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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Bryce Canyon National Park

    Mossy Cave Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    1.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    77 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.4
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Views from the Mossy Caves hike in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

    This short, popular hike leads through dozens of hoodoos to the impressive Mossy Cave, as well as a fabulous waterfall. Perfect for families on a hot summers afternoon, this easy hike is sure to please everyone.

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    Route Description for Mossy Cave Trail

    The trail begins near the pit toilets right beside the parking area. This almost entirely flat hike first leads out to meet a gurgling stream at the bottom of the aptly named Water Canyon. Continue up the river as you cross over two sturdy footbridges.

    After the second footbridge you will clearly be able to see a small waterfall cascading over a limestone lip. Soon after you will climb up a little ways a reach a junction. Turn left here to head to Mossy Caves.

    After two or three switchbacks you will reach this impressive cave formed by spring water. Water perpetual seeps through the rock, allowing moss to grow. In the winter, however, these conditions also are perfect for the formation of icicles!

    Return to the junction and turn the other way, heading up the very short path to the top of the waterfall. Looking back you can see the footbridge and dozens of hoodoos looming over the trail. After admiring the view, return to the parking lot the way you came.

    Insider Hints for Mossy Cave Trail

    • Bring your bathing suit to take a dip in the pool formed below the waterfall. To reach the bottom of the falls hike up the stream, leaving the trail just before the second bridge.

    Getting to the Mossy Cave Trail Trailhead

    From Bryce Canyon City head north along the Highway 63. Turn right at the first junction, heading east along Highway 12. Continue along this road for a view 1.6 km until you see signs for Mossy Cave Trail on your right. Turn into the small parking area and try to find parking.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      Spring, early summer and fall, avoid summer heat and winter snow

    • Backcountry Campsites

      None

    • Toilets

      At trailhead

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Mossy Cave Trail Elevation Graph

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    Mossy Cave Trail Reviews

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