Mossy Cave Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park

Have you ever seen a movie where the supporting actor overshadows the main character? The hike to Mossy Cave is a similar situation. The cave is not the impressive sight on this hike but rather an unnamed waterfall is. Mossy Cave is quite the spectacle in winter time due to icicles that form from the drippings but during summer time it’s really not much more than a sweaty rock. Admittedly I didn’t even bother taking a picture of it.  The waterfall really saves this hike and makes this trail completely worth the effort.

Finding the Trailhead

The Mossy Cave Trailhead isn’t hard to find but it isn’t quite where you expect it to be.  If you are camping within Bryce Canyon National Park, you’re actually going to have to leave it. Technically you re-enter the park once you’re at the trailhead although you wouldn’t realize it. Leaving the Park go right and head about 4 miles toward the town of Tropic. You’ll wind down some hills and eventually come to a parking lot on the right side if the road.

The Tropic Ditch

The trail follows along a crystal clear stream that makes your brain drool if you have been out in the heat all day. This seemingly heaven-sent body of water is actually man-made. Those crafty pioneers diverted the water to get irrigation to the city of Tropic, thus the name The Tropic Ditch (Which sounds like an awesome ride at a white trash waterpark).

Left Fork: Mossy Cave

Right around a quarter of a mile, you’ll have a decision to make. Take the trail left or swing to the right. Your choice is easy though because you can easily do both! Don’t you wish more decisions in life were that easy? I recommend heading left to the Mossy Cave. If you hike any trail you should at least pay your respects to the namesake so see it, look at it, and move on. No need to spend a lot of time in the tight little viewpoint.

Right Fork: Waterfall

Leave the “cave of disappointment” and head back to the fork in the trail. This time go the way you haven’t gone and enjoy a scenic walk to the wonderfully small waterfall. If you would rather go to the base of the falls instead of the top, go back over the bridge and work your way down to the water. If you brought river shoes or sandals you’re a freaking genius. If you decided to be a dumb-dumb (like I was) and forget to wear your water-wear then lose the shoes and tread carefully avoiding sharp rocks. Now step in perfectly temperate water and mosey on upstream. Take your time and savor the cool water because during the summer in Bryce Canyon you are not likely to find it again.

Although the “main” attraction isn’t quite worthy of your dedication, the rest of the trail more than makes up for it.

Trail Tips

• Bring river shoes or sandals to get into the water during the summer
• Go in the winter if you want to see icicles in the cave
• The parking lot is typically full but be patient, people filter in and out quickly

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.