Mossy Cave and Cascade

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall

This 0.9-mile out-and-back stroll offers a great hike for those who don't want to venture down the steep canyon trails of Bryce Canyon. The hike takes you to a unique cave that hosts a variety of mosses during the warmer months, and large icicles in the winter. One spur leads you to the sometimes-flowing waterfall of Water Canyon and views of the Little Windows arches.

Start hiking out of the Mossy Cave parking lot, heading west along an obvious trail that parallels the wash. Cross the wash a few times before taking a left to the Mossy Caves.

After visiting this point, retrace your steps to the last intersection and follow the trail upstream to reach the Water Canyon waterfall. Generally, this waterfall flows after heavy rain storms or from spring runoff.

If you look up to your right from here, you'll notice a small optional trail that can take you closer to the Little Windows, a row of natural arches that overlook this canyon. Return the way you came after visiting the waterfall.

Juniper trees and pinion pines are all over the hillsides, but the sheltered and well-watered canyon is home to far more diverse and delicate plants that you won't find many other places in the high country.

Part of this wash was an irrigation ditch that was created in 1890-1892 to supply water for the town of Tropic below.