Stargaze at Mossy Cave Trailhead
OutdoorEasyYear-round
Experience the International Dark Sky status of Bryce Canyon by viewing the Milky Way silhouetted against the park's distinct limestone fins.
Itinerary tips
- 1Arrive at the trailhead via Highway 12 at least 30 minutes before total darkness to secure one of the limited parking spots without needing a park shuttle.
- 2Pack a headlamp with a red-light mode to preserve your night vision and ensure safety while walking the 0.8-mile round-trip gravel path.
- 3Bring a lightweight camping chair and a high-quality blanket, as temperatures drop rapidly in the high desert elevation after sunset.
- 4Download a stargazing app like SkyGuide for offline use, as cellular service is non-existent within this section of the canyon.
- 5Plan for a 90-minute stay to allow your eyes to fully adjust and to capture long-exposure photography of the hoodoos against the stars.
- 6Check the lunar calendar before visiting to ensure you are viewing during a New Moon phase for maximum Milky Way visibility.
More in Southern Utah Parks
Raft the San Juan River Goosenecks
Float through a dramatic 'entrenched meander' where the river twists back on itself for miles through deep limestone canyons.
OutdoorSunset Cruise to Rainbow Bridge
Board a boat from Wahweap Marina for a long journey across Lake Powell to see one of the world's largest natural bridges, a sacred site for the Navajo.
OutdoorStargaze at Mossy Cave Trail
Witness the Milky Way arching over Bryce Canyon's hoodoos in one of the world’s darkest International Dark Sky Parks.
ScenicPick Heritage Apples in Fruita Orchards
Harvest crisp, sun-ripened fruit directly from 100-year-old trees managed by the National Park Service in the heart of Capitol Reef.
Family
