Windows

Mossy Cave is a must-see attraction at Bryce Canyon National Park.  It is at the end of short trail (.9 mile round-trip) in the northern end of the park off Hwy 12 about 4 miles east of the main park road junction. Along the trail you can see hoodoos and windows without having to hike a steep trail. Take the left fork of the trail to visit to Mossy Cave.  Mossy Cave is not a cavern but a shelter cave.  Depending on the season, you will either see a large overhang filled with moss, or giant icicles.  Mossy Cave is really a grotto created by an underground spring.

Take the right fork of the trail and you'll end up above a small waterfall.  At the waterfall, the rapid trenching of the stream has been delayed by a layer of Dolomite. Dolomite is a special type of limestone that is strengthened with magnesium. Dolomite is harder than regular limestone, and it can't be easily dissolved by slightly acidic rain or stream water.  Dolomite is what has created the waterfall and it is also the durable cap rock for the parks hoodoos.

Mossy Cave

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Revised: March 23, 2008.
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