Darby Road to close for bridge replacement

One of the most popular trailheads in the Teton Basin Ranger District will close September 9 as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest replaces the Darby Bridge.

The closure of the Darby Canyon Road will begin at the junction of Road 012 and 050 and will remain closed until the end of September.

The trailhead accesses the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and the wind caves, via the Darby Canyon Trail.

Trail improvements began in 2013 when a new trail bridge was installed. The old trailhead was relocated away from the stream to reduce environmental impacts. It was also expanded to improve traffic safety and visitor capacity.

The forest has secured funding to replace the bridge. It was constructed in the 1950’s and has weight and size restrictions because of its poor condition. The new bridge will allow for highway legal loads, improved visibility, better access for vehicles and trailers and improved ecological benefits for the stream and aquatic species using the area.