Arizona is full of caves just waiting to be explored, but not all of them feature panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. For this reason, Wind Cave Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the entire state, and it definitely belongs on your outdoor adventure bucket list. The trail isn’t too difficult, and it leads to a massive cave overlooking Phoenix and the entire East Valley. Lace up your shoes; it’s time to explore!
Located in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Wind Cave Trail is among the top two dozen hikes in all of Arizona. Considering there are thousands of trails across the state, that’s a pretty impressive feat!
AllTrails/Sherry Easterwood The out-and-back hike is just under three miles long, and it’s rated as moderate on AllTrails.
The hike starts off relatively flat with just a few minor switchbacks, so you can spend some time getting the lay of the land before encountering any real challenge.
AllTrails/Saul Kevin On either side of the trail, native desert plant life such as cacti and seasonal wildflowers make for an adventure whose magic only grows stronger with each step you take.
With an elevation gain of about 800 feet, the trail does eventually become more difficult.
AllTrails/Bonnie Grove You’ll come upon several rocky stretches that require a careful and calculated approach, however, these isolated pockets are usually short-lived.
Once you make it to Wind Cave, all the effort you just put forth becomes worth its weight in gold.
AllTrails/Tiffany Erbe The rugged outcropping boasts sweeping panoramic vistas of Phoenix and the entire East Valley, making for the sweetest possible reward.
Since the hike back to the trailhead is a mere 1.5 miles, that leaves a window of golden opportunity to just sit and take in the views.
AllTrails/Tiffany Erbe It isn’t often that you get to see our capital city from this vantage point, so slow down and enjoy every second.
For those seeking an even more adventurous trek, continue past the cave at the main entrance or head left from the cave exit to unleash your inner explorer.
AllTrails/Taylor Zahn Either route involves a good amount of rock scrambling, but you’ll have plenty of adrenaline running through your veins to power you through it.
We highly recommend timing your hike so that you reach the cave at sunrise or sunset.
AllTrails/Aaron Shiley Nothing quite compares to marveling at the full spectrum of hues as daylight either makes its grand entrance above or dips below the horizon.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Sherry Easterwood
The out-and-back hike is just under three miles long, and it’s rated as moderate on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Saul Kevin
On either side of the trail, native desert plant life such as cacti and seasonal wildflowers make for an adventure whose magic only grows stronger with each step you take.
AllTrails/Bonnie Grove
You’ll come upon several rocky stretches that require a careful and calculated approach, however, these isolated pockets are usually short-lived.
AllTrails/Tiffany Erbe
The rugged outcropping boasts sweeping panoramic vistas of Phoenix and the entire East Valley, making for the sweetest possible reward.
It isn’t often that you get to see our capital city from this vantage point, so slow down and enjoy every second.
AllTrails/Taylor Zahn
Either route involves a good amount of rock scrambling, but you’ll have plenty of adrenaline running through your veins to power you through it.
AllTrails/Aaron Shiley
Nothing quite compares to marveling at the full spectrum of hues as daylight either makes its grand entrance above or dips below the horizon.
Have you ever hiked Wind Cave Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more Arizona hikes that lead to hidden caves.
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Address: Wind Cave Trail, Arizona 85207, USA
