Hiking Trail Leads to Crystal-Filled Waterfall at Bryce Canyon: Mossy Cave Trail
Nestled just outside the main area of Bryce Canyon National Park lies the Mossy Cave Trail, a short and captivating hike that offers unique natural wonders for hikers of all ages.
Trail Highlights
- Length: Approximately one mile.
- Difficulty: Suitable for families, with an easy terrain.
- Attractions: Bridges, a gentle stream, hoodoos, a waterfall, and a mossy cave.
Parking and Accessibility
- Location: The trailhead is situated on Highway 12, near Tropic, UT.
- Parking Spaces: The small parking lot contains only 15 spaces, filling up quickly. It is best to visit early in the morning or later in the day for better chances of finding a spot.
Entry Fees and Passes
- National Park Fee: A fee of $35 per vehicle is required for park entry, valid for 7 days.
- Alternative Pass: The America the Beautiful pass can be used as an alternative.
Essential Gear
- Water: Carry your own water supply as there are no facilities at the trailhead.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for short distances.
- Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and hats.
- Camera: To capture the stunning scenery.
Directions and Travel Time
- From Bryce Canyon City: A quick 5-minute drive.
- Address: Mossy Cave Trail, UT-12, Tropic, UT 84776.
- From Other Locations:
- St. George, UT: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Las Vegas: Around 4 hours.
- Salt Lake City: Around 4 hours.
Additional Tips
- Hiking Time: Plan for around an hour to complete the hike, depending on your pace.
- Facilities: Toilets are available at the trailhead, but no water service is provided.
- Transportation: The trailhead is not served by the park's shuttle bus, so plan to drive there.
- Historical Fact: The town of Tropic was made farmable and irrigated due to the construction of Tropic Ditch, built by 40 Mormon pioneers using hand tools like pickaxes.
- Tropic Ditch: This 10-mile waterway, which the Mossy Cave Trail follows, was constructed between 1889 and 1892.
- Appropriate Footwear: Appropriate footwear for the trail includes trail runners or sneakers.
- Water: Carry a small bottle of water if it is hot.
- Embark on a one-mile hike at the Mossy Cave Trail, a family-friendly trail with an easy terrain that includes bridges, a gentle stream, hoodoos, a waterfall, and a mossy cave.
- The trailhead is located on Highway 12, near Tropic, UT, with limited parking available; early morning or late afternoon visits increase the chances of finding a spot.
- Essential gear for the hike includes comfortable hiking shoes, water, sun protection, a camera, and appropriate footwear like trail runners or sneakers.*Make the most of your outdoor-living experience by exploring the Mossy Cave Trail, a captivating addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle.
