Zapata Falls in Colorado State

Zapata Falls

Swimming in the pool of a hidden waterfall is a magical experience that you can have right here in the San Luis Valley.

Plan Around Zapata Falls

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Zapata Falls Details

Swimming in the pool of a hidden waterfall is a magical experience that you can have right here in the San Luis Valley. However, it does take some effort to reach, especially considering you will need to navigate around rocky cliffs and even walk upstream of the Rio Grande River to reach it (so make sure you pack your water shoes). This region of Colorado can get extremely hot in the summer, and the powerful plummet of ice-cold water is a welcomed remedy to combat the heat. The falls are also equally as stunning in the winter when the water freezes over a creates a massive ice column in the middle of the pool.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Zapata Falls

Compare nearby parks around Zapata Falls when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

8.1 mi away

Great Sand Dunes

National Park · CO

132.8 mi away

Black Canyon

National Park · CO

157.7 mi away

Mesa Verde

National Park · CO

189.7 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

231.5 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

239.3 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Zapata Falls

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Zapata Falls while the map context is still fresh.

3.3 mi away

Medano Ranch

Ranch land owned by the Nature Conservancy.

6.4 mi away

Carbonate Peak

A bushwhack for experienced route-finders only.

7.5 mi away

Entrance Station

The park entrance is located on Colorado Highway 150.

8.1 mi away

Sand Sheet Loop Trail

A quarter-mile interpretive trail that begins at the Visitor Center.

8.1 mi away

Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

The only visitor center at Great Sand Dunes is located right past the entrance and features just about everything you need for a day on the dunes.