Zapata Falls: A Hidden Oasis in the Rockies
Discover a hidden waterfall near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Hike through stunning scenery and wade into a cool canyon to find Zapata Falls!
Tucked away in a rocky crevasse near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls is a unique 25-foot waterfall accessed by a short hike and a wade through the refreshing, snow-melt-fed Zapata Creek. The falls offer stunning views of the San Luis Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A brief summary to Zapata Falls Trailhead
- Zapata Falls Trail, Mosca, Colorado, 81146, US
- +1719-852-5941
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear water shoes or sandals for the final approach to the falls, as you'll need to wade through the cold waters of Zapata Creek.
- Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds, as parking can be limited, especially during summer and on weekends.
- Bring a towel to dry off after wading through the creek, as the water can be quite cold, even in summer.
- Consider visiting in winter to see the frozen waterfall, but be prepared for icy conditions and wear microspikes for traction.
- Combine your visit to Zapata Falls with a trip to the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park for a full day of adventure.
Getting There
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Driving
From Mosca, CO, head east on US-160 for 0.4 miles, then turn left onto CO-17 and drive for 13.1 miles. Turn right onto Lane 6N and continue for 10.2 miles, then continue onto Ln 6 for 5.6 more miles. Continue onto 6 for 0.2 miles and then turn right onto CO-150 S and drive for 2.8 miles. Turn left onto Zapata Falls Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead parking area. Be aware that Zapata Falls Road is unpaved and can be bumpy. Parking is free at the trailhead. Limited parking is available, so arrive early.
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Walking
From the parking lot, the Zapata Falls Trail begins at the far end. Follow the well-established trail for approximately half a mile until you reach South Zapata Creek. To see the falls, you must walk through the creek. The last 75 feet or so to the falls involves walking in the river and on wet rocks. Footing can be difficult, so wear appropriate shoes and proceed with caution. The water is cold year-round.
Discover more about Zapata Falls Trailhead
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