About Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls is a named waterfall in Alamosa County, Colorado, located about 19 miles northeast of Alamosa East. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Twin Peaks 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°37′08″ N, 105°33′11″ W (37.61903, -105.55316). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include California Gulch (valley, 1.0 mi), North Fork South Zapata Creek (stream, 1.3 mi), and Axtel Canyon (valley, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Crystal Falls, 24 miles to the north.
30-ft. waterfall reachable by a brief crevasse hike wading through water & over slippery rocks.
More Photos
1,114 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Zapata Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Zapata Falls
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Zapata Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Zapata Falls holds a 4.8 average from 395 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Zapata Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- California Gulch — valley, 1.0 mi
- North Fork South Zapata Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Axtel Canyon — valley, 1.5 mi
- Denton Canyon — valley, 1.7 mi
- Raspberry Canyon — valley, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.61903, -105.55316. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Zapata Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zapata Falls located?
Zapata Falls is in Alamosa County, Colorado, about 19 miles northeast of Alamosa East. Its coordinates are 37.61903, -105.55316 (37°37′08″ N, 105°33′11″ W).
What town is closest to Zapata Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Alamosa East, CO, about 19 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Zapata Falls?
The closest is Crystal Falls (24 mi north). Others within reach include Macey Falls (27 mi), Venable Falls (32 mi), and Apache Falls (35 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Zapata Falls?
Zapata Falls appears on the USGS Twin Peaks 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.