Overview
Darby Canyon cuts through the western slope of the Teton Range on the Idaho-Wyoming border, well outside the typical Jackson Hole tourist circuit. The Wind Cave Trail climbs through this canyon for 2.7 miles to reach a cave opening set into a limestone cliff face, where cold air pours out in summer as if from a natural air conditioner. The hike itself is worth doing for the canyon scenery alone: towering walls of gray limestone, a clear creek that the trail crosses several times, and wildflower meadows that rival anything in the range during peak bloom.
This trail sits in Bridger-Teton National Forest and draws visitors from both the Idaho and Wyoming sides, though most travelers arrive from Victor or Driggs, Idaho. The lack of facilities at the trailhead and the approach on an unmarked county road keep crowd levels manageable even during summer weekends. For hikers who have already done the standard Teton routes from the Wyoming side, Darby Canyon offers a genuinely different perspective on the range.
The Route
From the parking area at road's end, the trail enters the canyon immediately and stays close to Darby Creek for the first mile. Two creek crossings in this section are straightforward on stepping stones in late summer but require careful footing (or wet boots) in June and early July when snowmelt is running. Trekking poles help with balance on these crossings.
The trail climbs steadily through conifer forest and opens into subalpine meadows around the 1.5-mile mark. Wildflowers here in late June through mid-July include columbine, paintbrush, and larkspur in dense concentrations along the creek margins. The canyon walls rise dramatically on both sides, with the east wall particularly steep and shadowed.
At mile 2.7, the cave entrance comes into view in the limestone cliff to the left of the trail. The opening is roughly 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, with a steady stream of cold air exiting during summer. The accessible entrance chamber extends about 50 feet inward before a locked gate. Bring a headlamp to see the interior. The cold in the cave is striking even on an 80-degree day outside.
Return the way you came. The descent to the trailhead takes about the same time as the ascent for most hikers. Total round-trip is 5.4 miles with 1,100 feet of gain, typically completed in 3 to 4 hours.
When to Visit
June through September is the accessible season, though early June may bring snow patches in the upper meadows. Wildflower peak is late June through mid-July. By late July, the flowers have faded but the trail is drier and the creek crossings are easier. September is an excellent month: the crowds are minimal, aspen trees in the lower canyon begin to color, and temperatures are cool.
Snow can linger in the cave entrance area and on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet into late June. The cave itself stays cold year-round — even in August, temperatures inside the entrance chamber hover around 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check conditions before visiting late in the season. The county road to the trailhead may close or become impassable after early October snowfall. See Checking Conditions Before You Go for current road and weather resources.
What to Bring
Water is available from Darby Creek but should be filtered or treated. Many hikers carry enough water from the trailhead for the full round trip rather than filtering from the creek. A headlamp is important if you plan to enter the cave entrance chamber. An extra layer or shell jacket is worth carrying: the cave entrance sends a sustained cold draft over visitors who linger, and the upper meadows cool quickly in afternoon shade.
Creek crossing sandals or gaiters are useful in June and early July when water is high. Trekking poles help significantly on the crossings and on the rocky upper trail sections.
This trail is within the Greater Yellowstone grizzly bear range. Carry bear spray and make noise in the brushy canyon sections, particularly near the creek where bears may not hear you approach. See bear canister requirements if planning an overnight in the dispersed camping areas along the canyon. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.
Getting There
From Victor or Driggs, Idaho, take ID-33 to Bates Road heading east. Turn onto Darby Canyon Road (may be unsigned) and follow it approximately 7 miles to the trailhead parking area at road's end. The drive from Driggs takes about 25 minutes. From Jackson, Wyoming, the drive crosses Teton Pass (US-26/WY-22 to ID-33) and takes approximately 50 minutes. Cell service is absent from the turn onto Bates Road onward.
For context on the surrounding national forest and its trail network, see Bridger-Teton National Forest. For responsible travel practices in dispersed camping areas near the trailhead, see Leave No Trace 7 Principles.