Visit Zapata Falls Trail

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

If you ever find yourself in southern Colorado and have an hour or so, then hike your feet through Zapata Falls Trail. A rocky trail will lead you to a rushing stream that will lead you to a rushing waterfall. 

We got the idea to visit Zapata Falls from author Aaron Johnson’s National Parks Mystery Series, specifically Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Part of that story takes place in Zapata Falls, and since we were visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park, we decided to make a stop here, too.

Zapata Falls Trail did not disappoint. And if you end up in the area and energy to hike about a mile or so roundtrip, then add it to your itinerary. It may come as no surprise to you, but you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. Or, at least, I did. At first I couldn’t make out the sound. One “duh moment” later I realized I was hearing the rushing water.

And then I had issues with some of the photos and video I took. 

SPIRITEDS, DON’T WORRY! I’M HERE TO PLAN ALL YOUR TRIPS. With my highly honed listening ears and technological abilities, don’t you feel like you’re in the best of hands? 

I digress.

There was a particular bright spot that was unexpected, however. When at Zapata Falls Trail, you get an incredible view of Great Sand Dunes National Park. This view shows just how expansive the national park is. And even then, you’re still only seeing a fraction.

If you’re in the mood to see more photos of this gorgeous area, then read on! It’s a must-see spot and one I’d revisit!

Visit Zapata Falls Trail

Outside Great Sand Dunes National Park is the Zapata Falls Trail in Alamosa, Colorado. If you’re already going to Great Sand Dunes, then allow extra time in your itinerary to visit the Zapata Falls. As of this writing, you do not need a pass or special ticket to enter Zapata Falls Trail.

We visited on a Friday afternoon, and it was quite crowded for the space. What felt spread out and easygoing within Great Sand Dunes felt tighter here. People hike along and through the river to get close to the waterfall, and there’s only so much room for everyone to navigate. But, it’s definitely worth the effort. If I had to do it over again, I’d visit earlier in the day or earlier in the week when traffic may be lighter.

We weren’t able to get super-close to the waterfall this time, but I would absolutely go back and make a point to visit during an off-time to have a better chance. You can see, though, from the pictures we did get, it was a gorgeous spot.

What should I wear?

Like visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park, I would suggest layers. More specifically, I would be prepared to wear (depending on the weather):

• Short-sleeved shirt
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Nylon or polyester pants or shorts (bonus points if your pants unzip into shorts)
• Windbreaker
• Water-resistant hiking boots or water-resistant hiking sandals
• Hat
• Sunscreen 

The path is rocky but not particularly sandy, so you have a little more wiggle room in what you choose for footwear, unlike Great Sand Dunes where heavy-duty hiking boots are where it’s at. You likely won’t spend as long at Zapata Falls as you might at Great Sand Dunes and parking is closer. So if you need to turn around and beeline it to your car to make an outfit switch, then you likely can.

Having said that, I would still steer clear of rubbery sandals, tennis shoes, flip-flops, and slip-ons. Hiking boots and hiking sandals are still a good way to go.

How far is Zapata Falls from Great Sand Dunes National Park?

When we used our GPS system to get from the national park to the waterfall, it told us the trek was about 30 minutes. But, in actuality, it only took a handful of minutes to drive out of the park and into the Zapata Falls Trail parking area. The hike from the parking lot to the waterfall was accounted for in the 30 or so minutes our GPS programmed for us. So it’s actually closer than we thought it would be.

Is parking available at Zapata Falls Trail?

Yes. There is a small parking area. If you can plan around it, visit early in the day or midweek when fewer people are likely to be there. If you’re willing to wait for a parking spot, then go anytime you like. We lucked out and found a parking spot right away. Although we’ve only been there once, I noticed there was a fairly quick turnaround time from start to finish for hikers, which freed up parking spots quickly, all things considered.

What bout bathrooms?

There are bathrooms at the base of the trail. They aren’t fancy, but they were clean, usable, and quick to get to. 

That’s it, Spiriteds! That’s our trip to Zapata Falls Trail. If you get a chance to go (or have already been), then share your experiences in the comments below. And if you have better waterfall pictures than I do, then I salute you!

Stay well and stay wild. Jump into the fun when you can, and always remember I’m glad you’re here. ❤️