The road to and through Bryce Canyon National Park is UT-63. However, to get to Mossy Cave’s trailhead and the Water Canyon waterfall, we drive past the junction about four miles on UT-12. On our right is a small parking area and our destination. It is 8am and only five other cars are parked. Getting an early start is a must to secure parking here. This lot will soon be full and will be all day long. Plus the temperature is still cool and the trail inviting. Let’s go my friend!
We have hoodoos along the trail , but there is vibrant growth atop that formation.
I always find it amazing that trees can live and look healthy on rock. It speaks to the tree’s roots finding then growing in the rock’s crevices and cracks. Water flows through those breaks in the rock and the twists and turns of the tree’s roots holds it firm against wind and storms. Still, quite amazing.
The stream is just ahead.
Looking upstream.
What a great view looking uphill from the bridge. Hoodoos all shapes and sizes!
Ah, nothing like a flat trail for a relaxing morning stroll. This area is actually a canyon, very different from much of Bryce which is not a canyon. Bryce is a series of amphitheaters. We’ll take a look at them later. Along the rim of Bryce’s amphitheaters the elevation ranges from 8,000 to over 9,000 feet. Our walk here is at 6,800 feet. Oh, did mention? There is no access from Bryce itself to this area. Let’s enjoy.
See the Nootka Roses (Rosa nutkana) on the edges of the trail? This type of wild rose is common all over Utah, but not typically found in other inland western states.
The second bridge. We are getting close.
A totally unimpressive 15 foot waterfall. The amazing part? That water is here at all! Water is not natural to this area and never was.
From the Park Service:
From 1890-1892 mormon pioneers labored with picks and shovels to carve an
irrigation ditch from the East Fork of the Sevier River, through the Paunsaugunt
Plateau, into this canyon.
Every year since its completion in 1892 (except during the drought of 2002), this
canal known as the Tropic Ditch has supplied the communities of Tropic and
Cannonville with irrigation water.
Using primitive tools over 15 miles for 3 years to bring water to the communities further down UT-12. Do we still have that kind of dedication? If the history intrigues, see A Pioneer Story thanks to the Park Service.
So much for flat trails. Let’s go get a closer look at the waterfall.
You can walk in the stream, stand under the waterfall if you like. The Park Service only asks we enter the water near either of the bridges to limit erosive damage. I’m good viewing the stream rather than wading in it.
Heading back down the trail we see windows above, usually called arches. As windows collapse we have hoodoos. See more . . .
Ah, shaded trail to Mossy Cave.
Mossy Cave is not really a cave, but an alcove.
Water seeps down into the recess year round, but in cold temps forms ice as seen on the kiosk.
A small deck lets you stand in the end of the alcove. There certainly is moss.
OK, I can’t help it, I love waterfalls, even when only 15 feet. Nice view from the trail down from Mossy Cave.
Gorgeous downstream view from the bridge near the parking area. What a sweet experience–hoodoos galore, windows in the rock, a stream with waterfall, and a mossy alcove–all in a one-mile roundtrip excursion. It is called family friendly for a reason. Plus you can get yourself wet if it sounds like fun to you! A great way to start the day.
Until next time my friend.
I look forward to reading, enjoying and always learning from your blogs. Thanks Joy.