Zapata Falls, Waterfall in San Luis Valley, United States
Zapata Falls cascades down 30 feet through a narrow crevasse in the rock face, creating a natural water curtain at the mountain base.
The waterfall stands near ancient Native American paths that connected settlements across the San Luis Valley through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
The Spanish name reflects the regional heritage, with the falls serving as a natural marker between the valley floor and mountain territories.
Access requires a half-mile uphill hike from the parking area, followed by wading through a stream to reach the falls chamber.
During winter months, the entire waterfall freezes into a solid ice column while water continues flowing beneath the transparent surface.
Location: Colorado
GPS coordinates: 37.61903,-105.55316
Latest update: May 13, 2025 09:54
Colorado features natural areas and historical sites away from common routes. The locations range from sand formations at Paint Mines Park to Zapata waterfalls. Bishop Castle displays hand-built stone architecture in the forest, while Devil's Causeway presents narrow rock bridges in the wilderness. Fossil discoveries, dinosaur tracks, and abandoned mining towns document the state's history.
Blanca Peak
7.5 km
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
32.3 km
Crestone Peak
38.8 km
North La Veta Pass
32.1 km
Crestone Needle
38.5 km
UFO Watchtower
34.9 km
Fort Garland
24.2 km
Humboldt Peak
39.8 km
Little Bear Peak
7.6 km
Mount Lindsey
10.3 km
Baca National Wildlife Refuge
35.1 km
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
30.6 km
Ellingwood Point
6.7 km
Mount Mestas
36 km
D&RGW 169
31.9 km
Closed Basin Project
13.2 km
Iron Mountain
26.5 km
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
32.2 km
Broken Hand Peak
37.6 km
Trujillo Homestead
20.5 km
American National Bank Building
32.2 km
Superintendent's Residence, Great Sand Dunes National Monument
12.2 km
San Luis Southern Railway Trestle
25.9 km
Alamosa County Courthouse
32.4 km
Husung Hardware
32.3 km
Upper Sand Creek Lake
35.7 km
Big Spring Creek
17.6 km
Medano Ranch Headquarters
15.6 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes