by Chrissy Biello
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Zapata Falls is a scenic waterfall that many can see by completing a short hike. The trail, frequented by countless year-round, offers not only a glimpse of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but also allows you to see the surrounding mountain landscape as you make your way to the enclosed cave.
During the winter, when the trail becomes icier, it becomes evident that one would need crampons for the rest of the way. Unless, however, they wanted to trust their personal balance to not slip down while others stood camera ready nearby.
As you reach the cave, you can hear the stream flowing beneath your feet, moving from within the frozen waterfall. Where sunlight reaches inside, a large section of ice has melted, revealing frigid water. This is an inviting yet risky opportunity for anyone willing to test their tolerance for the cold.
Eager to explore further, I started climbing the icy edge to reach a higher vantage point, hoping to get a closer look at the formations. However, as I began, Professor Yawn cautioned me that if I slipped, I would likely take a plunge into the creek. What was once a cascading waterfall had become what appeared to be an icy waterslide.
Keeping that warning in mind, I proceeded with extra caution and, thankfully, made it to the top safely.
Strangely enough, it did not feel cold up there, though that might have been due to the nerves that had initially distracted me from noticing the temperature. After carefully making my way down with Olivia’s help, we set off toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park….
Given the title of a national park in 2004, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an experience that will leave you both satisfied and extremely tired. With their striking optical illusion, sand dunes have inspired countless art pieces over the years. Seeing them in person, it is easy to understand why. While they showcase fascinating geological formations, they also flow together naturally, creating a stunning yet diverse landscape with plenty to take in.
As your feet sink deeper into the sand and your breathing grows heavier, the sounds of others enjoying the park begin to surround you. Families sled down the dunes, while others sit quietly, taking in the view of the mountains. Seeing it all firsthand, it is clear that national parks serve as a sanctuary for many.
And when having the chance to catch our breath, Olivia was able to try a few tricks on the sand….
While she was incredibly graceful, I am sure many still felt a tad uneasy. Walking across the dunes is challenging enough, but performing gymnastics there demands a level of confidence that can apparently outshine the fear of tumbling down.
When you finally decide you have had enough, you will soon realize you are not in the clear yet as you now have to make your way down. This, however, was less daunting because you could almost glide down each sand dune.
In all, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is an eventful opportunity to test your leg strength and connect with not only nature but those around you. It is a unique environment that will leave you with great memories and maybe a little too much sand in your shoes.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 