Zapata Falls

A short, wide, easy trail with mild grades, Zapata Falls Trail is an easy hike to a hidden waterfall. The views from the trailhead back across the valley to the Great Sand Dunes aren't too shabby either. The path itself is wide and only has a couple rocky or steep sections, but nothing too hard to navigate. While the falls themselves aren't the most impressive you'll ever see, it is unique to be able to hike back into the cavern where the falls originate. In the springtime, the falls will be swollen with snow melt, and hikers had better be ready for frozen feet and legs if planning on dipping their feet in the water. Later in the summer, the flow of South Zapata Creek will have lessened, making the falls easier to reach (and the water won't be as frigid). In the winter, Zapata Falls will freeze over with a beautiful sheet of clear blue ice that allows you to still see the water flowing underneath which is equally as intriguing as viewing the falls in the summer.