zapata falls

Don't let the snow keep you from the short hike up to the falls - the trail is in good shape and the ice falls are worth the extra time.

Have been to Zapata Falls a couple of times during the last 20 years. Excellent little hike to the falls. You will not be disappointed by making the time to visit here!

We were short on time, but I'd always wanted to see Zapata Falls, so we made the trek up the mountain and hiked to the gorgeous frozen falls. Others have said the road is bad, but they likely don't live in the mountains - it was a mild jeep road that could be done in the right 2-wd vehicle. It was about a 1/2 mile (not 1/4 mile as the sign says), but totally worth it. I would love to go back when the water is ripping.

We're adventurous, so we asked the ranger at the Great Sand Dunes what else was worth seeing in the area. He advised us to drive and hike up to experience the Zapata Falls. It's on your way out of the Park, going back to Alamosa. It's off Hwy 150, about half way between the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center and Hwy 160. We weren't certain at first, as it is a rough windy road up to the parking lot. But...it is absolutely well worth it! What a wonderful view of the Sand Dunes. Highly recommend, if you have the time. Nice trail to the falls. You're not going to get wet, unless you are crazy like me and want to get up real close to photograph the falls coming through the rocks.

We stopped by Zapata Falls just after our trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Alamosa. It was definitely worth a stop, but even in the blistering heat in the middle of July, the water was freezing! The falls are located just a quick 20 minute walk from campsites and a parking lot. We would recommend wearing proper water shoes if you plan to hike the falls themselves. It wasn't terribly crowded in the middle of the day, so that was a nice time to visit.

lived here for years never went up there so worth the small hike. Hidden treasure right here in the valley

This time of year the falls is mostly frozen. You can hear and feel the water running under the ice sheet and go into the grotto and see the head of the falls frozen into a tube. You can see through part of it and see water rushing down. Very cold in the grotto.

It's a great family hike only a few miles up to the falls. It was frozen over when we went in Nov 2012 so we got to hike up inside. The drive to get there seemed like it was going no where so just give it a few, you'll find it. It is worth it, so beautiful!

We stopped by after checking out the sand dunes.. The drive up to the parking lot is really rocky and seems to take forever. The hike up to the falls is not too bad and it's really fun to get to the cave to see the water fall.. It was completely iced when we went so it was a bit slick but we didn't have to get wet to see them. I am interested to go in the summer and wade through the water! The falls had created an ice tunnel that looked absolutely breathtaking!!! This was my husband's favorite part of our Colorado weekend!!!

As others have said the road up is rutted, but just go slow and its fine. Keep going until you find the parking lot and toilet. There are trailheads along the way, but just keep going.The hike is easy with few ambiguous side trails. Just keep going up. You will need to cross the stream and it is very cold. The view of the Great Sand Dunes on the way back is fantastic.

Worth the short hike to see the falls. Incredible views of the San Luis Mtns and Sand Dunes. Great camping sites with lots of hiking trails.

The drive up here is rougher than the hike which is only 1/4 mile. Going in Oct there was a bit of ice which made crossing over tot he falls a bit tricky but well worth it. A benefit was that there was an ice halo around the falls which in the sunlight was very special.

The Zapata Falls area has many opportunities for adventure from the mild to the wild. You can take a relatively short hike into the falls or if you are more motivated, you can hike to the lake (6.5 miles and about 3,000 vertical feet). If you are REALLY looking for an adventure, a summit of Ellingwood Peak is possible (class 2 climbing from the lake). The views from the falls, lake or peak are spectacular. The views of the Great Sand Dunes and San Luis Valley floor are amazing. Parking is great, bathrooms nice, camping close by, but be prepared for a bumpy road up from Hwy 150.

Good views of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Rapids were good for photography. Road was OK for 2wd.

Moderate but short hike to falls area - watch feet carefully for ankle-rolling. Once at the falls area, wonderful small forest with tall trees, benches, beautiful rocky stream. Must cross in a few places (not too hard, but water is very cold) to get to the falls. Deep pond usually prevents seeing the full falls, but you get most of the view there. Lots of birds, chipmunks, and scenery.