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Zepata Falls
Zepata Falls in Mosca.

Zapata Falls – Mosca

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Zapata Falls is remarkable waterfall hidden in the vast San Luis Valley. Access to the falls requires a half-mile, uphill hike. From atop the Zapata Falls recreation area you see can the whole valley.

It’s located just down the road from the Great Sand Dunes. It’s a worthwhile stop, offering a scenic high elevation camping are, a fun hike and a rewarding waterfall. It’s a BLM Special Recreation Management Area. In the winter, it’s used as an ice climbing spot.

Zapta Falls Winter Ice Climbers
Ice climbers on Zapata Falls. Photo by: Russ

Waterfall Hiking Trail near Alamosa

The hike to the falls is a 1/2 mile uphill trek on a dirt, rock path. When you reach the top you’ll be required to cross the stream twice or so in order to see the falls.

Zapata Falls Hiking Trail Cascades
Hiking trail to Zapata Falls. Photo by: Tee Poole

To really see the waterfall, you’ll need to step over the creek on wet rocks. Wear good shoes and remember your camera. From the parking area, it’s about a 20 minute hike to the falls.

The waterfall is sheltered in its own grotto, so you have to climb in a bit to soak it best in. Like most waterfalls, it’s best visited in spring in May or June, while it’s raging the most.

Zapata Falls Winter Ice
Spring conditions at Zapata Falls. Photo by: seabamirum

You can combine this waterfall into a longer nine-mile roundtrip hike to South Zapata Lake. You’ll be eager to cool your feet after this challenging hike at elevation.

Zapata Falls Campground

The other attraction is the Zapata Falls Campground, which is laid out on a mountainside and managed by the BLM. The overlooking views of the San Luis Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Great Sand Dunes are incredible from almost anywhere. It’s a worthy campsite for anyone’s bucket list.

Camping is free during the off-season and a fee during peak time. There are 20+ or so sites, mostly for tents. There are 2 pull-thru RV spots, but the road up to Zapata is pretty bumpy.

Zapata Falls Campground Colorado
Zapata Falls Campground. Photo by: Brittany Woiderski

If staying overnight at Zapata Falls Campground, arrive early for a prime spot with uninterrupted views. It’s less crowded than the Great Sand Dunes, with unbelievable views of the San Luis Valley. There areย  individual sites and group sites, reasonably priced, no hookups and the road up is pretty rough; depending on season, sometimes free. Restrooms are available.

Water sports, including fishing and boating, can be found nearby at San Luis State Wildlife Area.

Getting There

Zapata Falls is located just a few miles south on Highway 150 from the Great Sand Dunes. The entrance is on the east side of the road. From there it’s a 3.6 mile drive up a primitive gravel road. It’s a bit bumpy, but low-clearance, two-wheel drive cars should be fine, weather permitting. Follow the road to the main parking area.

Dirt and gravel road up to the parking area.
The road up to Zepata Falls is 3.6 miles of bumps.
The campground has incredible views of the surrounding San Luis Valley.
The hike up to the falls takes about 45 minutes round trip.
The Great Sand Dunes are visible from all over.
The falls are located in a dark cavern.
It's still partly frozen in early May.
Looking back at the entrance to the falls.
Up close at Zepata Falls. It's still partially frozen over in early May.
Water is available during the paid summer season.
All campsites have a table, grill pit and bear locker.
Spectacular view of the San Luis Valley from campground.
On the hike up you can see the Great Sand Dunes.
Hiking trail up to the falls.
Resting place at the top.
Waterfall is located further up in a cavern.
Looking out of the waterfall cave.
May and the falls are still partially frozen.

Details

Address: Highway 150, Mosca, CO

Coordinates: 37ยฐ37โ€ฒ08โ€ณN 105ยฐ33โ€ฒ11โ€ณW

Admission: Free

Website: blm.gov/visit/zapata-falls-srma

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