Saturday, July 21 was a beautiful day and we were headed to see more sights.Part of Bryce Canyon National Park, Mossy Cave/Waterfall is located along Byway 12, about 3 miles east of the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. An easy half mile hike along red rocks and pines leads to the cave and waterfall. Mossy Cave is not a cavern but a shelter cave. Depending on the
season, you will see a large overhang filled with moss
in the winter giant icicles will hang from the roof of the cave. Mossy Cave is a grotto, created by an underground spring.
At the end of the opposite trail from the cave you'll end up at a small waterfall. Here the rapid trenching of the stream has been delayed by a layer of Dolomite. Dolomite is a special form of limestone that is fortified by magnesium. Dolomite is not only harder than regular limestone, it also can't be dissolved by slightly acidic rainwater. Dolomite is what has created this waterfall and it is also the cap rock for more famous durable hoodoos.
From here we traveled toward Kodachrome Basin State Park. Instead of turning into the Park
our goal was to head toward Grosvenor Arch. The dirt road takes you eight miles south of Kodachrome following along the Paria River.
Grosvenor Arch is actually two sandstone arches towering 150 feet above the ground in the north western corner of the Grand Escalante National Monument. The Largest arch is nearly 100 feet in diameter. You can walk right up under the arches and look up into the sky.
Originally named Butler Arch by early settlers, Grosvenor Arch was renamed in 1947 by a National Geographic Society expedition in honor of their founder.
Then and now, adventurers find this remote wonder awe-inspiring and a true work of natural art!!!!
We did not venture into Kodachrome State Park, but will save that for another trip.
Another wonderful day of sightseeing such beautiful sights... this country is amazing!!!
More from the road to follow.
Love, Candy and Johnny
