Hiking the Zapata Falls Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
The Zapata Falls Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southern Colorado is one of the best day hikes near Great Sand Dunes National Park!
However, this doesn’t go without saying that the short 0.8-mile (1.3 km) roundtrip distance is a bad indicator of the trail’s difficulty, as simply getting to the base of the falls near the end of the hike is more challenging than it may seem.
It’s for this reason that I recommend visiting Zapata Falls when much of the season's snowmelt has subsided, and I recommend hiking in clothes that are suitable for walking in a stream, which is essential in order to see the waterfall at the end of the hike.
Zapata Falls Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Zapata Falls Trail is located at the very top of Zapata Falls Road, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) off Highway 150.
Be aware that much of the drive up to the trailhead is unpaved, but most 2WD vehicles shouldn’t have an issue making it to the trailhead, provided that the road is snow-free.
Google Maps Directions: Zapata Falls Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sangre de Cristos
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Zapata Falls Trail
The Zapata Falls Trail begins at the far end of the parking area, following a gradual incline that gains roughly 200 ft. (61 m) from the trailhead to the waterfall.
This split right in the beginning is nothing more than a short connector trail down to Zapata Falls Road, which can serve as a good alternative trailhead when parking at the upper trailhead is too busy.
That being said, go left to continue toward Zapata Falls.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
This hard right turn in the Zapata Falls Trail is a nice sign that you’re a little more than halfway to the waterfall.
This sign indicates the boundary between federal BLM lands and state lands beyond, and it serves a great message that different agencies with different goals can work together to provide public access to these beautiful places!
Zapata Falls-South Zapata Lake Junction
Just before the creek, the Zapata Falls Trail splits from the trail that climbs up to South Zapata Lake, a high alpine lake that sits in the shadows of Ellingwood Point at roughly 12,000 ft. (3,658 m).
That said, go left to reach Zapata Creek shortly ahead.
South Zapata Creek
When the Zapata Falls Trail reaches the creek, I personally recommend walking through the water.
This recommendation obviously varies depending on the time of year, as higher snowmelt and flash floods can make this stretch particularly dangerous. However, when the water is lower, as shown here, keeping your balance in the creek seems to be easier and safer than trying to scoot along the slippery edges.
For this final section, some visitors may prefer to hike with trekking poles.
Eventually, there is no option but to walk in the creek, and be aware that these photos were taken in September, which is considerably late in the season regarding snowmelt.
Zapata Falls
At the end of the narrow slot canyon, the Zapata Falls Trail turns the corner, revealing the 30-ft. (9.1 m) Zapata Falls.
Don’t underestimate how cold the water will be to wade your way close enough to see the full waterfall or climb up the lower falls to the upper.
It’s more challenging and colder than it may appear, and I say this after trying multiple times before deciding that it wasn’t worth it, as I was holding expensive camera gear while trying to make my way up.
More Nearby Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures nearby, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Mountain Ranges across Colorado are home to both Black Bears and Mountain Lions.
While hiking in Black Bear territory usually presents less danger compared to Grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
Aside from wildlife, Colorado, like any Mountain West state, is known for its violent afternoon thunderstorms, which are more typical in the warmer summer months than other times of the year.
That said, it’s important to check the local forecast before setting off on any adventure, as lightning strikes are not uncommon in and near mountain ranges across the West. I have personally been knocked to the ground by a strike that hit near me in the past, and I confidently say that it’s an experience you don’t want to live through. This is why I highly recommend checking Mountain Forecast for any high-elevation adventures you may be interested in—especially when climbing a summit.
Finally, know that micro-spikes may be necessary for an early or late season adventure, but micro-spikes are never supposed to be a substitute for conditions that require crampons.
Disclaimer
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