Tips for Hiking Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail

If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Teton Valley, Idaho, you can’t go wrong with the Darby Canyon Trail to Darby Wind Cave. This 5-mile round-trip trail takes you on a scenic journey through a mix of spruce and aspen forests, flower-filled meadows, bubbling streams, and lots of scenic overlooks with dramatic cliffs and views for miles. 

Just hiking the trail for as far as you like is great, but if you make it all the way to the top, you’re rewarded with the iconic Darby Wind Cave, which is a sight to see! If you don’t get to the cave, you’ll still be rewarded with great scenery all the way with wildflowers everywhere in summer and colorful aspen tree foliage in the fall. 

How to get to Darby Wind Cave Trail

You can get to the Darby Canyon Trail from  Highway 33, in between Victor and Driggs. Turn east on 3000 South, drive 3 miles, then turn right at the T-intersection where you can then follow signs to the South Darby trailhead. 

From the trailhead, hike up the path and you’ll soon cross a footbridge. The trail will begin to ascend through trees to the east and it will begin to get a little steeper, ascending more than 1,200 feet over the next mile. When you’re about halfway up, you’ll be able to see the Wind Cave across the canyon. 

Best Time to Hike Darby Canyon Trail

The Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail is best hiked in the summer and autumn months. While the trail is accessible starting in late Spring, the best time to visit the cave is well after the spring snow-melt has subsided and water volume in the cave is low. The trail features a number of stream crossings that can be slippery and treacherous in spring, and the Wind Cave is easier accessed the water is low. 

Tips for Hiking to Darby Wind Cave

• Bring water & snacks, wear good hiking shoes, and take plenty of breaks
• Bring a small flashlight for the cave. 
• When you’re near the streams, keep an eye out for the butterflies that frequent the water in summer.
• Always carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings. 
• Be courteous. Remember that when it comes to hiking etiquette, hikers ascending the trail have the right-of-way over hikers descending the trail. 
• Parking is limited, especially on summer weekends, so try to arrive early

After you’re done soaking up the views, retrace your steps back to the parking area, then head into Victor or Driggs and reward yourself with a treat, favorite brew, or dinner at any of our great restaurants throughout the Valley. As with any hike in the Tetons, be bear aware, carry bear spray, travel in groups and make noise while hiking.

For more information about hiking South Darby Canyon to the Darby Canyon Wind Cave, visit the Forest Service website, or this page on the AllTrails website.  For more information about visiting the Teton Valley region, go to tetonvalleyvacationrentals.com/blog.

Best Place to Stay Near Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trails

From cozy rentals to large group and luxury vacation homes, Teton Valley Vacation Rentals offers great choices for top-notch places to stay throughout Teton Valley. We have a wide variety of homes and condos close to Darby Canyon, Teton Canyon, Grand Targhee and the Teton Mountains so you can enjoy the best hiking all around. Take a look at all of our available vacation rentals nearby and we guarantee you’ll find the perfect home base for your summer hiking fun. 

• Pet-Friendly Homes
• Great for Large Groups
• Luxury Rentals
• Rentals with Hot Tubs
• With Stunning Teton Views
• Secluded Settings