The hike to Holmes Cave is a strenuous 5.2 mile (one way) trek that wanders through stunning alpine terrain on its way to a popular cave in the Absaroka Mountains. Reaching into the Teton Wilderness, the cave is a popular spot for those who like to explore underground. However, if that’s your goal, it’s recommended you wait till later in the season closer to fall since a creek drains into the opening for much of the summer.

Holmes Cave Trail Description

From the large trailhead parking area, walk up the old road where you’ll find an old cabin. The single-track trail begins there as you head up the hill through sparse trees. You’ll pass through willows along the meadow before climbing farther up the hill along the edge of the meadow. As you cross over the ridge, you’ll head down into a small meadow followed by a small forest grove. Beyond the grove you’ll enter a lengthy meadow and lush meadow.

You’ll wander through this large meadow for some time as you cross a creek early on, followed by another toward the opposite side. The slight ascent makes for easy hiking before reaching the second creek crossing. Once past the creek, you’ll ascend a small hill and traverse up toward the back of the meadow. Climb up and over a large hill through another meadow where you’ll repeat the process over another exposed hill.

Once at the top of the hill, the Breccia Cliffs loom ahead in the distance. As you pass through another large meadow, you’ll follow the trail as it bends left into a drainage. You’ll notice the trail getting steeper as you head up the drainage. Farther back, the trail begins climbing out as you begin up a steep hill. The long and strenuous climb finally levels out closer to treeline. Up here, you’re treated to panoramic views all around throughout the high alpine meadows. If you want to make this a shorter hike and don’t want to repeat a steep climb on your way out, this makes for a great destination as well. Otherwise, continue ahead.

As you continue up toward more hills, you’ll find the trail to be much easier for the time being. Right around 3 miles in, you’ll cross over into the Teton Wilderness area. The views only become more gorgeous and captivating as you head deeper into the wilderness. Making a bend eastward, you’ll walk out onto a wide alpine ridge with stunning panoramic views before descending. The trail may disappear in this area. Look down and to the right and on your way out, look for the small cairn to get you back on track.

Heading down through the expansive mountainside, you’ll drop steadily toward the forest. As you skirt the forest edge, you’ll continue dropping into a large open drainage. At the bottom, you’ll cross a small pair of creeks, then begin climbing up a steep hill. You’ll crest the hill to find a snow-melt pond beautifully nestled in the forest.

The trail will peacefully wander along the shore. As you leave it behind, another smaller pond awaits ahead. Immediately beyond the pond, you’ll drop down through the forest, emerging into yet another large meadow locked in by surrounding forests. Continue heading down and you’ll notice the trail disappear into a hill. Head straight toward the rocky outcropping where you’ll then see a creek flowing below. Follow the creek downstream where it will drain into the opening for Holmes Cave. During the summer months, there will likely be too much water to enter. However, later in the season, the creek dries up and entering the cave becomes possible. Use your own best judgment if you plan to enter.

Getting There

From the Moran Junction in Grand Teton National Park, head east on Highway 26 for 20.4 miles. After passing Togwotee Mountain Lodge, look for a faded sign on your left indicating the Holmes Cave Trailhead. Park in the large parking area and begin hiking up the road.