Hiking Trail Reveals Stunning Bryce Falls!
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The Mossy Cave Trail is a short, easy hike located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore geological wonders and a piece of local history.
A Hike Through Time and Geology
The trail follows part of the Tropic Ditch, an irrigation canal built by 40 Mormon settlers in 1889 using hand tools such as pickaxes. This 10-mile waterway was constructed to divert water from a river to the town of Tropic, enabling arid areas to be farmed. The trail offers interpretive displays that provide information about this historic waterway.
The area features geological formations related to water erosion, such as a natural bridge carved around 65 million years ago and shaped by flowing water, now spanning a dry wash nearby.
Trail Details and Access
Located on Utah Highway 12, near Tropic, UT, the trailhead is not served by the Bryce Canyon shuttle bus. There is a small parking lot with approximately 15 spaces, which fills quickly; early morning or late day visits are recommended for parking. Entry requires a Bryce Canyon park pass or the America the Beautiful pass.
Nearby Attractions
Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its extensive amphitheater filled with thousands of hoodoos and scenic viewpoints along the Rim Trail, is nearby. The Mossy Cave Trail gives a glimpse of similar geological features outside the main park boundary. Visitors can explore the waterfall viewpoint and mossy cave on separate branches of the short trail.
In summary, the Mossy Cave Trail offers an accessible way to experience unique Bryce Canyon geological features along with a piece of local Mormon pioneer history through the Tropic Ditch irrigation system, complemented by close proximity to Bryce Canyon’s main attractions.
Travel Information
The drive from St. George, UT takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the drive from Las Vegas takes approximately 4 hours. The drive from Salt Lake City also takes approximately 4 hours. No further directions are provided after returning the way you first came.
[1] Bryce Canyon National Park (n.d.). Mossy Cave Trail. [online] Available at: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/mossy-cave-trail.htm
[2] Bryce Canyon National Park (n.d.). Getting to Bryce Canyon. [online] Available at: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/getting-to-bryce-canyon.htm
[3] Bryce Canyon City Chamber of Commerce (n.d.). Mossy Cave Trail. [online] Available at: https://brycecanyoncity.com/attractions/mossy-cave-trail/
[4] Bryce Canyon National Park (n.d.). Things to Do. [online] Available at: https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/things-to-do.htm
[5] Utah Geological Survey (n.d.). Natural Bridges of Utah. [online] Available at: https://geology.utah.gov/utahs-natural-bridges/
- For hiking enthusiasts and outdoor-living aficionados, navigating the Mossy Cave Trail requires proper gear, such as reliable footwear, water, and layers for different weather conditions.
- At the trailhead, hikers will find maps providing directions for the short hike and information about nearby attractions, which can be utilized for effective navigation throughout the outdoor-living experience.
- To fully immerse in the lifestyle of hiking and outdoor-living, consider pairing a visit to the Mossy Cave Trail with home-and-garden activities, such as camping, visiting local farmers markets, or exploring craft shops in Bryce Canyon City.
- The trail itself follows the Tropic Ditch, showcasing the historic irrigation system built by Mormon settlers, providing a unique blend of hiking among geological wonders and learning about the area's rich history, creating a truly unforgettable outdoor-living adventure.
