LOGAN — The Wind Cave in lower (western) Logan Canyon offers a great low-elevation hike that's only moderately strenuous. Several large caves — actually more like arches — are the highlight of this trek, though the fall scenery along the way is also spectacular.
This is a great half-day hike to do in years like this, when deep snowfall levels delay high elevation hikes.
Distance: Four miles, round-trip
Elevation gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Directions to the trailhead: Located about seven miles east of Logan on the north side of the canyon. It is five miles up the canyon on U.S. 89, near the DeWitt Campground. There's a paved parking lot and a sign marking the trailhead.
Trail description: This trail used to be rugged but was improved in 1977. The path is well-defined, and there's little chance of getting lost here. Horse riders and mountain bikers can also use the trail, but it is closed to motorized vehicles.
Time required: Plan on two to four hours for this hike.
Cautions: There are some substantial cliffs at the top of the trail, so children need careful supervision. The path is gradual enough that children can do this hike.
Tidbits: It's unclear when this "cave" was first discovered, but the first accounts highlighting it were published in the Deseret News in 1958. The caves also have been known as DeWitt's Cave, Sun Dance Cave, Witches Castle and Devil's Cave.
There are actually several caves here, part of a triple arch formation belonging to the China Wall rock area on the slope of Logan Canyon. The main cave, more like a wind tunnel, is about 35 feet wide and 20 feet high. Wind and water erosion in the limestone rock formed the caves.
The caves have openings on both the south and north sides and sometimes make a whistling sound when the wind blows.
Facilities: No water or restrooms are available at the trailhead. These services are found seasonally in nearby campgrounds.
Other options: A two-mile hike to the top isn't the only way to see Wind Cave. Several locations around the DeWitt Campground turnoff offer roadside views of the two caves. The left cave is the main one.
Some hikers also like to do the Crimson Trail, found on the south side of Logan Canyon in the same area, before or after the Wind Cave hike. The Crimson Trail offers a counterpoint view of the canyon and caves. However, it a five-mile hike at a much steeper grade. It begins at the Guinavah amphitheater and ends at Spring Hollow. Hikers must travel part of U.S. 89 to complete a loop and return to their starting point.
For more information: Contact the Logan Ranger District, 1500 East Highway 89, Logan, or call 435-755-3620.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com