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LOGAN — If you are craving some physical exertion, a spectacular view and shade from a natural cave, you should consider doing the Wind Cave hike.
The trailhead for the hike is located about five miles up Logan Canyon near the Guinavah-Malibu campground. Hikers can park at a parking lot on the left side of U.S. 89, and several signs clearly mark the trailhead.
The trail is quite steep, and hikers will climb a steady incline of 1,299 feet. The trail is also very narrow, so be prepared to share the trail with other hikers and mountain bikers.
There are some shady spots along the trail where hikers can rest, but take a lot of water and be prepared to do the majority of your hike in the sun. Hikers have a great view of Logan Canyon during most of the hike. The trail splits when you are about .25 of a mile from Wind Cave, but the "shortcut" trail is more narrow and winds along the edge of the cliff face. It is more dangerous and not much faster than continuing up the main trail.
The Wind Cave is a group of natural, limestone arches that perch on the edge of the mountain. The cave provides a nice, shady resting point, and a refreshing breeze blows through the opening which is a welcome relief after the steep climb. The floor of the cave is covered in loose gravel and hikers need to be cautious when walking through the area so they don't slip and slide off the edge of the lookout point.
The name of the cave might lead you to believe that the arches were caused by wind erosion, but they were actually formed by underground water sources, according to the trailhead plaques.
The hike is roughly 1.9 miles one way and takes a little over an hour to hike up and about 35 minutes to hike down.
Difficulty: Moderate
