Darby Wind/Ice Caves

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This is a great family-friendly trail to the Wind Cave. Hikers will enjoy singletrack most of the way. While there are a few areas of steep trail, there's nothing above an intermediate skill level. It's a great trail to challenge adults, teenagers, and youngsters (5+) alike.

In spring and early summer, there's plenty of water to drink (after filtering of course) and to cool off your head and feet. Enjoy the small waterfall near the top! A word to the wise: bring snacks. While this trail isn't very long, it can easily take 4 hours round-trip depending on your skill, fitness level, and hankering to explore.

Begin at South Darby Trailhead, taking the South Darby Trail #033 across a footbridge which crosses Darby Creek. The trail switchbacks a few times as it climbs alongside the South Fork of Darby Creek. Finally crossing the creek, the trail steeply rises to the Wind Cave at the end of the trail.

If planning on entering the Wind Cave, make sure you did your research and are prepared. During the spring, water intensely flows from the cave. This stream is a trickle in the fall. The cave is a labyrinthine, requiring ropes and technical caving experience. Just upstream, along the same mountain side is the Ice Cave.