By Hannah Lehr.
Zapata Falls is a 30-foot waterfall nestled in Colorado’s Sangre De Crisco Mountains. This hidden gem is 20 minutes away from the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, and it makes for an awesome cease on the best way to the park. This quick hike will solely take half-hour to an hour out of your day, relying on how lengthy you are taking to soak within the views. Not solely are the falls stunning, however the hike additionally boasts unbelievable views of the San Juan Valley under.
Getting There
The Zapata Falls trailhead is situated East of the city of Mosca and 12 miles South of the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park. When following Route 150 to the Dunes, you will notice the signal in your proper for Zapata Falls Recreation Space. Flip right here and observe the filth street.
You will have to observe this filth street up the mountain for about 3.5 miles to get to the trailhead. There are plenty of rocks and potholes to be careful for. I’d say any passenger automobile would just do tremendous, as long as you are taking it sluggish. This isn’t a street in your Miata or lowered BMW. You’ll observe this street till you attain the parking zone. There are many pull-offs to admire the Dunes from above as you drive 1,000 toes into the air.
Parking could be fairly restricted. There are about 24 spots, however for a way common this hike is, it may possibly replenish at occasions. Head to the falls on a weekday or early within the morning to beat the crowds. The trailhead is on the prime of the parking zone subsequent to the pit bogs.
The path itself is a reasonably simple, .8 mile out-and-back path. The half that proves to be troublesome is when you have to traverse the frigid river right into a cave to succeed in the secluded falls. Even when you select to not stroll via the river, you’ll be able to nonetheless watch the gorgeous, glacial river circulate.
Finest Occasions to Go to
Zapata Falls could be loved all yr spherical, however it’s particularly nice throughout the summer season and winter months. In the summertime, it’s nice to chill down within the chilly, glacial falls. The water ranges are excessive and count on to wade via water to succeed in the bottom of the falls.
Hikers additionally expertise an enormous temperature drop as they drive up the mountain, which could be actually refreshing on a scorching summer season day. The draw back to visiting throughout the summer season is that the path is very busy throughout this time. Many individuals come from the sunbaked Dunes seeking to cool off within the falls. Nonetheless, that is the perfect time to go to the place the water is bearable.
On the flip facet, winter can be a good time to go to. Although driving up the filth street is kind of terrifying within the winter, you’re assured to be one of many few individuals on the hike. This can be a nice time to go to the falls if you don’t want to get moist, because the falls are utterly frozen within the winter. It’s an unbelievable expertise to trek throughout the frozen river to this big column of ice rising alongside the canyon.
Visiting within the spring will guarantee decrease water ranges, which is able to will let you attain the bottom of the falls by solely getting your toes moist. From right here, it is possible for you to to climb to the second stage of the falls. That is an unbelievable viewpoint, and the sheer energy of the falls is overwhelming! It nonetheless could also be chilly this time of yr, so costume appropriately.
Visiting within the fall provides you with that stunning, golden foliage that’s iconic to Colorado. Relying on how late into the autumn it’s, the water ranges should still be excessive and can begin to freeze as winter approaches.
Climate and Applicable Dresswear
Count on the temperature to drop 10 levels when you attain the parking zone, and one other 5-10 when you attain the falls. On a scorching summer season day, you will get away with sporting shorts and a T-Shirt on this hike, however don’t count on the water within the falls to ever be heat.
It’s greatest to put on crocs or water sneakers, as you can be traversing a creek and wading via chest-level water if you wish to attain the precise base of the falls. Though the water could be refreshing after a balmy day, it can be fairly chilly when you’ve been moist for some time. I recommend bringing a towel and sweatshirt when you do determine to wade to the bottom of the falls.
Within the Spring and Fall, I like to recommend a rain jacket and rain boots to stop you from getting too moist and chilly. It’s arduous to not get moist on this hike, which might actually suck when it’s so chilly outdoors. Within the Winter, remember to bundle up and count on frigid temperatures! Trekking poles are advisable as a result of the frozen river could be fairly slippery.
Should-Dos at Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is a particular place among the many locals and is a bucket-list vacation spot for a lot of vacationers. The hike is especially superior due to how simple and accessible it’s as much as the river. Viewing the falls and admiring the canyon that shelters it’s simply one of many many issues to do at Zapata Falls.
Apart from the falls, there are many attractive views on this hike! From the parking zone, remember to catch the unbelievable viewpoint of the Dunes from above. That is the perfect viewpoint of the Dunes in Colorado, they usually look so small from the highest of the mountains.
Admire the San Juan Valley under, and the San Juan Mountains within the distance. That is an particularly attractive view within the Fall with the golden foliage. There are many cliffside pull-offs to take pictures of the valley with an unobstructed view.
For seasoned hikers, attempt the close by South Zapata Path. This 7-mile path not solely takes you to the falls, but additionally to South Zapata Lake. This emerald, inexperienced lake is well worth the trek when you’re on the lookout for a day-long backpacking journey, or an in a single day tenting journey. Ending at Zapata Falls is a unbelievable strategy to cool off after the lengthy hike.
My Private Key Highlights
I personally had a blast traversing via the river. I visited throughout late September, and the temperature was about 50 levels. It was fairly chilly, however I ignored the truth that I couldn’t really feel my toes in my crocs and stored going. I used to be capable of make it a number of toes from the bottom of the falls, the place I used to be as much as my knees in water. I used to be awe-struck by the echoes of the falls towards the rock partitions, and the great thing about the crystal clear water flowing via the canyon.
I particularly appreciated the adrenaline rush I obtained from this hike. Reaching the falls felt like an journey, and it was absolutely rewarding to see them for myself. This actually made the hike distinctive. Additionally, most individuals don’t wade too deep within the water, so I had the falls to myself for a great twenty minutes!
Lastly, I loved the drive as much as the parking zone. Though scary, I appreciated the unbelievable views of the valley and sand dunes that I didn’t must work significantly arduous for.
Issues Guests Ought to Be Conscious Of
Though the hike as much as the river is definitely accessible for anyone, strolling backwards and forwards throughout the river can show to be troublesome. To see the falls, you have to traverse via the river. Watch out, because the rocks could be very slippery. It’s best to put on water sneakers, as your toes will get moist. Older individuals and young children might not have the ability to make it to the falls.
The water is chilly year-round, and the temperature drops drastically as you attain the falls! Be sure that to decorate accordingly.
Parking could be restricted, particularly within the Summer time and on Weekends. There are pit bogs situated within the parking zone.
Visiting Zapata Falls is totally free for all guests, and canines are allowed as long as they’re leashed.
Automobiles with very abnormally low clearance might not have the ability to make it up the street to Zapata Falls. Regular passenger automobiles ought to just do tremendous however drive slowly.
Whereas Visiting Zapata Falls, Additionally Verify Out…
Clearly, a visit to Zapata Falls isn’t full and not using a go to to Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park. Take in the solar by mountain climbing to Star Dune and go to the falls afterwards to chill off. The park entrance is situated 12 miles from the falls and could be reached by persevering with straight on Route 150.
There are additionally unbelievable tenting alternatives close to Zapata Falls. Primitive spots at Zapata Falls Campground could be booked on-line and go for $11 an evening. At these spots, there are solely a picnic desk and a fireplace ring, so be ready. This can be a excellent place to base your self for exploring the falls in addition to the Sand Dunes.
Close by Amenities
If tenting isn’t fairly your type, there are many lodging choices in close by Alamosa and Mosca.
Dunes Inn is a superb place to remain that’s in downtown Alamosa. This resort is a price range possibility with small-town hospitality and costs. It’s only 2 miles from the airport, and is a wonderful possibility for any person flying in. For a pricier possibility, attempt Fairfield Inn by Mariott Alamosa. Although actually, the costs to remain in these motels are low contemplating how rural the realm is.
The closest grocery retailer to the falls is the Dunes Oasis Retailer. Right here, they promote fuel, groceries, and little knickknacks to take house with you. Right here, you can too hire sandboards for driving the dunes!
Close by mountain climbing alternatives could be discovered close to Blanca Peak, in addition to the North Zapata Ridge. Right here, you will see that excessive elevation hikes meant for skilled hikers. The falls flip into an mountaineering alternative throughout the Winter months for these into climbing.
Don’t Overlook to Carry
- A water-resistant digicam! You’re assured to get moist someway, and it might suck to destroy your digicam. You’re going to need to take photos with out risking a moist digicam.
- Water sneakers throughout the summer season, rain boots throughout the fall and spring! You received’t need to be strolling round with moist sneakers.
- A trekking pole could be helpful on the slippery rocks
- Applicable layers, as it may possibly get very chilly up there!
My Score out of /10
I’d fee this hike a ten/10! It’s quick, simple, and nicely value it. It gives unbelievable views throughout the entirety of the path. The hike throughout the river and into the canyon gave me such an adrenaline rush. I used to be so giddy with pleasure to see the falls that I used to be listening to for half of the path! I like to recommend making your means out right here in your strategy to the Nice Sand Dunes.
Your ideas on Zapata Falls?
So many outside lovers chase the great thing about pure waterfalls. Have you ever visited Zapata Falls in any respect and if not, would this be in your want checklist? Please share your ideas with us under.