We’re Obsessed With This Utah Trail That Leads to an Incredible 40-Foot Waterfall

While traveling through the desert, a waterfall was actually the last thing I had thought we would find. We were on our epic trip out west, on what we called our dream trip. We stopped at Bryce Canyon National Park to hike around the hoodoos and enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable area. But once we discovered there was a hidden gem just down the road, we just couldn’t resist.

Tropic Ditch Falls is a beautiful 40-foot waterfall tucked away in Bryce Canyon National Park. To reach these falls, you'll need to put on your hiking boots and head to the northeast section of Bryce Canyon. Even though you are further from the amphitheater of hoodoos, this trail features plenty of interesting rock formations.

This trail, called Mossy Cave Trail, is just under one mile, and despite the short distance, you'll see all types of features, including a river, cave, and rock windows. As we hiked along the river and crossed a bridge, we received a phenomenal view of the rushing water below. On our way back, our little girls searched for cool-colored rocks and splashed around in the shallow water.

When you come around the corner from the bridge, you will see the windows perched high along the ridge. These arches fit perfectly with the hoodoos and red rock, making for an exciting find along the trail.

At this point, you should see Tropic Ditch Falls in the distance, but I suggest making a trip up to the cave first. This short spur trail leads to a small cleft in the rock wall where you can experience Mossy Cave. What makes this cave unique is not only its mossy interior but also the temperature of the opening – the dripping water creates icicles during colder months, and because of its shaded location, you can see these crystallized formations into the summer.

The real crown jewel of this trail is – of course – the waterfall itself. Coming from Tennessee, where we have a wet climate, I have grown accustomed to massive falls, so when I heard about a waterfall in the desert, I expected a little trickle. When we arrived to see Tropic Ditch Falls, I was pleasantly surprised to see a 40-foot, rapidly flowing waterfall.

While everyone was flocking to the Navajo and Queens Garden Loop, this trail wasn't crowded, and we enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves. I was thrilled to have found such a gem in the heart of Bryce Canyon, and I 100% suggest adding this mile-long trail, filled with natural wonders, to your Bryce Canyon bucket list.

If you are anything like my family and love to chase Utah's waterfalls, I recommend adding this hike in Bryce Canyon National Park to your bucket list. I would consider this area a hidden gem because people will focus on the park's amphitheater and entirely miss this waterfall.

What To Know Before You Go

Before heading out on your adventure, there are a few important things to know about visiting Tropic Ditch Falls in Utah. First, parking. The trailhead has a small main lot and a larger overflow lot. However, it can fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive as early in the day as you are able.

The best time of day to visit this Bryce Canyon waterfall is either before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. This is both when the crowds are at their lightest and the weather is more comfortable. As the trail is at one of the lowest elevation points in the park, it can get quite hot. To see the waterfall at its best, you'll want to visit between the months of April and October. This is when this hidden waterfall in Utah has its most steady and reliable flow of impressive water. On the other hand, if visiting in winter, you may be treated to some impressive winter icicles.

The Mossy Cave Trail in Bryce Canyon is considered a very family-friendly trail as it is short and only has an elevation gain of about 118 feet. While the trail is popular and well-maintained, it's still always a good idea to have well-fitting hiking shoes as you are outside in some serious nature.

If you need a place to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah, I suggest Ruby's Inn. You can camp with a tent or an RV, stay in a cabin, or stay in the lodge, and all of it is minutes away from Bryce Canyon. And if you are searching for another bucket-list-worthy day trip near Bryce Canyon, check out the small town of Panguitch.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.