This short hike to the falls was one of the most worthwhile mini adventures taken in a long long time... The reward was this magical ice covered masterpiece of nature... We got super lucky with our timing and caught the falls in one of the most amazing moments.... Do not pass this one up... read more

Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

A 30 foot frozen falls await you up a fairly steep one mile trail that has lots of rocks and plenty of ice/snow melt in late March. Be sure to wear shoes/boots with good grips for the trail. The hike is well worth it. As I approached the falls, the sound was just surreal as I could hear the water flowing below the frozen ice from the falls. There is also a beautiful blue glow from the frozen falls. A must see if you are near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. read more

Zapata Falls - Frozen Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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This was awesome! After a hot day at the sand dunes, we did this short hike up to the falls. Once we got to the creek area, I thought "this is okay." Then, we went to the back and then ran into that cave (of sorts) and climbed up to the falls. It was so much cooler in the cave, I'd guess 20 deg F cooler than ambient: such a welcoming feeling on a hot day. The next time I'm in the area I want to hike up to the source of the water. read more

Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

great hiking path up to the waterfall. was mostly frozen but is so beautiful! must see read more

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If you're going to be nearby at Sand Dunes NP, Zapata Falls is definitely worth the trip! The road up to the trail head is one of the bumpiest drives I have ever been on -- even though it is only a few miles, expect it to take 25+ minutes. The trail itself is really well marked, clean, and takes only 10 or so minutes to the top. The best part is being able to walk through the river (sandals/chacos/water shoes recommended), in between the rock cave walls, and get very close to the waterfall. It was like an oasis. Such a fun, free, and quick activity! read more

Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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This campground has great views from every spot!!!!The waterfall is beautiful too!!!!!

Do not go up if you have a regular compact car, the unpaved rocky road was pretty rough. We decided to just hike the unpaved road (~ 3 miles) by foot. Bring lots of water and a snack because it's a long hike up. Once you get to the stream. you still have a small hike to the waterfall. We took off our hiking boots to get across. The water was cold. It's worth hiking to the waterfall! read more

Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

A short hike to a great waterfall. It is shaded once you get to the river. I wore hiking sandals, which was great for the 2nd half of the hike. The "path" next to the river is rocky and steep- you have to scramble to not get wet. But with the sandals- I just walked in the water which was much easier, although cold. Also- the view from the parking lot is great!! Great views of great sand dunes national park. Road to lot is unpaved- and steep going down. read more

Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

Fantastic hike! The falls were frozen but they were beautiful! The trail is quite rocky but beautiful and well maintained. read more

Zapata Falls - Zapata Falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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Great place. We went at the end of April and the falls were still frozen over. It was really pretty to see. We did not actually walk on the ice as all the reviews warned of how slippery it is. The hike up to Zapata Falls was much rockier than we thought and definitely took some energy. It is rated "easy" for a hike but honestly I thought it was more moderate. read more

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In 2022 they paved the road up to the trailhead! Hike is short with a nice payoff. The cool water (and the air-conditioning effect if creates) is really nice on a hot day in late July! read more

My friend recommended this spot, once I did some research, it looked really nice! (Experience may be different during the season). Here was my experience early June. Directions: It's pretty straight forward, the hike is probably 2 miles. iIt's just the off-road driving that will be very length and timely. Hiking Difficulty: Easy The main challenge is the bumpy drive really. Other than that, if you go early June, the ice has freshly melted. Thus the water trek is SUPER cold! Going towards the waterfall will give you resistance. You WILL get wet on the final stretch heading towards the waterfall. However if you do go during the Winter..I heard it's simply bea-utiful! Advice: * If you're visiting, I highly recommend an off-road vehicle to rent. Once you go off road, a 3 mile drive is a bumpy 40+ minutes with a regular car * Great hike for kids and adults, it really is a short hike. read more

Zapata Falls - 1 mile later, the river! - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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Wow. Amazing little walk to a great Colorado Landmark. Wear shoes you can walk in the river with for sure! read more

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Here is a video of my experience https://youtu.be/Ru-p8rRSrVY I was so excited about being able to actually hike up a mountain and see a waterfall!! That excitement was partially vanished when we got to the actual road leading up to the trail!! THE ROAD WAS HORRIBLE!!! It took 30 minutes to make it up a 3.5 mile road!! OMG!! We finally made it up the road and up the trail. The trail was about 1/2 a mile long. We had just visited Great Sand Dunes and we were already tired, so I struggled to make it up!! Make sure you have hiking boots!! We didn't have any and when we got to the creek, we were slipping off the rocks!! The water is freezing cold, so be ready!! We didn't even get to see the falls because there was a line of people waiting, so we just turned around!! Try not to go at a busy time!! read more

Zapata Falls - Heading toward the falls through the freezing water!! - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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I had spent the first portion of my day exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park and since I had extra time, I had read that Zapata Falls was a worthwhile place to visit. Zapata Falls is located just off the main road 5 minutes away from the entrance to Great Sand Dunes NP. The sign to access Zapata Falls is clear and visible. It was mentioned in my research that to get to the falls area you must drive 3 miles on a dirt, gravel road. LET ME CLARIFY THIS! It was one of the worst maintained, bumpy and rugged roads I may have ever driven on!!! Halfway through the brutal trek, I was highly considering turning around, especially since it was the 2nd day of my 10 day journey through some of Colorado's great national parks and I felt like I was doing serious damage to my rental car! :( Also...it's not like there's AAA or a gas station near the Great Sand Dunes area to come rescue you. Fortunately, my Ford Focus made it to the falls trailhead! My only thinking at this point was how am I going to make the 3 mile trip back down the road...but my intrigue for seeing what Zapata Falls looked like kept me forging ahead. Once at the parking lot, there's a trailhead sign saying the short hike to the falls is about a 1/2 mile, mostly uphill, but not strenuous at all. The area along the hike is mostly surrounded by trees and forest, nothing too scenic. Approaching the falls, you will walk along rocks that are halfway submerged in water coming from the base of the falls. This water forms a gentle stream. My shoes did get a little wet here...but as long as you carefully watch your step... I visited on May 2, 2018 and Zapata Falls were halfway frozen. Also, the falls were located in a tiny little opening/crevice where you will stand on rocks while maintaining your balance to view a mostly ordinary and uneventful looking waterfall. And...my photos appeared dull and blurry at times with an overall lack of inspiration. There was a giant block of ice coinciding next to the falls which made for a disappointing setting. After witnessing Zapata Falls, I quickly questioned to myself, "why in the world did I drive the roughest 3 mile road to get here???" My lasting impression...it was not worth it whatsoever to come here. The falls weren't nearly as picturesque as I had anticipated. I couldn't wait to return to my car and get myself back to the main entranceway. I would suggest skipping Zapata Falls and spend as much time as possible touring Great Sand Dunes National Park...a much more interesting and colorful destination to appreciate nature and the great outdoors. read more

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We took the hike in the afternoon while staying at the dunes. It's a short drive on blacktop to the forestry road, and then a brutal climb on a dirt / gravel road. If you have a sedan or low riding vehicle then dont attempt this drive. 4x4 isn't necessary in dry conditions, but it is rough. Once up to the trailhead, it is well worth the half mile hike. It's an easy hike that is up hill but it's not technical and there are plenty of rest stops. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the dunes and a really cool waterfall and creek area. Rocks are slippery, bring water shoes or hiking boots. Going barefoot will hurt your feet and your shoes will get wet for sure. Well worth it - especially with kids. read more

This place is AWESOME. There is a drive up the mountain maybe 3-4 miles of dirt/rock road. The drive sucks. Well it sucks in the sense that it takes a bit to climb because you don't want to ruin your vehicle and not sure what to expect when turning the corners. The hike to the actual part of where the water is short. Once you get to the water you will either go thru the water and wet your shoes or you will try to go over on top of the rocks trying not to get wet. The water is COLD. Take an extra pair of shoes in case you get wet. The fall is thru a cave. The process of going thru the water is what takes time. There are several people going thru at the same time as you. I would recommend you go but for sure have a good vehicle (wouldn't say small car), good shoes either hiking shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals with good grip on bottom. read more

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This hike is Beautiful! We came here in October and the colors of the leave made this hike even more beautiful. The actual hike is less then a mile long, not a steep terrain at all but a little up hill. Very rocky but easy to walk through. You can start to hear the waterfall as your getting close. You'll come to an opening of large trees and you'll want to head towards the right and cross the river a few times, go through the cave area and there is the amazing waterfall! I'd recommend going in the summer as the water is Freezing in October and you will get your feet wet when crossing the river. There's a 4 mile lake hike you can do afterwards if you're up for it. The only con: the non grated road on the way up to the hike. This road needs some serious work done to it! read more

Zapata Falls - Entrance to Zapata falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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Well worth the short trip if you are in the Great Sand Dunes National Park area. The access road is well marked south of the GSDNP entrance, a short drive but bumpy ride will get you to the trailhead. This area is very nice with a campground, real bathrooms, lots of parking and a great vista! The hike up to the falls is about 1/4 mile and its really rocky but easily navigable. Once you get to the water, provided there is no ice, you wade back upstream to see the falls. You can hear them crashing down but you have to be inquisitive and willing to get wet to actually see them. When we went, it was still spring and the stream was ice covered so no need for us to get wet...the actual falls were beautiful and partially ice-covered and so cool! Its a great side-trip and in the heat of the summer the dip in the stream will be a welcome diversion! read more

Zapata Falls - Inside the falls cavern while ice has formed. - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

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Interesting drive up the 3-mile washboard, uneven and rough road which was half the fun. Road could use some gravel and grading, but assuming it's a big washout any time it rains. Parking at the top was plentiful and there were plenty of garbage cans for folks that still seem challenged with cleaning up after themselves. Pit toilets are available in a pinch but see a lot of use and are badly in need of cleaning. The hike is an easy 1/4 mike up hill and culminates in an icy water hike to the falls. Water shoes are recommended although we watched a couple hike it in cowboy boots and have them thoroughly soaked. Falls are neat and make for good photos. Nice change of pace from GSDNP and we enjoyed the view from near the top of the hike looking back over the dunes. Give this a try, you'll like it. read more

Zapata Falls - Our son in front of the falls - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

This waterfall may not be the biggest or most impressive throughout most of the year BUT let me tell you, in the WINTER, it is a SIGHT TO SEE! The waterfall turns into an ice sculpture and the river becomes a frozen pathway covered in snow. There is still the sound As previously mentioned, the hike is short. There is an incline and with the 30 degree weather plus the altitude, that was enough of a challenge for me. I really appreciated the short hike and it still got my heart rate up. A good layer of snow covered the ground but there were some rocks that surfaced through. There is no entrance/parking fee and the drive up is very rocky! I had an SUV which helped the drive up, especially on the ice and snow. There are plenty of signs that help designate where the parking and trail is. There was so much snow so I got a little confused as to where the trail started but it is right before the restroom! There is a map that shows the waterfall and the lake. The lake is a much further hike and more challenging. I drove 5 hours from Grand Junction and Zapata Falls made it worth it! The Great Sand Dunes are less than 2 miles away which is another plus! I highly recommend this hike, especially in the Winter time! Plan a visit! read more

There is not a road to Zapata Falls. It is a wide, extremely rocky trail that you're supposed to drive on. The "road:" It makes everyone grumpy. Could BLM perhaps turn this area over to another entity that would have/gather the funds to build a road? But the water rushing at the top of the hike is very refreshing. We couldn't see the waterfall, but a guy who'd hiked back through the ice cold water showed me a video! Too high & fast runoff to try to get up in there with kiddos on that day (late June). Gorgeous views from the hike. read more

I've been to Zapata two times over the last 10 years, once with an SUV and another with a 4x4 truck. I tried it once in a Camry but I turned back around and parked in the lower parking lot and jumped into my friend's truck. I wouldn't recommend using a car or to anyone who takes care of their car and wants to keep their suspension in tact for a while. Use your own judgment if you have a rental car you don't care about. Road is washboard in a few places and just too bumpy for me. Once you get to the upper parking area, the road is much smoother and there are clean men's and women's restrooms. After the pit stop and quick view of the dunes, take the short 15-20 minute hike up to the river area. Once there, you can hike to your right about 5 minutes along the rocks or within the river itself and eventually get to the falls area. You will get wet of course if you want to hike around the corner, wade thru the water a bit and see the actual falls. After seeing that or hiking as far right as you desire, I recommend hiking back to your left to see the small metal dam area. There is a large drainage pipe and a limb catcher so that large limbs or logs don't go through. The river and falls area is completely shaded and much cooler in temperature than the surrounding landscape or during the hike, so stay up there about 30 mins to an hour to cool off, if going in the summer. read more

I was passing by on my way back from Great Sand Dunes National Park. I wish i could say we visited but the road up was full of large rocks that worried me. Traveling in a 4Runner with 32" BFG KO2 tires usually makes me feel confident, but without an equivalent spare tire, I wasn't willing to take the risk. I wouldn't recommend trying to the two miles up with regular street tires, as I saw a Durango attempt. The chance of blowing one seemed high. With more time in the day to travel up there slowly I will probably return. 4 stars because the pictures looked great but the road up there proved worrisome. read more

This was a great adventure! Just to warn you, you will have to drive 3-4 miles on non-terrain- we were "off roading" in a Camry so it took quite a while! Then you hike for a while until you see a cave and beautiful rocks with running water. You then hop across the rocks and enter the cave. There you will see a beautiful but small waterfall! We went during the 3rd weekend of April so part of it was frozen and part was running. This is definitely a place to visit if you're also seeing the Dunes! read more

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Took a trip to Zapata falls on June 1st and it wasn't what my girlfriend and I expected at all. First of the few mile dirt road into the parking area really sucks, it's one of the worst washboard roads I've ever seen and is in need of serious grading. The hike to the "falls" is very easy and is only 1/2 mile, but the surprising thing is that you don't actually see the falls when you get there. You have to wade upstream and climb on slippery rocks for a ways in order to see anything. This isn't explained at all on travel sites, guides, etc.. Encountered other people who expected to see a falls from the end of the hike and were disappointed as well. If you have the proper clothing and time I'm sure it's nice to see, but it's not the "quick 1/2 mile neat falls" that everyone describes it to be. read more

After a cold trip to the Great Sand Dunes, the brown sign pointing up a road off to the left and the jazzy name "Zapata Falls" made us spontaneously flick the turn signal, make a left, and head up the dirt road. Being winter and all, the snow was a little daunting, especially since I was driving a Corolla--not some snow-ready truck. The road was easy, sure enough, and the further we drove up the mountain, the better the views became of the land stretching out to the west. After 3 miles of driving, you end up in the camping and parking area. A very, very short and not at all strenuous trail leads further up the mountain. For those not used to the altitude, take a moment to take a breather, drink some water, and snap a ton of photos of the vista behind you. Once you get to the falls, you can tell it's special. A big craggy ravine is presented to you with a road of water leading into its tall opening. When we went, the whole river was frozen. While you could absolutely hear the water burbling underneath the ice, it's perfectly safe to walk on (for a lot of the season. Don't be stupid.) You can actually walk up the frozen rapids, into the ravine, and witness the majestic hidden waterfall, frozen in place. It is positively breathtaking, and the delicate sound of the water, still falling behind the ice, resonates against the stone all around you. Simply beautiful. Now that I've been in the winter, I'm not sure I'd want to visit any other time of year. It's so accessible, close to another major, natural attraction (the dunes), and only requires a short hike for a huge visual and aural reward. Zapata, I like you. read more

We were camping at the Sand Dunes and we decided to check out this local spot. The actual hike to the falls was not bad, probably 15-20 minutes. The worst part is driving to the parking lot because we were not in a 4WD. My poor prius struggled to climb on a rocky road at 13 mph for 30 minutes. It felt like forever....Once you get there, you will see a pool of water. The water was freezing cold even though it was July. You have to walk in water (or if you are careful enough you may be able to walk on the rocks) to reach the falls. I walked in the water and in about 20 seconds my feet were numb. It was a really small falls. I would say the hiking and walking in freezing water are more exciting than seeing the falls. I think it's a fun activity if you are near the area. Plus the cold water is a great way to cool you off when it's 85F outside. :D read more

The dirt track is nuts but can be done in a carolla, just take it slow. Worth the effort. The views are great and the waterfall is very pretty. Bring a second pair of shoes. read more

Zapata Falls - Still plenty of water in August. - Hiking Near Me - Alamosa, Colorado

This was a super cool hike! The only sucky part is the long gravel road you have to pass in order to get to the parking lot. Other than that, parking's free, there's a bathroom @ the parking lot, a picnic bench by the bathroom & the hike to see the actual falls is super short. There's lots of trails that extend far past the falls so don't forget to explore a little more after seeing the falls! The falls were frozen when I came today & it was a super cool site to see. Make sure to walk extra carefully around that area because it's icy, slippery, and potential unstable (since the ice is melting). I know Jeremy T. said he wouldn't recommend driving that gravel road with a Camry but today I went with a super old Honda Accord and it was okay. Along the trail there are plenty of benches so you can stop & rest. You'll pass this place if you're on your way to see the sand dunes. I didn't have to wade thru the rocky area to see the falls as Aaron N. described because it was still frozen over. If you do come during the warmer summer months, bring shoes you wouldn't mind wading thru water with. read more

Well worth the hike in August 2017. Water was cold. Beautiful view. Met friendly folks along the way. To fully see the Falls you have to manage to walk on wet rocks. Be careful. read more

Zapata falls is well worth the effort. However, I really do emphasize "effort". When you first get to the turnoff for the falls, the pavement ends and you are greeted by a "rough road" sign. This sign is at most an understatement. If you have a naggy backseat driver in your car, this is a good place to leave them, for the road ahead is not for the faint of heart... By all means can you access the falls in your sedan, although you must ask yourself if the reward is indeed worth the risk. Before you lies 3 miles of the most rocky, washboarded, and bumpy "2WD" road you will probably experience. Guys and gals with 4x4 rigs go ahead and laugh at me, but you must admit, those with city cruisers deserve a fair warning... The drive to the parking lot will take 30-45 minutes, depending entirely on how much you respect your vehicle. Once you get to the parking lot, there is adequate parking to give your car a much needed rest, and a vault toilet for you to empty the fearful contents of your bowels. Now comes the real fun!!! Before starting the hike, make sure you have the necessary equipment. If it's a warm day, the following does not apply as much. You will be hiking in a creek. The creek is cold. Very cold. And slippery. VERY SLIPPERY. I recommend that you have waterproof shoes and a sturdy walking stick, because they very well might save you from a sprained ankle or busted skull. At the very least, bring an extra pair of socks. You're gonna need them. The trail to the creek is only slightly rockier than the road you drove in on, so it should raise no alarm. It is very short and well worth the gradual climb. It goes without saying that you are at high altitude (over 9k ft), so you should plan on taking it easier than usual if you're a fellow flatlander. Enjoy the hike, take plenty of pictures, and watch your step! read more

This should definitely not be missed if you are nearby!! We were there over Thanksgiving so the trail was covered in snow, there were a few spots on the road up to it that needed 4 wheel drive. The falls were seriously one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life halfway frozen. We were able to climb up super close to the falls like I can't imagine happening in summer. It was a easy hike up with our dog as well! read more

Short semi-steep hike that is absolutely worth it. Wear or take shoes that you don't mind to get wet as you have to walk in the creek to see the falls. Such a beautiful place. read more