Highlight • Parking
Mossy Cave Trailhead
Hiking
5.0
(31)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
May 27, 2019
Hiking
October 31, 2019
Hiking
•
May 3, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Mossy Cave Trailhead
5
hikers
869m
00:15
40m
0m
Embark on an easy 0.5-mile (0.9 km) hike along the Mossy Cave Trail, gaining a gentle 128 feet (39 metres) in just 15 minutes. This short route takes you through a unique landscape where vibrant red, pink, and white hoodoo formations meet lush greenery. You'll follow the flowing Tropic Ditch, passing tall pine trees and desert flora. A highlight is the Tropic Ditch Falls, Bryce Canyon's only named waterfall, before reaching the grotto of Mossy Cave itself.
While the Mossy Cave Trail is an accessible outing, plan for it being part of Bryce Canyon National Park's fee area, even though it lies outside the main park entrance off Highway 12. Pets are not permitted on this trail. Also, be aware that due to the natural terrain, which can be sandy in some areas, the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
This trail offers a unique glimpse into Bryce Canyon's diverse natural features, showcasing where desert geology meets a surprising abundance of water. The grotto of Mossy Cave is particularly notable, as moss thrives there in summer, and impressive icicles form during winter months. It's a distinct experience within the broader park landscape.
4.8
(10)
131
hikers
1.49km
00:25
30m
30m
The Mossy Cave Trail offers an easy hike through a pinion-juniper forest, leading you to unique geological features. You will follow a path that winds alongside the historic Tropic Ditch, enjoying views of Bryce Canyon's distinctive reddish pinnacles and hoodoos. This short route is an easy 0.9 miles (1.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 103 feet (31 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. Most hikers complete it in about 25 minutes, allowing you to experience the desert landscape without a strenuous effort. The highlight is the grotto known as Mossy Cave, where constant dripping water sustains vibrant green mosses.
You can easily access the trailhead for this route, as it is located just outside the main Bryce Canyon National Park entrance. Convenient parking is available, making it a simple stop along Scenic Highway 12. If you plan to visit in winter, be aware that the trail can become icy and slippery, so consider bringing traction devices for your shoes. The varied terrain and some elevation gain mean this path is not suitable for wheelchairs. It's a great option for a morning or late afternoon stroll when the light enhances the canyon views.
This trail is notable for featuring the Tropic Ditch, a historic irrigation canal built by early settlers to bring water to Tropic Valley. Following this ditch, you will encounter the Tropic Ditch Falls, a rare sight in this arid region. Further along, the Mossy Cave itself is a fascinating natural grotto, providing a cool, verdant contrast to the surrounding desert. You can also spot the impressive Turret Arches from a dedicated viewpoint along the way, adding another layer of geological interest to your short adventure.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,090 m
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