Zapata Falls flowing
From the National Parks website:
This popular short hike is located on BLM (US Bureau of Land Management) land
south of the national park, off of Highway 150. It is a good option for summer
afternoons when sand temperatures are high. Simply driving to the trailhead
provides an excellent
view of the entire dunefield and San Luis Valley, especially at sunrise or
sunset. However, the hike to the falls is not for anyone unsteady on their
feet.
From the Visitor Center, drive south about 8 miles, then turn left (east)
onto a gravel road. Drive about 3.5 miles to the trailhead. To view the falls,
hike about 1/2 mile, cross the creek, then scramble up the rocks and stream into
a cavern where the 30 ft. high falls cascade onto a ledge.
Caution: Rocks are slippery, and water may be deep and swift, especially in
early summer during snowmelt. Rarely, rocks may fall from above into the chasm.
In winter, the falls freeze, creating an icy sculpture capturing the motion of
the falling water. Ice and snow may make the hike very slippery. Falling ice may
be a hazard in spring.