No. Well-marked trail, heavily used path, difficult to go wrong. Bring your phone for emergencies, but navigation is simple.

Yes. Full sun, zero shade, high dehydration risk. Carry 1-2L water, wear a hat and sunscreen. Visit before 10 AM to beat the heat and crowds.

Hiking boots with good grip are smart for the descent (max 23% grade, can be slippery when wet). Water shoes optional for stream crossings. Trekking poles optional but helpful on the descent.

Mossy Cave is a sheltered rock overhang, not a deep cavity. Still dramatic—summer mosses are lush, winter icicles hang overhead. Water Canyon provides stream access and cool-down spots.

No. Pets are prohibited on this trail. Certified service animals (guide dogs) are allowed. Leave your dog at your vehicle.

Mossy Cave Trail

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. Popular trail, regularly patrolled by rangers. Stay on marked trail, avoid shortcuts. Cell service is spotty, so keep your phone charged.

Overview

About This Trail

Mossy Cave Trail offers an easy 0.8-mile hike unusual for reversing typical elevation: you climb first, then descend. The trail leads to two destinations: a sheltered cave grotto filled with mosses in summer and icicles in winter, plus Water Canyon with spring-fed streams. This is the park's lowest elevation hike and avoids the iconic hoodoo crowds. Perfect for families, hot-weather mornings, or when you want Bryce scenery without major exertion.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

The Mossy Cave grotto—a sheltered rock overhang where thick moss blankets the rock face in summer and icicles hang overhead in winter. Water Canyon flows nearby with cool, spring-fed streams providing relief on hot days. This is Bryce's lowest-elevation hike and the only one that reverses the usual experience: you climb first, descend last. The "cave" is actually a dramatic overhang, not a deep cavity.

Insider Tips

• The trail climbs first, then descends—conserve energy on the uphill to finish strong • Summer mosses are lush and neon green; Winter icicles are dramatic—pick your season and plan accordingly • Water access is strictly at bridges; don't shortcut through the vegetation—you'll damage the fragile ecosystem • The "cave" is actually a sheltered rock overhang, not a deep cave—manage expectations but appreciate the geology • Tighten your boots before the descent; the 23% max grade feels steeper than it sounds and is slippery when wet • Early morning light (7-8 AM) illuminates the cave face beautifully; late evening offers dramatic shadows • This is the only Bryce hike that reverses typical elevation—you'll finish stronger than you started

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall for mild temperatures and comfortable hiking. Summer for lush moss formations. Winter for dramatic icicle formations. Open year-round.

Hiking Tips

Carry 1-2L water—the trail is fully exposed to sun with zero shade
Start before 10 AM or after 4 PM to beat the crowds and heat
Tighten your boots before descent; the 23% max grade is steeper than it looks and slippery when wet
Use bridge crossings only for water access—don't shortcut and damage the fragile ecosystem
Wear sunscreen and a hat; bring sunglasses
Service animals allowed; pets are strictly prohibited on this trail

Family Info

Easy for kids ages 5+, but water crossings require caution. Hand-holding mandatory at bridge crossings—maintain firm grip on railings. Supervision essential near Water Canyon drop-offs. No pets allowed (service animals OK). Sun protection critical—hat and sunscreen for all ages. 1-hour timeframe is manageable for young hikers. Terrain is firm but uneven.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 150 ft

Duration: 1 hour roundtrip

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Firm native sediment, rooty sections, uneven terrain. Descent max grade 23%.

Getting There

Trailhead: Off Highway 12, northern boundary of park (4 miles east on Hwy 12 from park entrance area)

Fills Up: Peak visitation 10 AM - 6 PM. Parking fills midday. Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM for guaranteed spot.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required. Park entrance pass or day-use fee applies (see fees below).

Fees: $35 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (as of 2026-06-12). Mossy Cave trailhead requires park pass; keep proof of admission in your vehicle.

Shuttle Available

None available. Private tour operators may offer trips; contact park visitor services for commercial options.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail. Service animals (certified guide/service dogs) are allowed in national parks.

Trail Markers: Well-marked with clear signage. Heavily used trail with worn path. Difficult to get lost.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Water Canyon streams accessible via bridge crossings only. Water is untreated—filter or treat before drinking. Carry 1-2L water for the hike itself as the trail is fully exposed.

Shade: Full sun exposure. Zero shade on main trail. Wear hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Most intense midday (10 AM - 4 PM).

Hazards:

Rocks are slippery when wet or icy, especially on the return descent (max grade 23% requires careful footwork). Full sun for entire hike—dehydration risk is real; carry water and sunscreen. Water Canyon has drop-offs and cliff edges; respect barriers and stay behind marked boundaries. NPS warns: delicate rocks and sensitive plants exist throughout this area—stay on main trail. In winter, icicles may hang from cave overhang overhead.

Emergency: 911. Park rangers patrol regularly; stay on main trail and keep phone charged (service may be spotty).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to heavy between 10 AM and 6 PM. Light to moderate early morning (before 10 AM) and late evening (after 4 PM). Quieter than main hoodoo trails.

Peak Times: 10 AM to 6 PM daily, especially 11 AM to 4 PM. Early morning (before 10 AM) and late evening (after 6 PM) are noticeably quieter.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

NPS rates this as NOT an accessible trail despite firm sediment surface. Terrain is challenging: steep sections (max 23% grade), narrow width (min 32 inches), rooty and uneven. Not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices. Service animals allowed.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Accessible restrooms at trailhead. Parking at trailhead (oversized vehicles permitted). Park Visitor Center 4 miles away via Highway 12 return route. No other services immediately nearby.

FAQs

Can kids do this hike?

Yes. 0.8 miles, 1 hour, firm terrain. Kids age 5+ typically manage it fine. Supervision required at water crossings and drop-offs near Water Canyon.

Will I get lost?

Is it too hot?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What gear do I need?

What about the cave?

Can I bring my dog?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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