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Wind Cave Trail vs. Crimson Trail | Logan Canyon Hikes

Logan Canyon is full of awesome hikes! Two of my favorites are Wind Cave Trail and Crimson Trail. They are essentially right across the road from each other, near the Guinavah - Malibu Campground past Second Dam. They are similar in difficulty, both moderate to difficult, length, and elevation gain. If you are planning to hike either of these trails, be prepared for a hike on the more difficult side, do not hike in the heat of the day, and bring lots of water.



Wind Cave Trail


Wind Cave is the most popular hike in Logan Canyon! It's a 4 mile out-and-back hike that gains about 1100 feet of elevation. It is rated as Moderate on All Trails, and takes a little over two hours to hike on average. You'll hike through trees and fields on the way up, with a few switchbacks as you head up the mountain.



It is a more gradual climb than Crimson Trail. At the top of the trail, there is a large cave with holes carved out by wind and water over hundreds of years. It's a really cool place to hang out at at the top! There are lots of mountain views on the way up, and you can see down to the road and river as well. I love the alpine fields towards the top of the hike, where you can overlook the canyon, and spot some wildflowers in the summer.



Wind Cave is a great hike. It's challenging, but not too difficult, and the trail is pretty. In my opinion, the trail is a little less pretty the whole way up than Crimson Trail, but the wind cave at the top is a really cool sight. I'd rate Wind Cave Trail 7/10.


Crimson Trail


Crimson Trail is such a cool hike! It's a 4.7 mile loop that gains about 1400 feet of elevation. It is rated as Difficult on All Trails, and takes a little less than three hours to hike on average. You'll hike along the China Wall, a grey rock formation in Logan Canyon made up of cliffs and pine trees. You will also have a great view of the Wind Cave from the other side of the canyon.



Crimson Trail can either be started at Guinavah - Malibu Campground or Spring Hollow Campground. I much prefer starting at Spring Hollow due to the layout of the hike. It's a very steep start with lots of switchbacks at the start. Once you get up to the China Wall, it is a relatively flat hike until the descent. The cliffs are gorgeous, grey rocks that you stand on top of and view from the trail as well. There are lots of cool photo-ops on the cliffs towards the middle of the hike. The last part of the hike goes through a woodsy area with lots of trees, and then along the river. I recommend hiking near sunset for the best views.



I love Crimson Trail! It's my favorite hike in the canyon. While it is challenging, it's so worth it for the amazing canyon views and cliffs. I love taking fun photos on the mountain cliffs! I'd rate Crimson Trail 8/10.


Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments if you've tried out these fun hikes. To see more of my favorite Logan Canyon hikes, click here. See more on my Instagram and Pinterest.

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