Mossy Cave | Bryce Canyon National Park

Roadside Attraction Mossy Cave - Bryce Canyon National Park Roadside Attraction Mossy Cave

Bryce Canyon National Park

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Easy Walking
MAPS: TROPIC CANYON, UT

Thu

A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 55 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

59 | 35

Fri

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. East wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

65 | 35

Sat

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

65 | 36

Sun

Rain showers likely before 9am, then rain and snow showers likely between 9am and noon, then a chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers between noon and 3pm, then a chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

54 | 37

Mon

A chance of snow showers before noon, then snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

46 | 26

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SEASON: Any
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

Thu

A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 55 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

59 | 35

Fri

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. East wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

65 | 35

Sat

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

65 | 36

Sun

Rain showers likely before 9am, then rain and snow showers likely between 9am and noon, then a chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers between noon and 3pm, then a chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

54 | 37

Mon

A chance of snow showers before noon, then snow showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

46 | 26

View Full Weather Details
Mossy Cave Falls Skyline

Mossy Cave Falls Skyline

Mossy Cave and the waterfall near the cave makes an excellent roadside attraction on the east side of Bryce Canyon National Park. It is popular. A short hike leads to a photographer's paradise. The ease and length of this outing make it a good family friendly stop to stretch legs while passing near Bryce.

History from the NPS Sign:

"Bringing Water to the Desert

By 1874 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had begun to settle in the Paria Valley east of Bryce Canyon. Arid conditions gave rise to a plan to divert water 10 miles (16 km) from the East Fork of the Sevier River to the cliffs of Bryce Canyon and down into the valley. Approximately 40 men, digging with hand tools, began work in 1889. On May 23, 1892, their work was completed, and water from the plateau flowed down through Water Canyon. The canal would become known as the Tropic Ditch, taking its name from the new town whose future this precious water secured.

Irrigation water typically flows through Water Canyon from April to October."
A winter visit above the falls.

A winter visit above the falls.

Getting There

On highway 12, Mossy Cave is approximately 4 miles east of the junction of Highway 12 and 63. (Alternatively, it is a little over 3 miles west of the town of Tropic.) It is a large pullout on the right (west) side of the road. The trail head has a trail sign and map near the parking area.

Hiking above the falls.

Hiking above the falls.

Route

From the trailhead, simply follow the wide, well-defined trail. After a short distance (0.25 miles) and two bridge crossings, you will reach a junction.

Left is the way to Mossy Cave in 100 meters or so.

Right takes you to a very scenic waterfall, also in a 100 meters or so. If flows are low, it is worth working up either on the edge of the streambed, or on the trail left of the streambed for a bend or two to dramatic cliffs above. Return the same way.

There are many great photographic opportunities in this area. Evening seemed to have the best light.


Maps

Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12S 402076mE 4169313mN

N37° 39' 57" W112° 06' 37"
Junction

12S 401701mE 4169154mN

N37° 39' 52" W112° 06' 52"
Mossy Cave

12S 401689mE 4169068mN

N37° 39' 49" W112° 06' 53"
Falls

12S 401723mE 4169266mN

N37° 39' 55" W112° 06' 51"

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