Zapata Falls

Waterfall Mosca, Colorado, United States

What to expect

Zapata Falls is a waterfall located near the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with a drop of 30-foot. Access to this waterfall entails a mildly steep 0.5 mi hike. Viewing the falls requires fording the stream and climbing rocks. The falls provide a cooling oasis during the summer months, and freeze into an enormous column of ice during the winter months, perfect for experienced ice climbers. A short but adventurous hike over slippery rocks leads to a magnificent 25-foot waterfall. The area is also home to black swifts, one of the few known breeding sites for this species in Colorado

Plan your family visit to the Zapata Falls with these blog insights 👇

2 Great Routes from Colorado Springs to Great Sand Dunes

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked up to Zapata Falls, a fun, easy hike up to a cool waterfall within mountain walls

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the hike and the waterfall ✨

One Day Great Sand Dunes National Park Itinerary

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked to the waterfall and enjoyed the scenic views

Highlights: It was a fun little hike with a great payoff ✨

Hiking to Zapata Falls in Winter- Colorado

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked to Zapata Falls near Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. We saw the frozen waterfall and the kids enjoyed the natural ice slide

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the natural ice slide and watching the ice climbers. We enjoyed the magical frozen waterfall ✨

Plan a Great Sand Dunes National Park Trip

This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked to Zapata Falls, a creek with high mountain walls and a waterfall inside the walls

Highlights: The kids enjoyed hiking inside the walls at the top where the waterfall was frozen over ✨