News Release

Safety Improvement Project to begin at Mossy Cave

NPS/Peter Densmore

News Release Date: October 8, 2020

Contact: Peter Densmore

Plans to improve visitor safety through enhanced parking and foot traffic access are moving forward in the Mossy Cave area of Bryce Canyon National Park. Construction work to prepare a site for an overflow parking lot and pedestrian access trail along State Route 12 (SR-12) is scheduled to begin early next week. In the interest of public safety, the Mossy Cave trail, restroom, and parking area will close for approximately two weeks starting on or around Monday, October 12th. The area will reopen as soon as this phase of construction is complete.

Once completed, the new overflow lot will provide parking spaces for 23 passenger vehicles and 8 oversized vehicles. The project will also stabilize steep roadside slopes, create a pedestrian access trail connecting the parking lot to the trailhead, and set the stage for the possibility of future trail expansions in this increasingly popular area of the park. These improvements are scheduled to begin in 2021 after further environmental review is completed. 

Since last June, visitation to this area has increased significantly.  In September alone, it has increased by 30% with close to 5,000 more monthly visitors compared with 2019. Public comments received during this summer’s civic engagement period along with discussions between park planners, Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), and Garfield County officials have all helped to guide a plan to accommodate the increased use, improve pedestrian safety, and better protect park resources. The park thanks all who provided input.

More information can be found at www.nps.gov/brca or by calling the park at [phone].