Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Mossy Cave Trail is a short hike right off UT-12 and is part of Bryce Canyon National Park. This short hike (less than a mile) takes you along Water Canyon and hoodoos and ends at Mossy Cave and a small waterfall. You will most likely find icicles in Mossy Cave if you visit in the winter!
Mossy Cave Trail: What You Need to Know
If you are looking for a short trail to end your day or just need to stretch your legs this is the trail for you! Mossy Cave Trail is 0.8 miles of gradually uphill sandy trail. You walk along a small river whose depth depends on seasonal water flow levels. Hoodoo formations surround this area and give you a different perspective of Bryce Canyon National Park. At the end of the trail, you will find a small but beautiful waterfall. Mossy Cave itself is just off the main trail. In the summer you will hear the soothing dripping of water off of the moss. In the winter you may even find the cave full of icicles.
TRAILHEAD:
The parking area for Mossy Cave Trail is located on UT-12 headed towards Tropic and is outside of the main part of Bryce Canyon National Park. There are two parking areas for this trail, one at the trailhead and a larger one a very short distance up the road. A short walking path connects the larger parking area to the trailhead and prevents you from walking along the highway. Restrooms are located at the trailhead.
Savvy Sojourner Tip: The parking areas for Mossy Cave Trail are often full during summer’s peak hours. To avoid crowds, make this hike the last hike of your day (after 6 pm). The sun is in the perfect location to highlight the hoodoos and there are fewer crowds during the evening hours.
TRAIL DETAILS:
It is 0.4 miles from the parking lot to Mossy Cave. The trail takes you along a creek and eventually will come to a fork. Take the fork to the left for a short climb up to Mossy Cave. You will end at a viewing area as visitors are not allowed fully into the cave. Mossy Cave is more of an overhang than a cavern but it is worth a trip to see. After you see Mossy Cave return to the trail and take the fork to the right to see a small waterfall. Another highlight of this hike is the hoodoos that surround this area. They are different from those found in the Bryce Canyon amphitheater, but just as beautiful.
For more information about Mossy Cave Trail, click here!
What to Bring on the Mossy Cave Trail
Here are my hiking essentials:
- WATER!
Even on short hikes, you want to make sure to bring plenty of water. There are no water fill stations at this trailhead so make sure to plan ahead! - Snacks
The waterfall at the end of this trail is a perfect place for a snack break. Make sure to pack out all of your trash and pick up any you might see along the way. - Sun Protection
Even though you are hiking in a canyon, there is not always shade. Make sure to wear sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, and wide-brimmed hats to protect yourself from the sun. - Phone/Camera
There are so many great photo opportunities along this hike. Also, make sure that your cell phone has a full charge when you start your hike.
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to hiking my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Hiking is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, enjoy where you are, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of this hike!
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Happy Sojourning!
Meghan