Mossy Cave Turret Arch and Little Windows Trail is a 0.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tropic, Utah that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until November.
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
cave
forest
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
no dogs
An easy stroll in Bryce next to a creek that brings you past hoodoos, to a waterfall, and then to a mossy cave where icicles hang in the shady places. If you feel adventurous, climb to the hole in the wall above the falls. Mossy Cave is the trail you want to go to if you have a very short time and want to do a little hike. Or, if you have guests or kids that do not like to break a sweat on a hike, this is a perfect little stroll where you can get the whole below canyon experience without the hike down into the canyon.
initially stopped thinking it was a just a turnoff to take some photos, nice little trail
Great short hike. Beautiful with hoo doos, waterfall, and the cave. The moss and water dripping from the ceiling of the cave was really neat. Fun time with little difficulty.
The cave is not a cave. Is an over hanging rock.
The cave is no more than a cliff overhang, disappointing. The waterfall was the only saving grace to the trail. The arch was minor.
Great hike for kids :-) the waterfall was rushing, but there was no icicles in the cave.
A quick little walk, not sure it even qualifies as a hike. There was no water coming over the falls so that part was a little anticlimactic. Turret arch was nice to see and photograph. Mossy cave had big icicles in it still. Glad we did it, but if you have limited time there are better trails at Bryce Canyon.
If you follow the saying, " The point of the journey is not to arrive", you will find this hike charming. If you go with only the goal if seeing a cool cave, you will not be thrilled with this hike. If you go to enjoy the hike itself you will find it is a treasure. There are stunning arches up high if you just look up. There are pictureques spots all over. If you go between April and Sept you might see the Tropic dam running, and it can be spectacular. The Tropic Dam was built by pioneers using natural water routes for irrigation of crops, so when they are letting water down the route it is beautiful. Like all hikes in Bryce, if you are visiting and there is a chance you might see snow here a good pair or Spikes/ Crampons is super smart. The trails are often icy in Bryce and these thrown over your shoes makes it safe and not stressful. Here is my blog post if you want to see a 360 connected sphere pictures.http://shaunasadventures.blogspot.com/2018/01/mossy-cave-bryce-canyon.html?m=1
http://shaunasadventures.blogspot.com/2018/01/mossy-cave-bryce-canyon.html?m=1
Quick little hike. The kids enjoyed it...that’s all that matters.
This trail starts off of route 12, so many mistake it as not being a part of the Bryce Canyon National Park. The trail has a waterfall, a cave (with icicles, at least when we were there) and a large rock structure with arches and windows in it. When we were there, there was not much of a waterfall, just a trickle of water was coming down it, though you could hear water in the stream. I enjoyed this trail and recommend it if you want a quick hike. Keep in mind that it can be a little steep in some places if you aren't used to it, but they have tried to make this trail as user friendly as possible, with man made bridges (so you don't have to wade through the stream). There is also a pit toilet at the trail head. Be careful when pulling in and out as the parking lot is right on the road and people tend to drive fast. Video: https://youtu.be/DNxJmF2YQ1A
the easiest trail in the park, the only one with a waterfall, and the best way to see the hoodoos from below without first hiking down into the Amphitheater, thus suitable for those with infants in arms or severe acrophobia - this is an excellent, easy trail to finish off the day especially with children as the stream (actually a pioneer diversion of the East Fork of the Sevier River, which provides water for Tropic, Utah) is suitable for wading except for the areas immediately above and below the waterfall (please use caution near the waterfall, which while not tall flows rapidly in season - wade downstream instead)
Cool to see the cave and the icicles inside. Unfortunately, in November the waterfall was dried up. If you go in the spring/ early summer you have a good chance of seeing the waterfall. Nice easy hike.
Quick and to the point. Easy trail, well maintained.
Short hike, easy grade with steep sections to the waterfall and "cave." The waterfall is unique in that the water looks gray from clay deposits. The side trail takes you right to the top of the waterfall (which isn't large at all, maybe 15 feet or so). The cave is more of a disappointing rock overhang with moss along the sides and slight water trickles down. The trail takes you under the overhang but above the floor of the cave. Not much of a view and very small. The views looking up at the hoodoos in the beginning of the trail are likely the best part of the trail, but views like this can be had along any other trail in the park. Save your time and hike anywhere else!
Nice view of the creek and waterfall but the grotto itself was rather disappointing. The trail is hard packed dirt from years of heavy use with some inclines but nothing too difficult for anyone. Overall I would suggest spending more time in the area on a different trail.
Easy Hike. HOT in January!
Very short easy hike with a beautiful cave and a cool waterfall at the end. Worth the time.
All in all a nice stop, but hardly worth a dedicated travel. The cave is not very impressive in late summer. The trail up to the windows is closed
The cave is more like an alcove, but the waterfall was beautiful!
Very short. Easy for small children. The creek was easily accessed and made for some fun hiking near the water.
Very easy walk, no need for anything except a camera and the clothes on your back.
Love this trail!!! Easy quick great for kids. Beautiful views. Waterfall is the best (drought years there is usually no water coming down). Mossy cave is nice not that amazing. This is a good little short hike for the family.
To find the windows, when you get to the 1st bridge stop and look up at hoo doo ahead of you and look to the left. Can you see them?
Great trail for whole family. Just make sure you stay on the trail.
Fun and great if you have little kids!
It was a really awesome hike, but there were a lot of confusing parts going to the waterfall. The trail to the waterfall was also very slippery. The mossy caves were really cool through.
A very short and sweet hike in Bryce Canyon. The trail takes you to a majestic fast-flowing seasonal waterfall and a small overhang with moss on the ceilings. Very easy and great for kids!
Short, easy hike. The waterfall was neat to see, the cave was nothing special. A lot of kids enjoyed playing in the stream.
Return hike from February. Didn't get all the way up to see what it looks like without snow. Had to help get a grandson back to the car because the rest of the family started before me and were returning.
Unexpected nice roaring waterfall, disappointing mossy cave lowered my rating
Even though it's called "Mossy Cave", the waterfall is the best part! Beautiful area and nice short hike.
This was a fun short hike. It's nothing to write home about, compared to the rest of Bryce Canyon. But it was a good way to kill 30 min.