a.foot alpine lake adventure | south zapata lake at ellingwood point

If you came with us to the Great Sand Dunes in the spring, you got to see Zapata Falls. I am excited to announce we are going back! This time, we are going to hike beyond the falls to South Zapata Lake, the source of the Falls.

This hike is for 2024 contributors only. Anyone who signs up will be placed on the "Waiting" list. I will be checking your current status before moving you to the "Going" list. If you are not already a 2024 contributor, and you would like to go on this or any other a.foot outing, click here to become a 2024 contributing member...

We will meet at the Zapata Falls trailhead and hike up to the lake. We will explore the lake area and hike farther beyond the lake if time permits. That means we will be scrambling up a rocky couloir (class III scramble). The trail that we will take is part of the climbing route for summitting Ellingwood Pt., which tops out at 14,048 feet. Although we will not be summitting the peak, this hike will introduce you to the fourteener experience as well as the to the northern Sangre de Cristo mountains (which are my favorite).

Miles: 11.00 out and back
Elevation: 3,208 FT
Average time to complete: Approx. 6-8 hours
Level: Advanced. Strenuous. Easy Class III

This is an exploratory hike for fit hikers only. I will add more details and bring up car pooling as we get closer to the date.