Hidden 30 ft Waterfall With a Great View of Tallest Sand Dunes In America!

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Zapata Falls

If you plan on visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve make sure you stop by the Zapata Falls to cool off! This 30ft secluded waterfall features ice cold water from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

How were the Zapata Falls Created

About 2 million years ago the Sangre de Cristo Mountains were covered with glaciers. These glaciers left a big pile of rock on the mountain. Eventually the glaciers started melting. As the water started flowing down the mountain, it found a weakness in the pile of rock and started eroding it away. Over time, water carved the rock into what we see today. Every year, snow melts from the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The water runs through the secluded Zapata falls before emptying itself into the Rio Grande. It’s a beautiful sight to see and a great place to cool off after hiking in the Great Sand Dunes!

Fun Fact

This is a nesting place for the black Swift Birds, be on the lookout, you may get to see some!

This place also offers one of the best views on the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve! It’s about a half mile hike to the base of the falls. If it’s hot outside, you’ll know right away when you’ve arrived at the fall. The minute you turn the bend you’ll notice a drastic drop in temperature. It’s like stepping into a highly air conditioned building. This may sound funny but be sure to bring a jacket or hoodie when you come to visit, you’ll need it. The base of the Zapata Falls is an excellent place to cool off, even if you never touch the water. You will have to walk in icy water if you want to see the falls. Be sure to wear good shoes, the rocks are slippery!

Hours

Open 24 hours a day, year round.

This is a Free site. The hike is to the Zapata Falls is on rocky terrain and it does have a mild incline. There are benches along the trail for those who need to rest. You cannot purchase anything here. Be sure to bring water, good walking shoes that you can walk in water with (Rocks are slippery), a jacket or hoodie and a camera. There are restrooms by the parking area. There are picnic tables for those who want to bring a lunch. Dogs are allowed here, please pick up after them.

Directions

Located on the East side of US Hwy 150, between mile markers 10-11, just south of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve.

Travel Secret!

You will need a vehicle with 4 wheel drive and good clearance in order to make it up the dirt road! It is Very uneven and there are a lot of rocks sticking out that can damage your vehicle if you do not have enough clearance!

From the Visitor Center, drive south 8 miles, then turn left (east) onto a dirt road marked by a large sign. Drive 3.5 miles to the parking area. From the parking area, hike about 1/2 mile, part of it is through the water so be sure to bring the right shoes! Rocks are slippery so be careful.