Loading trail…
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Save this plan
Sign up to save your own editable copy — you'll pick up right here.
Colorado
1.9 mi
Distance
774 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
N. Fork Zapata
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
N. Fork Zapata is a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Grand Valley area. Managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests under the Grand Valley Ranger District, this trail offers access to the scenic N. Fork Zapata drainage. The out-and-back route allows hikers to explore the canyon and riparian areas along the creek. The trail is ideal for those seeking a shorter outing with moderate accessibility. Given its location within GMUG National Forest, the trail provides typical high desert and forested ecosystems characteristic of the western slope of Colorado. This trail is well-suited for hikers looking for a shorter day hike in the Grand Valley area without requiring significant elevation gain. The creek-side setting provides water features and shade opportunities along the route. Being part of the National Forest system, the trail is open to the public and maintained by the ranger district.
S. Zapata
~1 min drive
9.7 mi · Hard
Raspberry
~4 min drive
7.1 mi · Moderate
Mosca Pass
~15 min drive
<p>Just above the dunefield are forests of aspen, pine, fir, and spruce. The easiest hiking access to forest in the national park is in Mosca Pass, on the Montville Nature Trail and Mosca Pass Trail. On these trails, you are walking in the footsteps of Pleistocene mammoth hunt…
Medano Creek
~15 min drive
<p>Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. On this page you'll learn what to expect month-by-month in an average year, and how the rare phenomon 'surge flow' works. You can also link to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/medano-creek.htm">cu…
Lily Lake
~6 min drive
6.6 mi · Hard
Zapata
~6 min drive
3.7 mi · Moderate
Sand Creek Basin
~39 min drive
<p>Sand Creek Basin is part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes and peaks, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel. Snow may block these t…
High Dune on First Ridge
~16 min drive
The high dune on the first ridge is neither the highest in elevation nor the tallest in the dunefield, but it looks that way from the main parking lot. This is the most common destination in the dunefield, providing a great view of the entire dunefield. It is about 692 feet (2…
Huerfano
~7 min drive
8.7 mi · Hard
Willow Lake
~46 min drive
9.7 mi · Moderate
