About this campground
A short, yet slippery hike leads to the view of a 25-foot waterfall at Zapata Falls Recreation Area. During the summer months, the falls provide a cooling oasis, but during the winter months, the waterfall freezes into an enormous column of ice, perfect for the experienced ice climber. Travelers along Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway can stop for an overnight stay at one of 24 campsites in Zapata Falls. For more information, please contact the San Luis Valley Field Office.
Getting there
From the community of Alamosa Colorado, drive east on Highway 160. At the intersection with Highway 150 turn north on Highway 150. Follow this road north to the Zapata falls Road (gravel), on the east (right side) of highway 150. Take this road to the Recreation Area (approximately 2 miles). The day use parking is on the left and the campground is on the right. The trail head to the falls is in the Day Use parking lot.
Activities
- HIKING
- DAY USE AREA
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Zapata Falls CampgroundZapata Falls SRMA2 mi
- Entrance StationGreat Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve8 mi
- Great Sand Dunes Visitor CenterGreat Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve8 mi
- Pinon Flats CampgroundGreat Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve9 mi
- Blanca, CORio Grande National Forest13 mi
- Duncan CabinRio Grande National Forest18 mi
Explore more Colorado camping
Zapata Falls Day Use Area doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.