A creek meanders through red rocks with red rock formations in the background.
30-60 MinutesFee applies

Mossy Cave Trail

Bryce Canyon National Park

Mossy Cave trail is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent. This trail provides access to Water Canyon in one direction and to a sheltered overhang known as Mossy Cave in the other. This area is filled with mosses in the summer and icicles in the winter. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Mossy Cave trail is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent. It is also the northernmost hike in the park, located just off of SR 12 as it winds its way through the park boundary. Trailhead: Northern end of the park, 4 miles east on Hwy 12 Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest). Oversized vehicles permitted. Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) Approximate Time: 1 hour Elevation Gain: 150 feet (46 meters) Difficulty: Easy (elevation gain of 200 feet or less, shorter length) Services: Accessible restrooms available at the trailhead. Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? Delicate rocks and sensitive plants exist throughout this area. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs. While visitors are permitted within the water, we ask that they enter and exit at bridge crossings to reduce social trails elsewhere. Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.

Tags

Front-Country HikingFarming and AgricultureGeologyFreshwater SpringsgeologyhikehikingEasy hikewater access trailgrottoBryce Canyon National ParkMossy Cave Trail

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Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Fees

Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Accessibility

Due to the park's natural terrain, this is not considered an accessible trail. Surface Type: Firm Native Sediment Total Ascent: 150 ft (46 meters) Length: 0.8 mi (1.3km) roundtrip Typical Grade: 5.0% Maximum Grade: 23.0% Typical Cross Slope: 6.0% Maximum Cross Slope: 20.0% Typical Width: 63 inches (160 cm) Minimum Width: 32 inches (81 cm) Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Pets

No

Reservations

No

Location

Mossy Cave

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