Mossy Cave Trail

A creek meanders through red rocks with red rock formations in the background.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 150

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 150
Estimated Time: 1 hour roundtrip
Trail Surface: Firm native sediment, rooty sections, uneven terrain. Descent max grade 23%.
Trail Features: Mossy Cave grotto
Water Canyon with streams
Native sandstone formations
Lowest-elevation hike in park
Sheltered rock overhang
Summer moss blooms
Winter icicle formations
Spring-fed water access
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Off Highway 12, northern boundary of park (4 miles east on Hwy 12 from park entrance area)
Parking Fill Time: Peak visitation 10 AM - 6 PM. Parking fills midday. Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM for guaranteed spot.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None available. Private tour operators may offer trips; contact park visitor services for commercial options.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Trailhead accessible anytime.
Seasonal Closures: None reported. Trail open all year; winter snow/ice may impact conditions but don't close the trail.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: 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.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Slippery rocks when wet or icy
Steep descent (max grade 23%)
Sun exposure and dehydration risk
Water crossings at bridges
Drop-off areas near Water Canyon
Delicate ecosystem—stay on trail
Icicles overhead in winter (falling hazard)
Hazard Details: 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.
Crowd Level: 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 Crowd 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.
Best Season: Spring and Fall for mild temperatures and comfortable hiking. Summer for lush moss formations. Winter for dramatic icicle formations. Open year-round.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning (before 10 AM) or late evening (after 4 PM) to avoid crowds and midday heat. Spring and Fall for mild temperatures. Summer for thick moss blooms. Winter for dramatic icicle formations. Open year-round, 24 hours daily.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Northern end of park
Trail Markers: Well-marked with clear signage. Heavily used trail with worn path. Difficult to get lost.
Dogs Allowed: No. Pets are not permitted on this trail. Service animals (certified guide/service dogs) are allowed in national parks.
Shade Level: Full sun exposure. Zero shade on main trail. Wear hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Most intense midday (10 AM - 4 PM).
Emergency Contacts: 911. Park rangers patrol regularly; stay on main trail and keep phone charged (service may be spotty).
Map Recommended: 0
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
Recent Updates: None reported.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: Hikers praise the easy accessibility and unique cave feature with natural spring water access. The short distance makes it ideal for families and visitors seeking Bryce views without major effort. Biggest complaint: crowds peak 10 AM - 6 PM. Morning visits beat the rush, heat, and congestion.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Is it too hot?

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.

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.

What gear do I need?

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.

What about the cave?

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.

Can I bring my dog?

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