Mossy Cave Trail
A short streamside walk to a shaded grotto and seasonal waterfall below roadside hoodoos.
Route overview
Mossy Cave Trail in Colorado Plateau.
Mossy Cave follows Water Canyon beneath colorful hoodoos and branches toward a shaded grotto and small waterfall. Its roadside location and short length make it highly popular, but congestion, legal parking limits, wet rock and winter ice require disciplined timing and footwear.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Colorado Plateau
- Distance
- 1.3 km return
- Typical duration
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Year-round with ice and crowding checks
- Trail type
- Out and back with short branches
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entry rules apply; no hiking permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Severe crowding, illegal parking, slick rock, stream edges, ice and falling debris
Highlights
Bryce Canyon National Park, Mossy Cave, Water Canyon, waterfall walk, easy hike
Why find a buddy
A companion helps manage parking timing, children near water and conservative decisions on icy surfaces.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.