Students turn to Wind Caves for fall activity
With summer coming to an end, USU students are looking for activities as the weather gets cooler, and Cache Valley’s hiking trails are one way for students to have an active afternoon while enjoying nature.
Located near Third Dam in Logan Canyon, the Wind Caves hiking trail is about a five minute drive from the USU campus, said Peter Matthews, an undeclared freshman.
“It’s a great hike,” Matthews said. “It’s really beautiful in the fall when the leaves are just starting to change and fall to the ground, and because it’s so close to campus, students can really take advantage of it. What a lot of people don’t realize is we have all these natural beauties practically right in our backyard. More people should get out there and see it for themselves.”
At less than two miles to the top of the trail, the Wind Caves trail can be a good diversion for students looking for a few hours of fun without spending their whole day on the trail.
However, it isn’t convenience that attracts so many USU students to the caves, according to Heidi Wilson, a freshman majoring in English. After the steep uphill slope that lasts for almost the entire hike, the large rock formations are a very welcome sight.
“It’s difficult when you’re going up, but once you get to the top, it’s worth it,” Wilson said.
Because the trail is exposed to the sun, the Wind Caves can be a tiring hike, but many beginners still take on the trail.
“It isn’t always the easiest hike, but it’s definitely not the most difficult,” said Curt Jensen, a valley native. “It was one of the first hikes I ever did when I started getting into the trails. I had to work at it, but the view from the top across the scenery is breathtaking.”
The Wind Cave trail is a popular destination for students due to its length and the great view, Jensen said. As fall brings cooler weather, the trails become an even more attractive afternoon activity. The hike gives students a chance to appreciate the nature around them.
Many college students look for inexpensive ways to have fun, and a trip to the Wind Caves is definitely much cheaper than many other options for fun available to students, Matthews said. Students can often take the minimum gear suggested by hiking regulars – a water bottle and a good pair of tennis shoes.
“I like being able to drive only a few miles for a free outdoor adventure,” said Anellise Reynolds, a junior studying engineering. “I hiked the Wind Caves twice in one week. The view made the intense incline totally worth it.”
Hiking is also a great way for individuals to stay active and healthy while still enjoying themselves, Jensen said. Students and locals realize the benefits received from a hike, and the parking area below the trail is often filled with cars.
This doesn’t mean the trail is crowded, Matthews said. There is still plenty of space to enjoy the serenity of hiking with friends.
Both Cache Valley natives and transplants alike can enjoy the mountain scenery of Logan Canyon.
“I love going outside and seeing the huge mountains all around,” said Jessica DeGraw, an undeclared freshman from Ohio. “It’s so different from the Appalachians; they’re more like glorified hills compared to this. I know I’m really going to enjoy it here will all the beauty surrounding campus, and I definitely want to take advantage of that.”
From the cool shade of the caves, Matthews said, hikers can see the landscape stretch out over miles of rock and trees. There is also a wonderful view across the valley of a massive vertical rock referred to as The China Wall.
Although the Wind Caves trail is close to campus, Jensen said students and locals should try to challenge themselves and try out other hiking trails throughout the valley.
“The Wind Caves are a hot spot for students, but there are dozens of other trails all over the valley to be explored,” Jensen said. “All levels of hikers, from beginners to experts, can take some form of a trail on. A quick Google search will show you a list of close destinations.”
– brifield@live.com