Mossy Cave Trail

The trail starts with a climb and ends with a descent, an unusual profile for such a short walk. The firm natural-sediment path crosses the stream on two bridges; it gets steeper after the second bridge and reaches a fork. Follow the signs to each destination and backtrack to the fork for the other. The short branch walk is a better fit for a break from Bryce’s rim overlooks than for a long hike. Stay on the signed path and use the bridges if you enter or leave the water; cutting across the banks creates damaging social trails.

Despite the name, this is a sheltered, damp rock overhang, not a deep cave you can walk into. Moss grows here in summer, and icicles form in winter. It is a modest stop; the streamside walk and waterfall branch are just as much of the outing as the cave itself.

The water beside the trail is tied to the Tropic Ditch, a hand-dug irrigation canal built from 1890 to 1892 to carry water from the East Fork of the Sevier River to Tropic and Cannonville. It still serves those communities. Constant water has also shaped the lower canyon into smoother, V-shaped slopes, while higher ground keeps Bryce’s broken hoodoo texture. The unusually wet canyon supports Mountain Death Camas and Watson Bog Orchid.

The trailhead is just off UT-12 at the park’s northern end, about four miles east of UT-63. You need a park pass even though you can reach this area without driving through the main fee booths. Parking and accessible restrooms are at the trailhead; if the lot is full, return later rather than parking on the highway shoulder. No shuttle serves the trail. Pets aren’t allowed, though service animals are. The natural-terrain trail itself is not considered accessible.