Mossy Cave Trail Photos
You might also consider
More like Mossy Cave Trail
Recommended Reviews - Mossy Cave Trail
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Very nice walk and waterfall to boot. Worth stopping and seeing. The walk is relaxing and not difficult.
This review is for Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail which was a ~0.9 miles round trip that took ~30 minutes to complete. Short and easy hike with a nice views of Tropic Ditch Falls. The Mossy Cave was underwhelming and inaccessible. Where the trail splits; the left takes you to Mossy Cave and the right takes you to Tropic Ditch Falls. Limited parking spots (~10 cars). Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/eJfn0TT_nZw
Family did not want to do any strenuous hikes, and Mossy Cave Trail for the bill. I earned my "Tree Hugger" Yelp badge after checking in! Mossy Cave Trail is right outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon State Park and is considered I guess part of it, but no rangers were out checking for proof you paid for a pass. The small parking lot is usually full at most times but there's an overflow lot also meant for RVs. That's where we parked and it's a short walk to the main entrance. There's a hole in the floor bathroom at the head of the trail; just watch your phones and anything that may fall into the pit of poop. The trail is not that difficult, and lots of families some with toddlers were easily able to traverse the path. You can easily tell where people have made their own paths to get down to the water. Today, it was flowing quite quickly but able to be walked in which a lot were. After some incline, you can go left to the Mossy Cave which really is a grotto, or right and will eventually get you to the nice sized falls. It was something different to see on so many of the other trails my family and I went on. Everything in every direction is beautiful scenery. You can go behind the falls or wade in and get dowsed. Although relatively crowded, everyone was patient to let each family have their turn for pictures or to be out of the way for a nice nature shot. There's not too much shade but the breeze is nice. Bring water, and I recommend hiking boots but many had sneakers. We loved Mossy Cave as it was something different to experience.
Very easy "hike" nearby Bryce Canyon. Not a lot of parking spots, but if you get here early in the morning you shouldn't have a problem at all. This was taken a few days before Memorial Day.
One of the best hikes in the world. Seriously. I mean, it's not as narrow as the Narrows, and you won't see the flight of angels, nor is the trail misty, or are there any fractions of domes, but... 1) The family-friendly trail is super easy: less than half a mile, with a gradual 300' elevation gain. 2) The trail is pretty enough: a left at the fork takes you to Mossy Cave (actually a shelter cave or grotto, filled with moss or icicles depending on the season). A right lets you follow a shallow rock-bottomed "river", which is actually an irrigation ditch dug with picks by Mormons in 1890-1892. There's also a picturesque bridge for photo ops that is long enough to fit all their wives. 3) The trail has a payoff: a waterfall about 20 feet tall that empties into a small and shallow pool that is safe for monitored children. You can scramble the (slippery) dolomite limestone rock to go behind the waterfall. Or you enter the waterfall, though I stuck only my head and shoulders in and it felt like a pillow fight with the Baltimore Ravens. You can also hike just a tad further up to the top of the waterfall, but there are no safety precautions to keep a kid from slipping over, so keep an eye on the kids that you do like. The only issue is the parking. First, the small lot fills up quick. Second, though it's outside the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance, it's officially a park fee area, so you may need proof of admission or a park pass.
Great hike for the family- breathtaking sights- clean restrooms at start- small parking lot - would advise to arrive early.
Short hike with memorable rewards! This Bryce Canyon National Park trail is a bit off of the beaten path - outside of the heavily attended Bryce Amphitheater area - with trailhead parking off of 12 between Red Canyon and Tropic, UT. While cave and waterfall conditions can vary significantly with the seasons, I imagine that it's beautiful year-round, not-to-be-missed, and can be completed in as little as 20 min-1hr depending on interest and how long the trekker wants to linger or venture.
This is such a nice little hike for families. It has a great all through a creek if on a nearby trail and lands at a waterfall with a little splash area. Great place for a picnic and to play in the water.
The waterfall is amazing. I hiked right up to it. "There's no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music" ~Roland R Kemler
Stray away from the cave trail and follow the stream. There's a nice little waterfall waiting for you. The water is cold, you can ever climb and get behind the falls and it builds a little pool. It does get a little packed. Most people go to the cave then can hear the falls and come check it out only to find it below not above. It's definitely worth it. Easy and kid friendly. Not even far off course.
O.M.G.!!! This is a beautiful hike. Short, but GORGEOUS! This was an unplanned stop, its approx a half a mile hike/stroll into the canyon towards a waterfall. Bring water shoes and get your feet wet... Get Up and Explore.
We arrived in the late afternoon in Bryce Canyon, after driving from Zion and having lunch followed by orientation at the Bryce Visitor's Center. We were planning to have dinner in the town of Tropic, about 15 minutes from Bryce. So if you're planning on heading toward Tropic and want an extremely easy hike, the Mossy Cave Trail is worth stopping by. It is on the way right off Highway 12E to a large parking area. The hike is really short and easy - maybe 0.8 miles round trip if you go all the way to the Mossy Cave at the end. There is some minor elevation here but its very easy on the knees, so the trails are suitable for everyone. The nice things about this trail I thought were: 1. You're surrounded by the natural beauty of hoodoos in a picturesque landscape. Its true of many hikes at Bryce but this was a good appetizer! 2. You can walk down along the riverbank and check out the pink rocks there. A very unique color since most everything is yellow, orange, and red. The small amount of water here is ice-cold! 3. There were some tiny water trickles during late October, and the streams along the bank were really small. You'll get a bigger show probably after the rainy seasons.
We passed by this entrance a few times during our visit on the drive to our campground. The parking area always being busy, was an indication of a popular spot, so we chose this as an early morning visit during our time near Bryce Canyon National Park. We got a good parking spot upon arrival. The walking path is adjacent to a running stream which offers some beachy type areas where one can sit for a bit and admire the scenery. Looking up, there are fantastic geological formations. It is a short jaunt to the mossy cave which isn't as much of a cave as it is a grotto. It is partitioned off with some a barrier, so you can get fairly close but you can't enter. This is a good thing to protect the natural moss that grows in the grotto. Retracing our steps from the Mossy Cave we veered left at the trail fork to get closer to the nearby waterfall. We were able to get fairly close to the waterfall and took the opportunity to get some photos. This stop lasted us about an hour.
Mossy Cave Trail is outside the fee area for Bryce Canyon Canyon National Park, and I'm not sure if the rangers check if you've paid. Anyways, I have an annual pass so I didn't worry about it. This is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent, so if you're not sure about your endurance and want an easy, safe hike where you won't get stuck, this hike is for you! You can see hoodoos, and also Tropic Ditch Falls. It's not a waterfall in the usual sense, as it's a result of a man-made canal that diverted water from East Fork of the Sevier River to Bryce Canyon. I would say that the view was....ok. The trail also leads you to Mossy Cave, which isn't a cave but a sheltered overhang. I was in the season where there wasn't any moss, nor any icicles. It was pretty cold temperature-wise in the grotto. This is a low-effort, low reward type of hike, which is ok. In comparison to the beautiful views that you can get in the scenic drive inside the park, I would say skip this trail if you're short on time and wanting views. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
This was a fun and kid friendly hike. The scenery is beautiful. We loved walking along the river and looking for fun rocks. Parking lot is a little small but they have overflow parking. read more
1 year ago
Very nice walk and waterfall to boot. Worth stopping and seeing. The walk is relaxing and not difficult. read more
This review is for Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail which was a ~0.9 miles round trip that took ~30 minutes to complete. Short and easy hike with a nice views of Tropic Ditch Falls. The Mossy Cave was underwhelming and inaccessible. Where the trail splits; the left takes you to Mossy Cave and the right takes you to Tropic Ditch Falls. Limited parking spots (~10 cars). Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/eJfn0TT_nZw read more
4 years ago
Family did not want to do any strenuous hikes, and Mossy Cave Trail for the bill. I earned my "Tree Hugger" Yelp badge after checking in! Mossy Cave Trail is right outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon State Park and is considered I guess part of it, but no rangers were out checking for proof you paid for a pass. The small parking lot is usually full at most times but there's an overflow lot also meant for RVs. That's where we parked and it's a short walk to the main entrance. There's a hole in the floor bathroom at the head of the trail; just watch your phones and anything that may fall into the pit of poop. The trail is not that difficult, and lots of families some with toddlers were easily able to traverse the path. You can easily tell where people have made their own paths to get down to the water. Today, it was flowing quite quickly but able to be walked in which a lot were. After some incline, you can go left to the Mossy Cave which really is a grotto, or right and will eventually get you to the nice sized falls. It was something different to see on so many of the other trails my family and I went on. Everything in every direction is beautiful scenery. You can go behind the falls or wade in and get dowsed. Although relatively crowded, everyone was patient to let each family have their turn for pictures or to be out of the way for a nice nature shot. There's not too much shade but the breeze is nice. Bring water, and I recommend hiking boots but many had sneakers. We loved Mossy Cave as it was something different to experience. read more
3 years ago
Very easy "hike" nearby Bryce Canyon. Not a lot of parking spots, but if you get here early in the morning you shouldn't have a problem at all. This was taken a few days before Memorial Day. read more
One of the best hikes in the world. Seriously. I mean, it's not as narrow as the Narrows, and you won't see the flight of angels, nor is the trail misty, or are there any fractions of domes, but... 1) The family-friendly trail is super easy: less than half a mile, with a gradual 300' elevation gain. 2) The trail is pretty enough: a left at the fork takes you to Mossy Cave (actually a shelter cave or grotto, filled with moss or icicles depending on the season). A right lets you follow a shallow rock-bottomed "river", which is actually an irrigation ditch dug with picks by Mormons in 1890-1892. There's also a picturesque bridge for photo ops that is long enough to fit all their wives. 3) The trail has a payoff: a waterfall about 20 feet tall that empties into a small and shallow pool that is safe for monitored children. You can scramble the (slippery) dolomite limestone rock to go behind the waterfall. Or you enter the waterfall, though I stuck only my head and shoulders in and it felt like a pillow fight with the Baltimore Ravens. You can also hike just a tad further up to the top of the waterfall, but there are no safety precautions to keep a kid from slipping over, so keep an eye on the kids that you do like. The only issue is the parking. First, the small lot fills up quick. Second, though it's outside the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance, it's officially a park fee area, so you may need proof of admission or a park pass. read more
Short hike with memorable rewards! This Bryce Canyon National Park trail is a bit off of the beaten path - outside of the heavily attended Bryce Amphitheater area - with trailhead parking off of 12 between Red Canyon and Tropic, UT. While cave and waterfall conditions can vary significantly with the seasons, I imagine that it's beautiful year-round, not-to-be-missed, and can be completed in as little as 20 min-1hr depending on interest and how long the trekker wants to linger or venture. read more
4 years ago
This is such a nice little hike for families. It has a great all through a creek if on a nearby trail and lands at a waterfall with a little splash area. Great place for a picnic and to play in the water. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
The waterfall is amazing. I hiked right up to it. "There's no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music" ~Roland R Kemler read more
6 years ago
Stray away from the cave trail and follow the stream. There's a nice little waterfall waiting for you. The water is cold, you can ever climb and get behind the falls and it builds a little pool. It does get a little packed. Most people go to the cave then can hear the falls and come check it out only to find it below not above. It's definitely worth it. Easy and kid friendly. Not even far off course. read more
5 years ago
O.M.G.!!! This is a beautiful hike. Short, but GORGEOUS! This was an unplanned stop, its approx a half a mile hike/stroll into the canyon towards a waterfall. Bring water shoes and get your feet wet... Get Up and Explore. read more
We arrived in the late afternoon in Bryce Canyon, after driving from Zion and having lunch followed by orientation at the Bryce Visitor's Center. We were planning to have dinner in the town of Tropic, about 15 minutes from Bryce. So if you're planning on heading toward Tropic and want an extremely easy hike, the Mossy Cave Trail is worth stopping by. It is on the way right off Highway 12E to a large parking area. The hike is really short and easy - maybe 0.8 miles round trip if you go all the way to the Mossy Cave at the end. There is some minor elevation here but its very easy on the knees, so the trails are suitable for everyone. The nice things about this trail I thought were: 1. You're surrounded by the natural beauty of hoodoos in a picturesque landscape. Its true of many hikes at Bryce but this was a good appetizer! 2. You can walk down along the riverbank and check out the pink rocks there. A very unique color since most everything is yellow, orange, and red. The small amount of water here is ice-cold! 3. There were some tiny water trickles during late October, and the streams along the bank were really small. You'll get a bigger show probably after the rainy seasons. read more
6 years ago
We passed by this entrance a few times during our visit on the drive to our campground. The parking area always being busy, was an indication of a popular spot, so we chose this as an early morning visit during our time near Bryce Canyon National Park. We got a good parking spot upon arrival. The walking path is adjacent to a running stream which offers some beachy type areas where one can sit for a bit and admire the scenery. Looking up, there are fantastic geological formations. It is a short jaunt to the mossy cave which isn't as much of a cave as it is a grotto. It is partitioned off with some a barrier, so you can get fairly close but you can't enter. This is a good thing to protect the natural moss that grows in the grotto. Retracing our steps from the Mossy Cave we veered left at the trail fork to get closer to the nearby waterfall. We were able to get fairly close to the waterfall and took the opportunity to get some photos. This stop lasted us about an hour. read more
6 years ago
It a short and simple hike to a wonderful waterfall. We spent 25mins to complete the hike and don't forget to dip your toes in the cold water. Must go! Definitely recommend! read more
A simple, short, easy, no commitment hike off to the side of the road. You can park and enter the well marked trail with restrooms for free. No parking fees or National Park pass or admission required. You should not bring your dog, it is clearly marked at the entrance to the trail that dogs are not welcome. The hike is beautiful and many gorgeous picture opportunities await. The stream from the waterfall runs along the trail route. This is a not to miss hike if in the area. read more
7 years ago
A short 10 minutes drive from Bryce Canyon took us to this gem. Mossy Cave has two easy trails, one to Mossy Cave and one to a point above a little waterfall. Along the trails are two bridges which serve as an excellent places to take pictures of the surrounding Hoodos and plants. If the water is not too high, you can walk along the bank to the waterfall. No parking and entrance fee are needed. read more
4 years ago
Moderate walk, Rained our day so beautiful water fall. Cave had interesting history/story. (Said to have beautiful icicles in winter too.) read more
6 years ago
Great little spot to cool yourself in the summer! I'm sure the mossy cave is more of a sight to see in the winter when it is icy! read more
10 years ago
This hike was my favorite part of our trip to Bryce. We never saw another person for the entire hike (if I sound antisocial, it's only because there's nothing quite like an empty trail to feed your soul). The "cave" at the end of the trail is not much of a cave at all, it's definitely the type of trail where the best parts are the journey, not the destination. The waterfall looked cool from a distance, unfortunately the trail was closed to get over to it, so that was a little disappointing. This trail is great for non-hikers and children, not too much elevation gain, and relatively short. read more
11 years ago
This is the place, you enjoy the view of water fall, hoodoos and the Turtle Arch at the same time. This is the end of Bryce Canyon NP so not many people like Queen/Navajo trail. You can make this beautiful short trail .8 miles as long as you want to if you don't mind to get wet! We went up stream and found another tiny water fall. The water was clear and cool. We enjoyed sit in the stream admiring the beauty of this place. read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
6 years ago
Was not familiar with these caves but was told by our waiter in Bryce. So happy to have gone. Easy trail and great photo opps since you are below the hills of Bryce. Caves were nice and not many people know about this place so you do not have to fight off the crowds. read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
More info about Mossy Cave Trail
Tropic, UT 84776
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
