This was the first National Park I hit on my epic trip out West in the Summer of 2013. This lesser known and visited park offers such diverse landscapes having grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and even tundra! The park isn’t that big in terms of development, but there is so much to see and such diverse ecosystems juxtaposed together. I’m surprised more people don’t go, but appreciated having some awesome experiences here with very few and sometimes no people around at all.
I arrived in the late afternoon and then spent two fulls days here. I didn’t explore all it had to offer, but I did get to climb and play on the largest dunes in North America.
Campsite with the little ground squirrels
Hike out on the dunes
After spending about half a day on the dunes, I went on a short hike towards Mosca Pass. I didn’t make it up to the pass, but I did get my first glimpse at the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. I was so taken by the beautiful Aspens and the incredible colors I saw in the crumbled rocks on the trail.
Back at camp to watch a gorgeous sunset over the dunes
The next day I went up South Zapata Trail. About a mile in you come to Zapata Falls. This is a popular spot and several people were here enjoying the falls and like me, getting their feet wet in the icy cold water.
The trail went on about 4 miles to the small alpine lake. From the waterfall I began to climb up away from the aspens and wildflowers toward the conifer forests of higher elevation.
Finally I reached the treeline and saw a bit of grassy tundra. The only noise up there was the chirping of marmots and the wind rushing through the trees below.
The total distance was just under 10 miles round trip. I had never seen this type of landscape before and I will forever remember this hike with fond memories.
Aspen's Adventures 