Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls is a waterfall in Alamosa County, Colorado, near the Rio Grande National Forest, south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, in the San Luis Valley, close to the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The waterfall drops roughly 9 meters. The 800 m climb to this waterfall is moderately difficult. It takes climbing rocks and crossing a brook to see the falls.

Zapata Falls is a 25-foot waterfall that plunges into a protected rocky chasm and is regarded as a hidden gem in Colorado. However, since this region of the state can get quite hot in the summer, the half-mile hike to the falls is invigorating, and the cool water feels excellent. Additionally, the parking lot for the waterfall hiking trail offers a wonderful view of the sand dunes.

When it freezes into an ice sculpture in the winter, the falls are quite stunning. Use your best judgment to determine whether you are up for the effort because the water is chilly and the rocks can be slippery in both the fall and the summer. Bring a jacket because the alcove's inside air can be chilly even at the height of summer.

Location: Alamosa County, Colorado