Mossy Cave (Bryce Canyon, UT)

Visiting Utah's Bryce Canyon? The Mossy Cave Trail is an easy hike to a sheltered overhang and an impressive waterfall.

We've visited Bryce Canyon National Park more than once. This recent trip was my third visit.

However, it wasn't until this most recent visit that I discovered one of my favorite hikes in the park — the trail to Mossy Cave.

Before you go on this hike, know that the "cave" is really more of an overhang, and you can't go spelunking here. This trail (to me) is all about the waterfall.

Do I Need a Park Pass For This Hike?

Bryce Canyon National Park does charge an entry fee. However, this trail is located outside the main section of the park, and you don’t need to show your park pass to enter.

That said, supporting the parks financially is always a good choice. Make sure to also visit the other sections of the park that do require a pass, such as the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive or the Queens Garden / Navajo Loop trail.

How Difficult Is the Mossy Cave Trail?

This is a short, easy hike. It's just under a mile (0.9 miles), with a small 121-foot elevation change.

There is some incline on the path, but this is not a hard trail. It's very kid-friendly; there was a second-grade field trip group there when we visited.

Even though it's easy, the entire area is at high elevation. If you're just arriving in Bryce Canyon from a low-elevation area, this trail might feel slightly more difficult.

Parking at the Trailhead

Mossy Cave Trail is one of the northernmost features in this park. A few miles from Bryce Canyon City, it feels separated from much of the rest of the park, but it's easy to get to. A Bryce Canyon map will be useful.

The trailhead parking lot is fairly small. There's also an oversized vehicle lot a little farther down the road.

Since this is such a short hike, cars come and go frequently. Just try again later if there’s no parking available.

Hiking to Mossy Cave

The hike has gorgeous views of the hoodoos in the distance.

Walk the along gravel path beneath the hoodoos.

Next, you'll cross two bridges and begin hiking uphill.

Once you get to the top of the short incline, the trail splits.

To the left is Mossy Cave.

When we visited, the aforementioned second-grade field trip was huddled around the cave entrance, so we had to wait just a few minutes.

When it was our turn, we took a peek inside.

Some moss was beginning to grow. Later in the year the moss apparently gets... mossier? and more impressive. In winter, this cave gets impressive icicles.

Since the cave is more of an overhang, and because there's a guardrail, there's not much to explore here.

Once you're done at the cave entrance, turn back the way you came. When you arrive at the trail junction, head the other way for overlooks of the waterfall.

Hiking Mossy Cave Trail to the Waterfall

Once you've checked out both the cave and the waterfall overlook, turn around and head back towards the bridges.

When you see the stream and waterfall to your right, you have the option to hike down to the waterfall. To get there, you'll need to do an easy rock scramble down to the water.

The park service does allow getting in the water here, but asks that you scramble down next to the bridges instead of elsewhere to help control erosion.

Follow the stream to the waterfall, and make sure to take turns with any other hikers who are trying to take pictures with the falls.

Hiking up to the waterfall was my favorite part of this hike. The cold mist from the waterfall was refreshing!

Need ideas for where to eat in Bryce Canyon? Here's a guide!