Mossy Cave

Mossy Cave is a low sandstone overhang in Bryce’s northern Water Canyon, known for moss in warm weather and icicles in winter. Think sheltered recess, not a cavern to explore. Keep this short walk if a rock feature with changing seasonal detail appeals; if you expect a large cave, you may be underwhelmed.

The trail to it is 0.8 miles round trip with about 150 feet of gain; allow roughly an hour. It climbs first, then descends. The cave and Tropic Ditch Falls sit on separate branches, so take both if you want the full outing. It’s considered an easy hike, though the natural terrain is not considered accessible.

The access lot has 15 spaces, and parking on the highway shoulder is prohibited; if the lot is full, return later. You can reach the trailhead from Highway 12 without passing the entrance booths, but this is still a fee area, so keep proof of admission or your pass in the vehicle. A vault/composting restroom is at the trailhead. No food service or potable water is listed there. Pets aren’t allowed, though service animals are.

From 1890 to 1892, Mormon pioneers carved the Tropic Ditch by hand, carrying water from the East Fork of the Sevier River across the Paunsaugunt Plateau into Water Canyon. It has supplied irrigation water to Tropic and Cannonville since completion, except during the 2002 drought. Most Bryce hoodoos were shaped as ice widened cracks in the rock; lower in this canyon, the ditch’s flow helped shape smoother, V-shaped slopes. Look up the canyon and you can see the texture change.

Warm weather brings moss to the overhang; in winter, icicles can hang from it. The water also supports moisture-loving plants such as Mountain Death Camas and Watson Bog Orchid. Animals come to drink, too, but a busy daytime trail makes sightings uncertain.

For a close photo, frame the long sandstone lip with the dark recess beneath it so the shelter’s depth reads. Seasonal moss or icicles add the detail that gives this place its name; the shallow opening isn’t a cavern interior.