description

From the trailhead, follow the trail as it heads west (down canyon), initially without too much elevation gain, then begins climbing. After 1.25 miles, a junction is reached. Right goes to Beirdneau Peak and Green Canyon, and left goes to Wind Cave. Go left!

About 1/3 of a mile above this junction, a switchback goes right with a limestone cliff band on the left side of the trail and a social trail going to and along the cliff base. Stay right on the main trail. It climbs to one more switchback, then starts heading west to the top of Wind Cave, about 2 miles from the trailhead.
Use caution around the cave as there are some steep drops and loose sections. It is an amazing and photogenic feature.

Social Trail Note: The social trail mentioned at the switchback also goes to Wind Cave but is steep, loose, and quite braided in spots. We followed it coming back, and I would not recommend it.