South Zapata Lake

Pueblo, CO

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South Zapata Lake

A hidden waterfall, several old miner’s cabins, and a high alpine lake are the rewards of this hike. The Zapata Falls are only 0.5 mile from the trailhead, and that is as far as most people get. The cabins are less than a mile beyond Zapata Falls, and they are also a worthwhile goal for a short day hike into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The real highlight of this hike, however, is South Zapata Lake, a small alpine lake at the end of the trail in a majestic basin surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks.

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Driving Directions

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Directions to: South Zapata Lake

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Trail Statistics & Information

ActivityHiking
Nearby CityPueblo
Length9.2 mi
Elevation Gain2,800 ft
Skill LevelWell used, well maintained trail.
Duration6.5 hours
SeasonMidsummer through mid-Fall. The higher parts of the trail are generally covered with snow from late June through mid-November.
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