What is Mossy Cave?
Mossy Cave is one of the easiest and shortest hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park—an 0.8-mile round trip with about 150 feet of elevation gain.
Mossy Cave
Bryce Canyon grotto and waterfall—easy family hike
At a glance
The short version
Mossy Cave is ~60 min from Duck Creek Village Inn and fits travelers who want bryce canyon grotto and waterfall—easy family hike. Mossy Cave is one of the easiest and shortest hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park—an 0.8-mile round trip with about 150 feet of elevation gain.
Quick facts
| Distance | ~60 min |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier2 |
| Best for | Bryce Canyon grotto and waterfall—easy family hike |
Good to know
- 0.8 miles round trip; 30–60 minutes; suitable for all ages
- Tropic Waterfall and a mossy grotto (not a true cave)
- Trailhead with parking, restrooms; accessible year-round
Note: Bryce Canyon National Park entry fee ($20–35) required. Pets not allowed on the trail.
Mossy Cave is one of the easiest and shortest hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park—an 0.8-mile round trip with about 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail is in the northern part of the park, off Highway 12 near Tropic. You get two main attractions: a small waterfall (Tropic Waterfall, fed by the historic Tropic Ditch irrigation canal) and a grotto—a wet, moss-covered alcove that looks like a cave and often has icicles in winter. The trail follows a stream and offers close-up views of hoodoos.
Highlights
- 0.8 miles round trip; 30–60 minutes; suitable for all ages
- Tropic Waterfall and a mossy grotto (not a true cave)
- Trailhead with parking, restrooms; accessible year-round
- Bryce Canyon National Park entry fee required
Tips
Arrive early or visit late to avoid the busiest hours (10 AM–6 PM). Pets are not allowed on the trail. Bring water and sun protection. Combine with other Bryce viewpoints for a full day.
When to go
Open year-round, weather permitting. Summer is busiest; spring and fall offer milder temps. Winter adds snow and icicles in the grotto.
Reviewed March 2026 by Duck Creek Village Inn editorial team
Use official access updates before a cave day
Cave access, forest roads, and shoulder-season weather can change faster than people expect around Duck Creek. We use guest trip-planning experience here, but always recommend checking the official sources below before you commit to the drive.
Planning Mossy Cave
Cave basics, driving distance, and what to know before you go.
How far is Mossy Cave from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Mossy Cave is about ~60 min from Duck Creek Village Inn in the current cave guide.
What should I know before visiting Mossy Cave?
Bryce Canyon National Park entry fee ($20–35) required. Pets not allowed on the trail.
Stay Here, Explore Mossy Cave Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn — ~60 min from Mossy Cave.