SNAP*Shot: Zapata Falls and My Poor Planning

I was told about it so planned a visit during my trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park area: Zapata Falls. An easy half-mile walk to a waterfalls! Have been missing waterfalls this year with travel limited, but here we are. Ready for this adventure? Hmmm . . . this is easy?

The only information I had on this falls was what I mentioned–half mile easy hike. With my normal plan-the-details-so-you-don’t-miss-anything travel strategy, having no additional information about this hike is not my style. Nevertheless, it is only a half mile and easy, right?

Temp is about 65° and windy, but for such a short walk, I won’t bother taking hiking poles or water, just the camera. So up we go, but watch your step. A fall on this trail would hurt.

As it turns out this is the widest, least rocky part of the trail. Quite a few people along the trail, many resting in the shade on the trail’s edge. I talked with a few folks along the way which is always a fun part of many hikes.

The last 80 feet or so it pretty steep and lots of rocks of all sizes, but here we are!

Well, looks like no water falling today. Those folks had to cross the creek a few times to stand where they are. Nah, why get wet on this coolish day for no good reason.

The creek is shallow, the water crystal clear with white and gold-colored rocks everywhere. This is South Zapata Creek flowing downhill about 4 miles where it fills South Zapata Lake and a few ponds beyond. That area is definitely backcountry hiking with not a road of any kind in sight.

Let’s just enjoy the area a while. Found a nice flat rock to sit and savor–yes there’s a bench, but hey, this is an adventure 😉

Well, time to head back down, no waterfall today.

People I talked to on my way up were now making their way up. They stopped and one woman asked if I enjoyed the falls. I made a joke about no water today. She said of course there is a water falling. DID YOU GO INTO THE CAVE?? Duh . . . is what came to mind!

Well, we’re halfway back down the trail but turning around for sure. Let’s go!

As I was deciding how to negotiate the steep side walls and cross the creek, a young woman decided to help this “old lady”. OK, she’s right, I’m old, but once I was sure the rocks were very solid to walk on, she realized I didn’t need help, but stayed with me into the cave. She had been here before so knew the easiest, best access. Great young woman–thanks!

Into the cave we go. At first a fella was standing at the base of the falls, up to his waist. No thanks. Had on my hiking shoes which got totally wet during the three creek crossings, but my toes cooled off–the water is COLD. Right here the water is only to our ankles, but a few more steps and we’d be up to our knees.

Aahhh, Zapata Falls–first ever falls-in-a-cave experience for me!

Gorgeous colored water too. The falls is 30 feet high and because we’ve had so much rain this year, apparently more water than usual for September. In winter it is said to be an ice-climber’s paradise. In spring there is so much water, depending on mountain snow melt, it is difficult if not dangerous to stand in this spot, or even get into the cave. This is beautiful and relaxing, but people are waiting in line for this spot so let’s head back.

Back crisscrossing the creek and my toes are really cool now! Said bye to my friend with a picture and her friends were interested to hear how I felt about the falls. Maybe just being polite, but hey, this “old lady” loves talking with young people! Must be from my high school teaching days.

Needless to say, the walk back to the car was easier, downhill all the way, but so rocky still need to watch the trail as you go. Be careful of walking on smaller pebble too. They can make you slide uncontrollably and that is dangerous.

Back in my Highlander, we drive down the 3.5 mile road with serious switchbacks and plumes of dust from the dirt road. With great pulloffs along the way, we see lovely mountain views as autumn colors begin. The spot above is only clearly visible from high up the falls access road.

Here we are back on CO-150 (state highway) which takes us to our lodging in 9 miles, 3 more miles to the entrance to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and ends in another 2 miles in the Park’s Pinyon Flats Campground.

Well this is one thing I learned. Dig deeper when planning ANY stop or hike during a trip. If those folks hadn’t stopped on the trail to talk again, I would have missed the whole gorgeous cave experience!

Taking water on a hike is important–I didn’t and thankfully all was fine–but I sure could have used those hiking poles! My knees where not happy. Plan, plan, plan to be sure you don’t miss the good stuff; and take all your gear, just in case! Lesson learned.

Until next time my friend . . .