Zapata Falls- Colorado

On the way to the Sand Dunes, you will see an exit to visit Zapata Falls. I would recommend visiting this place after you have experienced the dunes. The refreshing and chilly waters will be a nice break from the heat & sand. It is free to visit this place. The climb walk to the falls is described as moderate. I would say if you are not used to the elevation and unfit, I would describe as challenging. It is pretty much all uphill. However, it is well worth the huffing and puffing.

Once you make it to the top, you can go even further to walk around the lake. This is not something we did, though. I would also recommend wearing shoes you don't mind getting wet if you plan to walk into the waterfall. It is beautiful, and you can't really see the waterfall unless you climb over some rocks. What you won't see on this blog is the part of the vacation my son calls his "favorite moment". This is where his mama starts to step on slippery log as she ascends to the next level of the falls about 3 feet above the previous level. Then graceful mama falls backwards down to the lower level as the crowd around her screams in fear for her life. However, mama was more worried about her Nikon floating in the falls. Thankfully, the charming prince named "papa" comes to rescue mama, and they live happily ever after (with a bruise and a cut on the arm from a stupid rock).

Inside the falls, you will see beautiful flowers climbing the rock walls. I was so excited this little hummingbird was willing to fly so close to me and pose. Too bad it was from the backside. Still very beautiful!