A Trip Inside Utah’s Frozen Cave Is Positively Surreal

Winter is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Not only are there fewer tourists to deal with, but the park is truly beautiful when it snows. Here’s an easy winter adventure that takes you to a beautiful frozen cave.

The Mossy Cave Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park is an easy one mile hike.

The trail takes you through Water Canyon. It's one of the few hikes in the park that doesn't lead you down into the amphitheater.

Along the way, you'll pass Turret Arch and Little Windows.

The scenery is beautiful here during the winter months. The contrast of the snow against the rich, red hoodoos and blue sky is just stunning.

You'll come to a fork in the trail, and either choice leads you to something wonderful.

Go right at the fork, and you'll come to a pretty waterfall.

Go left at the fork and you'll come to Mossy Cave. During the summer, this cave is covered by hanging moss. In the winter, huge icicles build up throughout the cave.

Depending on the time of year, the icicles in the cave can be enormous.

It can be difficult to see just how large they are until you see hikers near them.

Technically, Mossy Cave is a grotto, because it was created by an underground spring. No matter what you call it, this place is jaw-dropping in the winter months.

Have you hiked to Mossy Cave? Tell us about your experience!

Here’s another winter adventure every Utahn should try at least once.

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.