Canyoneering Darby Ice Cave near Victor Idaho

Location: Darby Ice Caves, Victor Idaho
Cost: Minimum donation for group gear and trip organization: $50 per person
Limit: 12 people

Description: Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Grand Tetons, the Darby Ice Cave offers a unique and thrilling experience that you won't find anywhere else. This hidden gem remains cool even in the heat of July, providing a refreshing and awe-inspiring escape into nature’s subterranean wonders.

Experienced Leaders: Our adventure will be led by seasoned caving leaders who can navigate the labyrinth and sharing fascinating insights about the cave.

Breathtaking Scenery: The journey to the cave is as spectacular as the cave itself. As you trek through the stunning terrain of the Grand Tetons, you'll be surrounded by majestic peaks and lush landscapes.

Physical and Mental Challenge: This caving expedition is designed to test your limits. You’ll be rappelling down icy shafts, scrambling over slippery rocks, and navigating through narrow passages. It’s an adventure that demands both physical endurance and mental fortitude.

Ice Formations: Inside the cave, you’ll encounter beautiful ice formations that create a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The cave's natural ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls, and sparkling icicles are truly a sight to behold.

What to Expect: Arrive at the camping location on Friday and on Saturday run the cave.
This trip isn’t for everyone because of physical conditioning and being okay with tight space. You will not be placed on the going list until you have been cleared to go.
There is a 2-hour approach hike (4 miles) with 1800' elevation gain. Expect ~6 hours in cave, and 1 hour exit hike (3 miles) back down to trial head. There are 6 rappels up to 70'. The temperature in the cave is around 32-40 degrees. Will be in ankle deep cold water (neoprene socks are a must) for half the trip with a crotch deep section near the end. There are three belly crawls that are each maybe 30' feet long. Personal Gear: harness, rappel device, helmet, 2-bright high-quality headlamps, extra batteries, warm layers, warm gloves, and rappel gloves, some folks prefer to wear a wetsuit.
It is recommended to have a pair of micro-spikes for walking on the ice at the beginning of the cave.
Usually, people carry a larger pack with dry clothes to change into and extra food and water to eat after coming out. We leave that pack and those items near the Wind cave exit. We each only take a small pack with a few snacks, a liter or two of water, and the needed cave gear and clothing up to the Ice cave entrance. Once you put your clothes and gear on at the entrance your cave pack will be mostly empty with snacks, water, extra headlamps, and maybe an extra clothing layer. Recommend knee and elbow pads. Bigger pack 50L can be used and left at the exit spot. Then a smaller pack is taken through the cave. Two good quality head lamps are required and bring extra batteries.
Try to ensure you poop before going in. If you have to go in the cave you should plan to go in a Ziploc bag or wag bag and haul it out.

Crotch lake: it is near the end and you are only in for few minutes. Most just walk through as-is with either pants or a wetsuit. Some stop and remove harness and pants and walk through and then re-cloth. A caving suit or nylon pants and poly overalls work well when you walk quickly through. Warm neoprene socks are a must. We stay dry above the calves till crotch lake about 80% of the way through the cave. The crawls are not wet.

Contact: Brent McCormick (801-580-6647, bmccormi@comcast.net) to be cleared to attend this event. Then after you donate $50 via Venmo, you will be moved to the going list. The meeting location is up Darby Canyon Road in Wyoming. A Google TH Map Pin will be sent to the group later. Camping options for Friday night will be sent to the group later.