Zapata Falls offered a short hike, a refreshing falls and an inexpensive campsite. As we approached the road to the top we saw a long line of cars heading up the mountain. Our van Sparty had enjoyed paved roads for many months but was (mostly) ready for a bouncy ride. We were quickly at the back of that line of cars slowly climbing to the falls.
The campground was over 9000 ft and offered sweeping views of valley and the mountains.
That evening Mike and his son Jet stopped by and asked about Sparty’s conversion from cargo van to our traveling home. We shared our fire and talked of our travels in the US and Mike’s travels around the world.
The next day hiked to the falls. We knew the altitude would be a struggle so we let our breathing set our pace and stops. We had a great view of the dunes.
People heading down said water was cold. We discovered that cold meant painful, feet numbing cold. You had to go through the water to see the falls so up we went
Next day we visited the Great Sand Dunes. It was cold and windy but that did not stop kids with snow boards and shovels from sliding down the dunes.
Yes, we are still learning to use our selfie stick.