Mossy Cave

We love adding on the Mossy Cave trail to our trips when we visit the Bryce Canyon National Park and Red Canyon area. It’s a great length for an easy, short bout of exercise. A perfect short trek to get a sample of the brilliant orange hoodoos, see a small cave, and sometimes a really awesome waterfall.

The trail is different at each time of year. At times, during the warmer months, there is a rushing, small river and beautiful waterfall. Mossy Cave has small ferns and greenery. In the winter, the cave has icicles and the trail is a slippery, icy slope going up to the cave. We have seen the waterfall completely frozen and it is really neat to see.

Of note, the cave itself is more of an alcove that you look into. It is bit underwhelming, but still worth seeing at least once. I find that the rest of the trail, the river, and the waterfall are the main attractions. Check out all of the colors of the rocks in the water, I have never seen such a rainbow of colors, reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, whites. So cool if you are a rock hound like we are. Finally, be sure to stop and smell the bark of the large Ponderosa pine in the middle of the trail. Mmmmm, smells like vanilla. 

Difficulty: Mild, unless you add a layer of ice for walking up to the cave.

Trail Stats: 0.9 miles, out and back, 121 feet elevation gain.

Trail Finding: Not difficult.

Conditions: Packed gravel.

Would I Repeat This: Yep!

Parking: Parking present, and there is also an overflow parking lot.

Timing: This trail is not very long or strenuous, timing is not as crucial with this one.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary.

Fees: This hike is within Bryce Canyon National Park. You will be required to pay the entrance fee or to present your National Parks Pass. 

Trails: So many!  There are many recommended trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, including the Hat Shop, Peekaboo Loop, Navajo and Queen’s Garden Loop, Bristlecone Loop, and so much more. All of the overlooks within the park are worth stopping at as well.