Hiking Trail Leads to a Stunning Waterfall: Discover Bryce's Majestic Mossy Cave
Exploring the Mossy Cave Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Nestled in the picturesque town of Tropic, Utah, the Mossy Cave Trail is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and families seeking a short, scenic hike. The trail, located at UT-12, Tropic, UT 84776, offers a refreshing and relatively cool experience, especially during warmer months, due to its water features and shaded spots [1][2][5].
The Mossy Cave Trail is an easy 1-mile out-and-back hike that takes approximately 5 minutes to reach from Bryce Canyon City [2]. For those travelling from further afield, the approximate travel time from Las Vegas is 4 hours, from St. George, UT is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and from Salt Lake City is 4 hours [2].
The trailhead is not served by the shuttle bus, and a small parking lot with 15 spaces accommodates visitors [1]. Given the popularity of the trail, it's best to visit early in the morning or later in the day to ensure a spot [1]. A $20+ entry fee applies for park access, but the America the Beautiful pass can be used for park entry [1].
Upon reaching the trailhead, hikers are greeted by the unique Mossy Cave, a grotto covered in moss that gives the trail its name [1][4]. This natural feature is a fun and intriguing sight to explore. The trail continues through the scenic Water Canyon area, where hikers cross several bridges and walk along a picturesque setting that contrasts with Bryce’s iconic hoodoo formations found elsewhere in the park [1].
Depending on the time of year, the trail features a seasonal waterfall, which enhances the lushness and beauty of the area [5]. Even if the waterfall isn’t flowing, the trail still has interesting water features such as small pools and a stream [3].
The construction of Tropic Ditch, a 10-mile waterway, took place in the late 19th century by 40 pioneering Mormons between 1889 and 1892 [5]. Tropic Ditch played a significant role in the development of the town of Tropic, enabling arid areas to be farmed [6]. The waterway, built using hand tools like pickaxes, is still an essential infrastructure for the irrigation and farming of the town today [6].
In summary, the Mossy Cave Trail offers a delightful contrast to the main amphitheater views of Bryce Canyon, making it a great spot for families and visitors looking for a short, scenic walk. The trail's unique features, including the Mossy Cave, seasonal waterfall, and Water Canyon scenery, make it a refreshing and relatively cool hike, especially during warmer months [2][5].
