Zapata Falls

Alamosa County, Colorado

4.7/5

based on 13 reviews

Save

View all 15 photos

All 15 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.84 miles

Elevation Gain

325 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Billy DiMirra

This is a hike is right outside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, that leads to a 30ft. cave waterfall.

Driving towards the Sand Dunes, you will see a sign marker that indicates the road up to Zapata Falls. Turn right onto the road a follow it for about 2 miles until you hit the parking lot at the top. The road is in pretty rough condition so if your car doesn't have high clearance make sure you take it slow. Once you reach the parking lot, you will see an 10ft sign indicating the trail head. You will follow the trail up for 1/2 mile leading to the cave entrance. Depending on the time of year you will continue into the cave, either on ice or through water and you will see the falls in the back of the cave.

Download Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Scenic

Waterfalls

Zapata Falls Reviews

Allison Snyder

Seeker

Zapata Falls

08/19/17

This hike is one of my all time favorites! 1/4 mile up a rocky trail to the water. Wading upstream in ankle deep, very cold water to the cave. Waterfall is in the back. It was spectacular! I loved all of it! Highly recommend! Throw on some water shoes, grab a walking stick and do it! Might want to take a 4WD vehicle up to the parking area, definitely a high clearance vehicle. There were cars there but no way I would've taken my Honda!

5.0

Explorer

Jake Sells

Explorer

Zapata Falls

06/16/17

After hiking up the dunes and getting sand in about every crevice of my body, Zapata falls was a nice little escape to cool down, Still iced over Memorial Day weekend.

4.0

Explorer

Korey Taylor

Explorer

Zapata Falls

04/20/17

Hiked to the falls in late April and most of the waterfall was still frozen over, but still so beautiful. The road out there was REALLY rough on my 2WD car, but it made it without falling apart. Win! If you're already in the area for the Great Sand Dunes I highly recommend checking the falls out as a part of your trip!

5.0

Explorer

Haley Baker

Explorer

Zapata Falls

02/13/17

The pictures on this adventure are amazing, but in all honesty don't do the falls justice. We came in mid-February and had the place to ourselves (get there early, folks!) and honestly thought it was one of the coolest hikes we've ever done. We used YakTrax, but would have been fine with no traction at all. The road really isn't maintained, and also lasts long enough to make you question whether or not you went the right way. The trail was snowcovered, but the parking lot and road were clear!

5.0

Alyssa Aaron

Seeker

Zapata Falls

10/17/16

The hike is SHORT but sweet. If you're already in the area I highly recommend checking this spot out. The cave is pretty awesome.

4.0

Brandyn Murray

Explorer

Zapata Falls

04/26/16

Visited Colorado a couple months back and was bummed i didnt make it out here to this amazing spot. Its definitely on my list the next time i'm back in the area.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Summit Little Bear Peak

This hike starts on Lake Como Road with the goal of eventually reaching Lake Como. If you have a modified 4WD car you can get all the way to the lake in it, but if you do not feel like risking damage to your vehicle park as low as you deem necessary to do that. Most 4WD stock vehicles can make it quite a ways up the road. The total mileage and elevation gain depend on how far you get on this ...

Mount Lindsey (CLOSED)

NOTE: As of September 2021, Mount Lindsey has been closed to public access indefinitely. (Source) At 14,042 Mt. Lindsey is not one of the tallest 14ers, but it is a fun objective regardless. The Lily Lake trailhead can be somewhat difficult to access without a high clearance car, but most cars can probably make it. There is quite a bit of private property along the road so just be careful if ...

Summit Blanca and Ellingwood Peaks

Blanca Peak is nestled at the heart (and the top) of a four peak ceiling located at the southern-most tip of Colorado's intimidating Sangre de Christo range. The peak is known for its impeccable 360 degree views, as you can see well over 100 miles in every direction thanks to Colorado's clean, crisp, thin air. The entire hike is roughly 17 miles round trip and should be done in two days. Ambi...

Mosca Pass Trail

The Mosca Pass trail is an (approx) 6.5 mile out and back hike that takes you through beautiful ponderosa and aspen forests to summit 1500 above the start. The trailhead parking is the first left after the Great Sand Dunes visitor center. It is a moderate hike, but allow for several hours, as the wildflowers are fantastic and there are several scenic views. The trail follows a beautiful babblin...

Star Dune and High Dune Loop

There is no established trail or route to summit Star Dune which is the beauty of the ever changing and serene nature in the Great Sand Dune National Park. Star Dune is the tallest sand dune in North America, at 750' tall and reaching a summit of 8617'. However, High Dune to its north is at a higher elevation, making it the highest point in the dunes. To summit Star Dune, hikers must chart th...

High Dune

The Great Sand Dunes are one the most unique landscapes in Colorado. These massive dunes are the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking these dunes can be very difficult, but well worth the amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. If you plan on visiting in the summer, be sure to wear closed footwear. The sand can get up to 140 °F in the summer months. Be sure to bring a sled...

Zapata Falls

Details

Description

Download Outbound mobile app

Features

Zapata Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Summit Little Bear Peak

Mount Lindsey (CLOSED)

Summit Blanca and Ellingwood Peaks

Mosca Pass Trail

Star Dune and High Dune Loop

High Dune

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps