Are dogs allowed on Minnetonka Cave?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Minnetonka Cave but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Minnetonka Cave?

No, Minnetonka Cave does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Minnetonka Cave?

Minnetonka Cave is rated moderate. It is 0.2 miles long with 66 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Minnetonka Cave suitable for kids?

Yes, Minnetonka Cave is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Idaho trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Cache National Forest/Idaho

Minnetonka Cave

Fish Haven, Idaho

0.2 mi

Distance

66 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The guided tour through the cave is a half hour and a half. There are 450 stairs in the cave.

From Wikipedia

Minnetonka Cave is one of the larger limestone caves in the state of Idaho. It is located in Cache National Forest in Bear Lake County, Idaho, United States, above the village of St. Charles. "Minnetonka" is a misunderstanding of the words Mni and Tanka, derived from one of three Indigenous dialects: Dakota, Lakota or Nakota. "Mni Tanka", pronounced translates into "Big/Large Water". Tours through the cave are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day by Aud-Di Recreational Services, the concessionaire that holds the special use permit from the United States Forest Service. The half-mile route through the cave is lined with stalactites and stalagmites.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

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Elevation Profile

Min:2,304 ft

Max:2,314 ft

20 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
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Address:UT

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context