Where is the Mossy Cave Trail located?

The Mossy Cave Trail is located just outside the main area of Bryce Canyon National Park, about 10 minutes from the Visitor Center. The trailhead is on UT-12 in Tropic, UT 84776.

Is Mossy Cave Trail part of Bryce Canyon National Park?

Technically yes, but it's not in the main amphitheater area of the park. Mossy Cave Trail is a detached section located northeast of the main park road.

Is the Mossy Cave Trail easy?

Yes, it's an easy one-mile hike with minimal elevation gain. It's suitable for kids and families.

What is there to see on the Mossy Cave Trail?

Highlights include bridges, a gentle stream, hoodoos, a man-made waterway called Tropic Ditch, a waterfall, and Mossy Cave—a sandstone overhang with moss, ferns, and icicles in winter.

What is Tropic Ditch?

Tropic Ditch is a man-made waterway built by 40 Mormon settlers between 1889 and 1892 using hand tools. It runs along the Mossy Cave Trail and was created to irrigate the town of Tropic.

When is the best time to hike Mossy Cave Trail?

Early morning or later in the day is best, especially since the small 15-space parking lot fills up quickly. People come and go often, so spots may open up.

Is there parking at Mossy Cave Trail?

Yes, but the parking lot is small with only 15 spaces. It's easy to miss, so drive slowly as you approach. Entry requires the Bryce Canyon National Park fee.

Are there restrooms or water at the trailhead?

There is a toilet at the trailhead, but no water fill. Bring your own water if needed.

Is the Mossy Cave Trail on the Bryce Canyon shuttle route?

No, the Mossy Cave Trailhead is not served by the park shuttle bus.

Do I need special gear for the Mossy Cave Trail?

No special gear is needed. Comfortable shoes like trail runners or sneakers are fine. Bring water if it's hot.

PLAY VIDEO

Mossy Cave Trail - A Bryce Waterfall!

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated August 11, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 1 mile
Time: 30-60 minutes
Total Climbing: 150 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Bryce Canyon National Park

The Mossy Cave Trail is a short distance outside of the main area of Bryce National Park, but it's definitely worth a visit. Hiking Mossy Cave almost feels like a Disney meets Bryce; there are bridges, a gentle stream, hoodoos, a waterfall, and a dripping cave, all packed into a short mile. It's an easy hike and suitable for kids and families.

Mossy Cave Trailhead

Mossy Cave Trail Location — The Mossy Cave Trail isn't in the main part of the park, but it's only about 10 minutes away from the Visitor Center.

Trailhead Address:

Mossy Cave Trail, UT-12, Tropic, UT 84776

Mossy Cave Trail Parking — Go slow as you approach the parking area, it's easy to drive by.

There's a small parking lot that has 15 spaces and fills up quickly. Early in the morning or later in the day are the best times to snag a spot. Otherwise there are always people coming and going, so maybe one will open up.

Fees:

$20+ Park Entry Fee

Get your America the Beautiful pass to enter.

Mossy Cave Trail Toilet — There's a toilet at the trailhead but no water fill.

This trailhead is not served by the shuttle bus.

Gear Recommendations

This is a short hike and you don't need anything special to do it.
Wear comfortable shoes like trail runners or sneakers.
If it's very hot I'd bring a small bottle of water.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
Altra Olympus 275: Favorite trail shoes right now, no blisters and very comfy.
AllTrails Plus: Offline maps on your phone with the Plus level
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Mossy Cave Trail Maps

Mossy Cave Trail Navigation — This is a short and straightforward hike that doesn't require any tricky navigation. If you read this guide you should have everything you need to know to do the hike.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Mossy Cave Trail Directions

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 4 — Cross the bridge and keep heading upstream.

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 5 — As you cross the bridge, take a look at what looks like a creek, but is actually entirely man-made.

The waterway you see is called Tropic Ditch, and was built by 40 pioneering Mormons between 1889 and 1892, just using hand tools like pickaxes. Creating this 10 mile waterway allowed for the town of Tropic to be irrigated, and allowed the arid areas there to be farmed.
Tropic Ditch Map

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 6 — Cross the next larger bridge.

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 1 — If you want to go beneath the falls, take the short trail just before crossing that last bridge.

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 7 — When you get to the t-junction, you can go either way. Let's head to the viewpoint first.

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 8 — From the viewpoint you'll be able to see the waterfall from above.

Mossy Cave Trail Directions 9 — Head back to the t-junction and go to the other side, where you'll find Mossy Cave.

Mossy Cave isn’t an actual cave, it’s a sandstone overhang. The constant seep of water from the cliffs above seeps through, creating a hanging garden of moss and ferns in an otherwise dry spot. In winter, that seep freezes into huge icicles.

That's it, from here just return the way you first came.

Originally published August 11, 2025