Escalante, UT - Mossy Cave and dinner out

We missed a short hike we wanted to do when we went to Bryce Canyon and we got a little bonus at work to go out for dinner so we head out late afternoon.

We were going to go back to the restaurant we went to in Bryce but decide to try a different one in Tropic

Showdowns - looks nice

We are the first to arrive and pick a table outside

But this is Utah and winds pick up so we move inside

I ordered the Rainbow Trout

and Gary gets serious about his cowboy steak.

It was nice to have dinner out - no cooking for me and no dishes for Gary!

The hike to Mossy Cave is only about 5-10 minutes further down the road.

Gary's ready

The trail is actually part of Bryce Canyon National Park so there are some Hoodoos here.  Besides the Cave there is a waterfall and the trail follows the river.

Bridge crossing

People follow the river to the base of the Falls where there is a small pool.  This is a popular hike on a hot afternoon.  It is 7pm and there were still quite a few cars in the parking lot.

View from the top of the Falls and the windows above the Falls.  The trail up to the windows was closed  Of course that doesn't stop people and there is quite a bit of erosion going on from people going off trail.

The stream was actually created by pioneers who needed to find an irrigation source for the towns of Tropic and Cannonville. The ‘Tropic Ditch’ has changed the geology along its course, making a canyon by erosion, as opposed to the rest of the park’s canyons formed from frost-wedging.

we head back and take the short spur to Mossy Cave

The Cave/Alcove is fenced off to protect it

Right now it is just moss with water dripping down.  A month ago had we made it here, we would have seen blue icicles

The hike is only 1 mile in and back - a nice walk for a beautiful evening.

A nice little drive - about 45 minutes - it helps that the drive is so scenic

Back up to the summit

and a quick stop at an overlook we've passed by before.

and before you know it we're home