Zapata Falls: A Hidden Oasis in the San Luis Valley
Discover a hidden waterfall near the Great Sand Dunes! Hike through a rocky crevice to witness the beauty of Zapata Falls.
Discover Zapata Falls, a unique 25-foot waterfall tucked away in a rocky cave near the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. A short hike and a wade through a chilly stream lead to this refreshing natural wonder, offering stunning views and a cool escape from the desert heat.
A brief summary to Zapata Falls
- Zapata Falls Trail, Mosca, Colorado, 81146, US
- +1719-852-7074
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear shoes that can get wet, as you'll need to walk through the creek to reach the falls.
- Visit in the spring for the most impressive water flow or in the winter to see the frozen waterfall.
- Be prepared for limited parking, especially on weekends and afternoons.
- Bring extra socks and shoes, as your feet will get wet and cold.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Getting There
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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 for Zapata Falls on your right. Turn right onto the unpaved Zapata Falls Road (also known as Lake of the Falls Road) and drive 3 miles to the parking lot. The road is a rough gravel surface with bumps, so drive slowly. Parking is free, but limited, especially on weekends. Overflow parking is available along the road.
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Walking
From the parking lot, follow the well-marked trail north towards Zapata Falls. The trail is approximately 0.5 miles long and gains about 200 feet in elevation. The trail is mostly gravel and dirt, but becomes rocky as you approach the creek. Just before the creek, the trail splits from the trail to South Zapata Lake; stay left to reach Zapata Falls. To view the falls, you must wade through South Zapata Creek. The water is cold and the rocks can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. There are no fees or permits required to hike to Zapata Falls.
Discover more about Zapata Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Great Sand Dunes Parking
13.7 km
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Sierra Blanca Historical Information Panels
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The Secret Garden and Grotto
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Amelia Earhart Memorial
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La Veta Pass-Uptop Historic District
31.0 km
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Sbarro
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State Ave River Trail access
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Alamosa City Hall
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Alamosa Public Library
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Nino's Del Sol LLC
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Knee Knockers Bar & Grill
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Mi Taquito
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Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area
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The Carver House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Zapata Falls Trailhead
0.5 km
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Zapata Falls Campground
0.5 km
High-altitude camping with stunning views and a unique waterfall hike near Great Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado.
Zapata Ranch Preserve
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Zapata Ranch
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Great Sand Dunes Oasis
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Mountain Master Off-Road Tours
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Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
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Wellington Ditch Trail
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Piñon Flats Campground
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Star Dune
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Blanca Wetlands, BLM
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San Luis State Wildlife Area
17.1 km
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Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
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Escape Dunes
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Indian Grove
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Essential places to dine
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Country Kitchen - Alamosa
31.0 km
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4th Street Grille
32.0 km
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El Super Taco
32.0 km
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Hunan
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All Valley Cafe
32.1 km
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Thai House
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Mammoth Spud Cafe
32.3 km
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Thai Hut
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Pizza Hut
32.5 km
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Siam Cuisine Alamosa Thai & Sushi
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Domino's Pizza
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Pizza Hut Express
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Sonic Drive-In
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Campus Café
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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SpinDrift SandBoards
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Red Rock General Store
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Primitive Road Campsites
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Sinclair Gas Station
28.1 km
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Heaven To Home
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Dagglebeez
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Sand Dunes Recreation
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Mijares Boutique
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Habitat For Humanity ReStore Alamosa
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Hunt Avenue Boutique
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Wild Roses
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Rainbow's End Thrift Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Rustic Rook Resort
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The Hooper Junction & Ruby Rose Bakery / Cafe
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The Sanctuary
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Alpine Lodge
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Crafty Canary Brewery
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Mellow Moon Lodge
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Bernies Bar
94.1 km
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Defiance Night Club
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McClure's Saloon at World's End
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The Handlebar
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My Brother's Place
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