THE WATER OF BRYCE: HIKING MOSSY CAVE & THE TROPIC DITCH
A rare chance to find a waterfall, glorious bridges, and a stream inside the red rock desert.
Photo: ShaunasAdventures
⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Verdict: The easiest way to see water and hoodoos together. Great for kids.
Difficulty: Easy (0.8 miles round trip)
Best Time: May to October (for water flow) or Winter (for ice).
Parking: ⚠️ Extremely limited. Arrive before 9 AM or after 6 PM.
They say "the point of the journey is not to arrive," and nowhere is that truer than Mossy Cave. If you hike this trail solely to see the cave itself, you might be underwhelmed. But if you go to enjoy the rarity of a rushing stream in a red rock desert, it is a treasure.
Located outside the main park amphitheater on Highway 12, this hike offers something the other trails don't: Water. You cross beautiful timber bridges, walk alongside the historic Tropic Ditch, and find an oasis in the stone. Whether it's the summer flow or the massive ice columns of winter, this spot is unique.
👇 Jump to a Section
It's Not A River, It's A Dig.
The stream you walk alongside isn't entirely natural. Between 1890 and 1892, Mormon pioneers with picks and shovels dug the Tropic Ditch to bring water from the Sevier River (atop the plateau) down to the dry town of Tropic below.
They literally changed the geography of the park to survive. When you walk this trail between April and October, you are witnessing an engineering marvel from the 19th century that is still running today.
⏰ Water Flow Timing
If you visit in summer, you might see the waterfall roaring, or it might be a trickle. The local irrigation companies control the flow, and sometimes they release the water in the middle of the night to minimize evaporation for the crops below. If you catch it flowing full blast during the day, count yourself lucky!
Look Up! Hidden Arches
Most hikers spend the whole time watching their footing or looking at the water. Don't make that mistake! The skyline here is filled with hidden treasures.
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| Hidden Arches at Mossy Cave Bryce Canyon |
The Challenge: Can you find the windows and arches high in the cliffs? They are easy to miss if you aren't looking, but once you spot them, you'll see them everywhere. It makes for a fun game of "I Spy" with the kids.
Two Paths: The Cave or The Falls?
The trail is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" that splits near the end. You can go left to the Cave, or right to the Waterfall.
Option A: The Waterfall (My Favorite)
Personally, I think walking along the river bottom to the falls is prettier than the cave itself. The contrast of the white rushing water against the orange hoodoos is a color palette you can't find anywhere else in the park.
Option B: Mossy Cave
The "Cave" is technically a grotto/overhang. In the summer, it's cool and mossy (living up to its name). It’s a nice respite from the sun, but the real showstopper happens in winter.
Virtual Walk: Crossing one of the picturesque bridges.
Finding the "Fairy Pool
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| Mossy Cave Magical Pool |
If you have seen my "Quest for Fairies" video, you might recognize the magical, colorful pool. I filmed that sequence right here at the base of the falls.
There is something enchanting about the water here—it reflects a vibrant rainbow of colors from the surrounding moss, algae, and red rock. Standing there surrounded by charming hoodoos with that colorful water at your feet feels like stepping into a painting.
Watch: Finding the "Magic Pool" (Starts at 3:28)
🤫 The Secret Extensions
1. The Backdoor: Keep your eyes peeled at the end of the main trail for a small sign hinting at "more to explore." The path continues along the Tropic Ditch.
Warning: This is an active irrigation canal. If the water is turned on upstream, the ditch fills fast! Always have an exit plan to scramble up the bank.
2. The Overlook: As you walk up this extension trail, look for a faint spur trail on your LEFT. This leads up to the Mossy Cave Trail Overlook, offering a bird's eye view totally different from the cave itself.
When the Water Freezes
If you visit from November to March, the Tropic Ditch is turned off, but natural groundwater seeps through the ceiling of Mossy Cave. In the freezing temps, this creates massive Ice Columns—stalagmites made of solid ice that can grow several feet tall.
⚠️ Winter Danger Zone
While the flat parts of the trail are fine in snow, the short, steep climb up to the cave itself gets incredibly icy. I was super happy I had my spikes/crampons. Without them, it's a slippery slide, but with them, I could walk right up to see the lovely icicles hanging inside while others were struggling.
Virtual Cave Tour
Curious what it looks like inside the grotto? Spin around in this 360° capture I took right at the mouth of the cave.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Why is parking so hard?
The parking lot is tiny and right off Highway 12. It fills up by 9:30 AM. Do NOT park on the highway shoulder—you will get ticketed. Go early (sunrise) or late (evening) for the best luck.
Is there swimming allowed?
Generally, no. This is a fragile environment and a historic water source. While you can get close to the water for photos, swimming is discouraged to protect the banks and the water quality.
Are there other lakes nearby?
Yes! If you are craving more water, check out Tropic Reservoir or Pine Lake nearby. They are great spots for a picnic away from the National Park crowds.
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