Mossy Cave Trail
Discover a short, scenic trail featuring hoodoos, a waterfall, and a unique mossy grotto just outside Bryce Canyon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Mossy Cave Trail
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a short, scenic trail featuring hoodoos, a waterfall, and a unique mossy grotto just outside Bryce Canyon.
"A wonderful family-friendly hike with easy parking and very few people when going early!"
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Overflow parking is along the highway.
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
You'll be near a stream and waterfall, so expect to get a little wet!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mossy Cave Grotto
End of the main trail
A unique alcove lush with greenery, constantly wet and dripping, even forming ice in winter.
Mossy Cave Waterfall
Along the trail
A beautiful cascade created by pioneers, offering a refreshing sight and sound.
+1
Hoodoos and Rock Formations
Throughout the trail
Admire the iconic Bryce Canyon hoodoos and unique rock spires along this scenic path.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Trail Conditions & What to Wear
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Overflow parking is along the highway.
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
You'll be near a stream and waterfall, so expect to get a little wet!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Adventure
This easy, short hike is perfect for families with young children.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Visit in winter for stunning ice formations and a unique cave experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Overflow parking is along the highway.
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
You'll be near a stream and waterfall, so expect to get a little wet!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Adventure
This easy, short hike is perfect for families with young children.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Visit in winter for stunning ice formations and a unique cave experience.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Capture the hoodoos, waterfall, and mossy grotto – great for nature shots!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mossy Cave Trail's accessibility and natural beauty, calling it a 'hidden gem' and a 'wonderful family-friendly hike.' The short, easy path leading to a waterfall and unique mossy grotto is a major draw. While some find the 'cave' itself underwhelming, the overall scenery and convenience make it a highly recommended stop, especially for those with limited time or young children. +1
"We took our 2.5-year-old on this hike, and he loved it! Going early in the morning meant easy parking and very few people on the trail. He walked the entire way on his own. We spent about 1.5 hours total, walking, stopping for pictures, and enjoying the experience at our toddler’s pace. A wonderful family-friendly hike!"
Ale Hendrix-Ojeda
"This trail is free because it is located outside of the park.
Parking is limited. This trail has vault restrooms. Not much shade.
The beginning of the trail has a lovely stream, and you follow it all the way to the water fall. As you hike, you see hoodoos and other beautiful rock formations. There are NPS info boards throughout the hike. The one with the BC Medallion is basically at the end and can be found at the upper viewpoint of the waterfalls. There are some spots that could be difficult to climb down (going to the waterfall) and up (to see the viewpoint of the waterfall from an elevated spot).
This hike was totally worth it. My teens and I went right before we left Bryce Canyon and we're so glad we did. It was gorgeous and I want to go again!"
angie gilchrist
"Very short hike. Took us 30 minutes, walking slow, and reading all the placards. Low difficulty. The mossy cave is nothing special, but the hoodoos outside it, as well as the waterfalls are pretty! It was a nice, easy trail to finish our strenuous day with."
Melinda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mossy Cave Trail is located just outside the northern entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park, along Highway 12. It's easily accessible by car, with a small parking lot available.
No, Mossy Cave Trail is located just outside the park boundary, meaning there's no park entrance fee required to access it.
From the main Bryce Canyon area, drive north on Highway 12. The trailhead and parking area will be on your right. It's a short drive from the park's north entrance.
Yes, you can use GPS navigation to find Mossy Cave Trail. Search for 'Mossy Cave Trailhead' or use the coordinates if available.
Public transportation options are very limited in this remote area. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach Mossy Cave Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mossy Cave Trail is free to access and does not require an entrance fee or ticket, as it's located outside the national park boundary.
Mossy Cave Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.
There is no admission fee for Mossy Cave Trail. It's a public access area.
While there aren't official park tours specifically for Mossy Cave Trail, many local tour operators offer excursions that may include this stop.
To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Mossy Cave Trail is a short and easy hike, approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip. It typically takes about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Mossy Cave Trail is considered easy. It has minimal elevation gain (around 200 feet) and is suitable for most fitness levels, including families with young children.
You'll see a beautiful stream, hoodoos, rock formations, a waterfall, and the unique mossy grotto itself.
The 'cave' is more of a grotto, a damp alcove with moss. While interesting, many visitors find the waterfall and hoodoos to be the main attractions.
Yes, there are vault restrooms available at the trailhead.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall, the mossy grotto, and the hoodoos along the trail offer excellent photo opportunities. Consider the light at different times of day.
Yes, the waterfall is a prominent feature. You can capture it from the main trail or by taking a path to its base.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the landscape, and a tripod might help with low-light conditions or long exposures of the waterfall.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and surrounding areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check current regulations before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The trail is free and located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, making it a convenient and budget-friendly outing. Pro-tip: Go early in the morning to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, and wear shoes that can get wet, as you'll be walking near the water. The NPS interpretive signs can also add an educational element to the adventure.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The short length and easy terrain mean you won't need specialized gear or extensive time, saving on potential rental costs or time commitments. It's a high-value experience for minimal expense, offering beautiful natural scenery and unique geological features.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light and fewer crowds. The winter months can also yield spectacular shots of ice formations. While a smartphone camera is sufficient, a camera with manual controls can help you maximize the photographic potential of the waterfall and varied lighting conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Mossy Cave
The trail also features hoodoos, the iconic spire-like rock pillars that Bryce Canyon is famous for. These are formed by erosion, where softer rock layers are worn away by wind and water, leaving behind harder, more resistant rock formations. The interplay of water and rock is evident throughout the trail, from the stream that feeds the waterfall to the damp walls of the grotto.
+1Interestingly, the waterfall itself is not entirely natural. It was created by pioneers who dug a canal to bring water to the Bryce Valley. This human intervention has added another layer to the landscape's story, blending natural erosion with historical engineering.
Family Fun on the Mossy Cave Trail
+1The trail offers a variety of sensory experiences for kids: the sound of the flowing stream, the sight of the cascading waterfall, and the unique texture of the mossy grotto. The presence of hoodoos also sparks imagination, turning the hike into an adventure. Many parents report their children thoroughly enjoy exploring the area and playing near the water.
To make the most of a family visit, consider going early to avoid crowds and ensure easier parking. Bringing snacks and water is always a good idea, and wearing shoes that can get wet is essential for comfortable exploration. The NPS information boards along the trail can also offer educational insights for curious young minds.
Winter Wonders at Mossy Cave
This winter transformation makes Mossy Cave a unique destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking a different perspective. The cooler temperatures and reduced crowds can also make for a more serene visit. However, visitors should be prepared for icy conditions on the trail and wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
It's important to note that while the trail itself is accessible, winter conditions can make some areas more challenging. Always check local weather and trail conditions before your visit. The beauty of the frozen landscape is a reward in itself, offering a stark contrast to the lush greenery of summer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit