Starry Night Stargazing at Mossy Cave
OutdoorEasySpringSummerFallWinter
Experience the International Dark Sky status of Bryce Canyon at this easily accessible trail, perfect for long-exposure photography of the Milky Way.
Itinerary tips
- 1Arrive at least 45 minutes before total darkness to secure one of the limited parking spots at the trailhead off Highway 12.
- 2Pack a headlamp with a red-light mode to preserve your night vision and avoid ruining long-exposure photos for others.
- 3Plan for about 90 minutes of total time to allow for the short walk to the waterfall and significant shutter time.
- 4Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the trail can be slippery near the water, even on the flat sections.
- 5Check the moon phase before heading out, aiming for the window three days before or after a new moon for peak Milky Way visibility.
- 6Bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or lower to capture the hoodoos against the star fields.
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