Last updated: August 7, 2023
Thing to Do
Mossy Cave Trail
Mossy Cave trail is one of the lowest elevation hikes in the park as well as one of the only hikes that begins with a climb and ends with a descent. It is also the northernmost hike in the park, located just off of SR 12 as it winds its way through the park boundary.
- Trailhead: Northern end of the park, 4 miles east on Hwy 12
- Parking: At trailhead (check when parking lots are busiest). Oversized vehicles permitted.
- Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Approximate Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 150 feet (46 meters)
- Difficulty: Easy (elevation gain of 200 feet or less, shorter length)
- Services: Accessible restrooms available at the trailhead.
- Shuttle Service: None. Private options may be available.
- Pets are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?
- Delicate rocks and sensitive plants exist throughout this area. Please stay on the main trail and respect all posted signs.
- While visitors are permitted within the water, we ask that they enter and exit at bridge crossings to reduce social trails elsewhere.
- Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Location
Mossy Cave
The Mossy Cave trailhead is located off Highway 12 in the north end of the park. To access this trail, you do not need to enter through the park's fee booths.
Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Parking areas are available but if the parking lot is full, return at another time. Parking along SR 12 is not permitted. It is dangerous to walk along this road and vehicles parked along the shoulder may be ticketed.
During periods of high visitation, this area can be extremely busy between 10 AM and 6 PM. We encourage visiting in the morning or later in the evening to avoid congestion.
Mossy Cave is a fee area, like the rest of the park. Keep your park pass or proof of admission with your vehicle for rangers to inspect.
Parking areas are available but if the parking lot is full, return at another time. Parking along SR 12 is not permitted. It is dangerous to walk along this road and vehicles parked along the shoulder may be ticketed.
During periods of high visitation, this area can be extremely busy between 10 AM and 6 PM. We encourage visiting in the morning or later in the evening to avoid congestion.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information
Due to the park's natural terrain, this is not considered an accessible trail.
- Surface Type: Firm Native Sediment
- Total Ascent: 150 ft (46 meters)
- Length: 0.8 mi (1.3km) roundtrip
- Typical Grade: 5.0%
- Maximum Grade: 23.0%
- Typical Cross Slope: 6.0%
- Maximum Cross Slope: 20.0%
- Typical Width: 63 inches (160 cm)
- Minimum Width: 32 inches (81 cm)
Related
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HikingMore hikes in Bryce Canyon.
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Where Can I Park?Learn more about getting around the park.
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PetsWondering where you can take your pet? Start here.