Colorado.com Staff Writer

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<p>Snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains flows through a thirsty landscape across the San Luis Valley to one of the longest rivers in the country: The Rio Grande. Nearby, Zapata Falls — a secluded 25-foot waterfall sheltered in a rocky crevasse — is welcome respite for visitors to south-central Colorado.</p>


Hidden Colorado Gem: Zapata Falls

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Colorado's Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls 

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<p>The parking lot alone is worth the visit to Zapata. Views of the Great Sand Dunes are breathtaking, as layered dunes build against the base of the Sangre de Cristos to the north. Straight to the west across the San Luis Valley are the sharp volcanic domes of the San Juan mountains. A good time to visit is during sunrise or sunset when subtle pink, purple and gold tones radiate from the landscape.</p>
<p>Like most waterfalls, you have to work a bit to reach the prize. Hikers wade through chilly waters and maneuver over slippery rocks to Zapata’s hidden falls, or balance on a log bridge to avoid getting wet. Don’t let the sound of the hike discourage you — it’s a fun adventure and the waterfall is only a half mile from the parking lot. <a href="https://www.alamosa.org/san-luis-valley-trail-guide/797-zapata-falls-trail">Find directions here</a>.</p>
<p>Surrounded by dune fields and tundra, Zapata’s misty falls give visitors a much welcome break from the sun. Temperatures in the nearby <a href="/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> range from 80 degrees to up to 104 degrees at the peak of summer, making Zapata’s spray the perfect place to cool off. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes when you're trekking through the sand to protect yourself from the heat!</p>
<p>A bonus gem at Zapata Falls is the elusive black swift bird and its unusual nesting grounds. Common in areas where waterfalls or coastlines create misty havens, you’ll spot this sleek bird along the fall’s rocky edges.</p>
<p>Zapata is more commonly visited during warmer months, but visitors in winter are in for a treat as well. The falls freeze, creating a huge ice column that seems to be frozen in time. Luminous blue water is visible just beneath the hardened surface.</p>
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<h2><strong>Getting There:</strong></h2>
<p>The Zapata Falls Recreational Area is approximately 3 miles south of the <a href="/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> entrance. From the town of <a href="/cities-and-towns/Alamosa">Alamosa</a>, take Hwy. 150 approximately 12 miles north of the intersection with Hwy. 160. Turn right at the Zapata Falls Recreational Area sign and drive 3 miles east to the parking lot. </p>
<h2><strong>Want More?</strong></h2>
<ul><li><a href="/articles/hidden-colorado-gem-island-lake">Hidden Gem: Island Lake</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/hidden-colorado-gem-grand-mesa-lakes">Hidden Gem: Grand Mesa Lakes</a></li>
<li><a href="/articles/99-gorgeous-places-colorado-part-3-hidden-gems">Find Other Scenic Hidden Gems in Colorado</a></li>
</ul>

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