LOGAN — We are entering peak fall foilage season in Utah, from now until early October. So each week of fall we will be offering some of the most iconic hikes in Cache Valley for you to finally knock off your bucket list while the colors are gorgeous and the temps are mild for recreating outdoors.
WIND CAVES
One of the most geographically interesting hikes in Cache Valley. You don’t need to drive all the way to Moab to get a trifecta of arches. The triple arch rock cave formations at the top of the trail were created over thousands of years from wind and water erosion and offer a breathtaking view overlooking the winding road of Logan Canyon about 1,000 feet below.
Trailhead Location: Logan Canyon
One of the most geographically interesting hikes in Cache Valley. You don’t need to drive all the way to Moab to get a trifecta of arches. The triple arch rock cave formations at the top of the trail were created over thousands of years from wind and water erosion and offer a breathtaking view overlooking the winding road of Logan Canyon about 1,000 feet below. (Video: Cimaron Neugebauer)
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(41.759486, -111.709508)
Trailhead is about 5 miles up Logan Canyon, near the Guinavah-Malibu Campground. The trailhead is on the left (north) side of the road as you are driving east up the canyon. Small paved parking lot off the side of the road.
- Distance
4 miles (round-trip) 2 miles to rock formation. It can comfortably be hiked in 2 hours or less for most skill levels. - Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Even if you aren’t into hiking, you can do this trail if you take frequent breaks and stop to enjoy the view.
- Elevation Gain
About 1,000 foot elevation gain. It is fairly steep (maximum 20% grade) but there are switchbacks and hikers can take frequent breaks.
Trail Review:
The Wind Caves (also known as the Witch’s Castle) trail begins with an informative kiosk that explains the wildlife (specifically bats that live in the cave) as well as other foilage native to the area. As you begin the hike make sure you bring some water or a snack to eat. It is about 4 miles round trip. Be advised, the first mile of the trail’s switchback are the steepest, but it levels off after that and the switchbacks are more mild and allow you to catch your breath. Locals regularly take youth groups (with no hiking experience) up here, whether that is ill-advised or not. So it is a trail most can handle if they listen to their body and take frequent breaks, regardless of their activity level. The trail is well-marked with compacted dirt and is terraced with logs in some spots. Mostly shaded all the way up, but I would advise sturdy shoes, sunblock, water, snacks, and if you go hiking at dusk, a headlamp.
If you don’t do well with heights, hug the mountainside when you get to the top. There is a scenic view which offers a clear view of the China Wall to the south (on the other side of U.S. Highway 89). But take time to soak in the view, you definitely earned that one thousand foot ascent!
Feedback welcome: If you have a hike you’d like me to review or recommendation to share with readers please email me at: cimaron@cvdaily.com
See other hike reviews:
Hike Review: Hyde Park Canyon segment of Bonneville Shoreline Trail