Zapata is a small, gated mountain community flanking the western slope of Blanca Massif in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley.
Zapata looks out over the expansive San Luis Valley to the San Juan mountains on its far western edge. Residents enjoy colorful sunsets and some of the most striking views of the area. The dramatic, ever-changing dune environment of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve are visible from many lots and community common areas. Two miles south, off highway 150, enchanting Zapata Falls cascades down between the sheer walls of a narrow canyon accessible only by walking through water upstream from the trailhead.
Across highway 150 from the gated Zapata community entrance is historic Zapata Ranch, owned by the Nature Conservancy and operated by Ranchlands. BLM public lands flank our northern and southern borders with San Luis Lakes Wildlife Area a few miles to the west, just off Lane 6N. Bordering the absolute eastern edge of the Zapata community is the vast, rugged mountain peaks and canyons of the 221,000 acre Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.
Zapata has an active homeowner’s association that governs its management and development.