In the San Luis Valley, temperatures can soar. However, a short distance away in South Fork (1 hr 20 minutes), lies Zapata Falls, a refreshing hiking spot..

Directions

To reach your destination, start from South Fork and take Hwy 160 east through Del Norte to West Co Road 5 North. Take a left and continue going east. Once you pass US Hwy 285, the name of the road will change to East Co Road 5 N and then to Lane 5 N. Keep going until you reach Hwy 17. Take a left and travel through the town of Mosca, then turn right at Lane 6 N. On Lane 6, when you reach Hwy 150, take a right and follow the road to the Zapata Falls turn-off. Please note that the road up to the trailhead is currently under construction and is made of gravel.

Zapata Falls Trail

The trail to the falls is not very difficult but can be quite rocky. Starting from the parking lot, the trail ascends to 300 feet and covers a distance of only half a mile before reaching the falls. In the last 100 yards of the trail, you will need to traverse South Zapata Creek to get a better view of the falls and enjoy the refreshing spray of the water.