Zapata Falls, San Luis Valley Travel Guide

4.8 (1263)

Discover a hidden waterfall oasis near Great Sand Dunes National Park. Hike through a cool canyon to a unique cave with a 25-foot waterfall!

Discover Zapata Falls, a unique 25-foot waterfall tucked away in a rocky cave near Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. The short hike to the falls involves wading through a chilly stream, offering a refreshing escape, especially during the hot summer months. In winter, the falls transform into a stunning ice column, attracting ice climbers.

A brief summary to Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls Trail, Mosca, Colorado, 81146, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Zapata Falls.

Wear water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet for the final approach, as you'll be wading through a cold stream.
Visit during the summer for a refreshing escape from the heat, or in the winter to witness the frozen waterfall.
Arrive early, especially on weekends and afternoons, as parking is limited.
Bring a towel to dry off after wading through the creek.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Cano's Castle

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

San Luis State Wildlife Area

UFO Watchtower

San Luis Valley Museum | Alamosa

Explore Zapata Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Zapata Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Alamosa, drive east on US Highway 160 for 15 miles until you see signs for Great Sand Dunes National Park. Turn left onto Colorado State Highway 150 and drive north for 10.5 miles. Look for the sign and road for Zapata Falls on your right. The road to the parking area is a rough, gravel road that is steep in some places. Passenger cars are generally fine, but drive slowly. Parking is free at the trailhead. Parking is limited and can be busy on weekends and afternoons. Overflow parking is available on the road.
Walking

From the parking lot, follow the well-marked trail for approximately 0.5 miles (800 m). The trail is mildly steep and has some loose gravel and rocks. As you approach the falls, the trail narrows and you'll need to wade through the cold waters of Zapata Creek to reach the cave and view the waterfall. Be cautious of slippery rocks.

Discover more about Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls is a hidden gem located near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a short drive from Great Sand Dunes National Park. This unique waterfall is tucked inside a cave, carved over thousands of years by South Zapata Creek. The falls drop approximately 25-30 feet (9 m).The adventure begins with a mildly steep, 0.5-mile (800 m) hike from the parking area. The trail offers views of the San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes. The final approach to the falls requires wading through the cold waters of Zapata Creek. The water source is snowmelt, so be prepared for a refreshing, but chilly experience.In the summer, the falls provide a cool escape from the heat. The mist-filled cave is also a nesting site for black swift birds, one of the few known breeding locations in Colorado. During winter, Zapata Falls transforms into a breathtaking ice column, attracting experienced ice climbers.Zebulon Pike and his exploring team camped near South Zapata Creek in January 1807. The water from the creek disappears underground when it reaches the valley.