Mossy Cave Trail hike
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Mossy Cave Trail hike
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This short, popular hike leads through dozens of hoodoos to the impressive Mossy Cave, as well as a fabulous waterfall. Perfect for families on a hot summers afternoon, this easy hike is sure to please everyone.
Getting there
From Bryce Canyon City head north along the Highway 63. Turn right at the first junction, heading east along Highway 12. Continue along this road for a view 1.0mi until you see signs for Mossy Cave Trail on your right. Turn into the small parking area and try to find parking.
About
| When to do | Spring, early summer and fall, avoid summer heat and winter snow |
| Backcountry Campsites | None |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Mossy Cave Trail
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Weather
Route Description for Mossy Cave Trail
The trail begins near the pit toilets right beside the parking area. This almost entirely flat hike first leads out to meet a gurgling stream at the bottom of the aptly named Water Canyon. Continue up the river as you cross over two sturdy footbridges.
After the second footbridge you will clearly be able to see a small waterfall cascading over a limestone lip. Soon after you will climb up a little ways a reach a junction. Turn left here to head to Mossy Caves.
After two or three switchbacks you will reach this impressive cave formed by spring water. Water perpetual seeps through the rock, allowing moss to grow. In the winter, however, these conditions also are perfect for the formation of icicles!
Return to the junction and turn the other way, heading up the very short path to the top of the waterfall. Looking back you can see the footbridge and dozens of hoodoos looming over the trail. After admiring the view, return to the parking lot the way you came.
Insider Hints
Bring your bathing suit to take a dip in the pool formed below the waterfall. To reach the bottom of the falls hike up the stream, leaving the trail just before the second bridge.
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Tiffany Swift 4 years ago
This is an excellent short walk to an amazing waterfall. Beautiful surroundings to hike in. Very peaceful.
TwoBoots 4 years ago
Nice easy hike to take kids on. It's cold but worth it!
Anabelle Clyde 4 years ago
The best part is the waterfall from the stream. Really easy to find this little trail.
Frank M. 4 years ago
Loved this place so much, beyond my experience and expectations. Worth seeing what amazing things the earth does. Easy little hike and good views.
Gregory F 5 years ago
A cool short hike to check out the cave. I have done this as an addition to a longer hike later on.
subterry 5 years ago
Astonishing waterfall views. Stunning surroundings but very busy.
Queenie 5 years ago
Cute short hike. Nice trails. Mossy Cave is worth seeing.
Mitch Reinwick 5 years ago
The path to the cave is awesome as it is along a river with a waterfall and some amazing views. The trail was also short and easy to follow. Absolutely worth it.
Willy G. 5 years ago
Great scenery and well worth the hike. The riverway and waterfall you'll encounter on this hike are amazing. The hike is also easy for young kids.
Washington H. 5 years ago
Beautiful waterfalls. The other feature of this hike is a chance to see the hoodoos of Bryce from below. It is a short and easy hike and definitely worth the time