Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its otherworldly landscape of towering hoodoos – thin, spire-like rock formations carved by millions of years of erosion. But the park also offers easy escapes like the Mossy Cave Trail, a perfect option for families, beginner hikers, or those short on time. This short and scenic path leads to a unique grotto, a waterfall, and stunning views of the surrounding canyon.
Mossy Cave Trail Overview
- Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) out and back
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (around 100 ft / 30 meters)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Mossy Cave Trail is located along Hwy 12, separate from the main road that winds through Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s just off the highway on the northern end of the park, past the notable Shakespeare Point and Little Henderson Canyon.
Look for a wide pullout with restrooms and a small brown trailhead sign. Parking is available along the pullout, but it can fill up during peak season, so arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.
Trailhead Location
What to Expect on the Trail
The Mossy Cave Trail offers a surprising change from the usual Bryce Canyon descent. This path starts with a short climb, followed by a gradual descent towards Water Canyon. The trail is well-maintained and easily manageable for most hikers.
- The Waterfall: As you make your way down the trail, you’ll soon encounter a man-made waterfall called Tropic Ditch Falls cascading over the rocks. Built by pioneers in 1892 to divert water, it adds a charming touch to the natural scenery. You are allowed to dip your feet or swim in the water, but NPS asks that you enter and exit at the bridge crossing to reduce foot traffic elsewhere. Learn more about the Tropic Ditch wayside by clicking this link.
- Mossy Cave: Continuing along the path, you’ll reach the star attraction – Mossy Cave. This isn’t a true cave in the geological sense, but a sheltered overhang constantly damp from a dripping spring. The consistent moisture creates a vibrant green haven, with moss covering the walls and ceiling. During winter months, icicles can form inside the cave, adding another unique element.
- Surroundings and the Little Windows Formation: The Mossy Cave area offers a glimpse into Water Canyon, a side canyon of Bryce Canyon. Keep an eye out for the intriguing Little Windows formation, a collection of small hoodoos that resemble windows peering out at the landscape.
Trail Map
Map courtesy of AllTrails
My Experience Hiking Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail
We chose to hike this short trail in the late afternoon after a full morning hike. Earlier in the day, we did Wall Street, Navajo Loop and Queens Garden, and Peekaboo Loop (the Figure Eight Trail). We were pretty physically exhausted, but still had plenty of daylight left and we wanted to make the most of our short 1.5 days at Bryce Canyon!
Mossy Cave was a sweet relief with little elevation change, a short distance, and incredible views. I was surprised to find this trail to be located so separately from the bulk of the park’s trails via its scenic road. This trail was actually an easier and shorter drive for us since we were staying at an Airbnb in Tropic, Utah.
I’d strongly recommend this trail for anyone who either isn’t up for a long hike, has young children, or only has an hour to spend at the park. We saw plenty of hoodoos, some windows and other unique rock formations in various shades of orange, pink, yellow and red hues. The waterfall view was my favorite, and if it was warmer, I can absolutely understand wanting to take a swim!
Tips for Hiking Mossy Cave at Bryce Canyon
- Gear: While you likely don’t need to wear hiking boots for this trail, comfortable shoes with good traction are useful. Bring a water bottle, too, especially during warmer months.
- Pictures and Videos: The best light for capturing photos of the waterfall and cave is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun illuminates the features.
- Safety: Watch your footing, especially near the waterfall and cave where it can be slippery.
- Protect native plants and rocks: Always stay on the designated trail and respect posted signs. The geology and ecology of this area is delicate, so please do your part to protect the area.
- Park pass: This trail, like the rest of Bryce Canyon, requires a fee. Put your park pass or proof of payment on your car’s dashboard before you head out on the trail so rangers won’t ticket you!
The Mossy Cave Trail may be short, but it packs a scenic punch. With its unique cave formation, charming waterfall, and a glimpse into Water Canyon, it’s a delightful and accessible option for any Bryce Canyon visitor. So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and add this short adventure to your park itinerary!
