
Zapata Falls (9,250′), Sangre de Cristo Range
Zapata Falls (9,250′), Sangre de Cristo Range
The Zapata Falls Recreational Area is approximately three miles south of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve entrance.
The falls are located inside a cave and have a 30 foot drop that freezes in the winter months. Even in winter, water can still be heard flowing deep underneath the ice.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Zapata Falls
- Round trip: 1 mile / 1.6 km
- Elevation: 9,035′ – 9,250′ / 2,754 m – 2,819 m
- County: Saguache
- Agency: BLM
- Nat’l Forest: Rio Grande
Directions
GPX Route with Elevation
Trail Pictures
Looking up the frozen falls you can hear water still running underneath
Looking up the frozen falls you can hear water still running underneath
View of the Great Sand Dunes from Zapata Falls trail
View of the Great Sand Dunes from Zapata Falls trail
Zapata Falls turnoff near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Zapata Falls turnoff near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, drive south about 8 miles, then turn left (east) onto a dirt road. Drive the remaining 3.5 miles to the trailhead.
To view the falls, hike about 1/2 mile, cross the creek, then scramble up the rocks and stream into a crevasse where the 30 ft. high falls cascade down.
Trailhead Directions