Campground outside Great Sand Dunes
Our humble campground about 15 miles outside of GSD Nat'l Park. Was very windy upon arrival and into the night, with a bit of rain. Next morning was sunny, but only for a couple of hours before clouding over. Oh well. Time for some exploring.
Zapata Falls Trail
Before entering the Dunes, a very rocky and rough but passable option is a 3 mile road leading to the Zapata Falls Trailhead. Only a 1/4 mile hike, the elevation starts at 9,000 ft and reaches 9,400 at the falls. It's also very rocky and slick due to a bit of snow falling.
Still a little snow under the trees from last night. A bit of snow falling during the hike.
Zapata Falls?
Spoiler alert! Due to the dry winter, not much runoff to make a 20 ft waterfall in average years. Oh well. Had to take a closer look anyway.
Zapata Falls
You can kinda see where the water would normally cascade down the cut in the rocks. Now just a trickle.
Downstream from the falls.
Little to no runoff, so far.
Still a little ice in the shady area of the creek. Strong enough to walk on -- except Wendy's not that daring.
Still snowing. Cool and moist, about 38 degrees. Time to hike back to the truck and head to the dunes.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Just a few feet from the parking lot, 40 square miles of sand dunes,.
The highest dune on the first ridge is about 700 ft.
We're on the first ridge, I think. No trails to follow. Glad it's now windy or hot.
