Mosca, CO

Travel Guide

Zapata Falls showing a gorge or canyon as well as a small group of people
Zapata Falls showing a cascade
Zapata Falls which includes a river or creek
Zapata Falls featuring wildflowers
Zapata Falls showing tranquil scenes as well as a family

Discover a strange landscape of undulating sand dunes and wildlife-packed wetlands in the areas surrounding this small and sleepy crossroad community.

Covering an area of just a few blocks, the tiny settlement of Mosca is not known for its in-town attractions but rather for providing easy access to some of the most unusual and diverse landscapes in the state of Colorado. Head east from town to discover the San Luis State Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where colossal sand dunes tower up to heights of 750 feet (230 meters) and the 25-foot-tall (8-meter) Zapata Falls.

Outdoor adventure abounds in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, where gigantic sand dunes cover an area of 30 square miles (78 square kilometers). Sled down the dunes, steer a four-wheel drive down Medano Pass, traverse trails by horseback or on foot, and take part in ranger-led walks to find out more about the park environment. During the day, admire views of peaks that reach heights of more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). At night, dark skies with minimal light pollution reveal the twinkling constellations.

Venture to the nearby San Luis State Park, where picnic and camping areas as well as hiking and natural trails, and views of the Great Sand Dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, await. Be ready to spot various bird species, including songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. For more wildlife sightings, drive just under 10 minutes north of Mosco to visit the Colorado Gators Reptile Park, which serves as a sanctuary for unwanted exotic pets.

Don’t leave without seeing Zapata Falls. From the carpark, follow the 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) trailhead to the mouth of the falls. Enjoy the feeling of the cooling spray hitting your face during hot summer days. See if you can spot the elusive black swift bird, which is known to nest in cliffside habitats such as this one. In winter, the falls and pool underneath are usually frozen, though running water can be seen flowing beneath the solid icy surface.

Find Mosca on the Colorado State Highway 17 north of Alamosa. Most visitors arrive by car, though the San Luis Valley RegionalAirport is located just south of Alamosa.

Where to stay in Mosca

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Zapata

Zapata Falls is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Zapata and the surrounding area.

Zapata
Great Sand Dunes Lodge

Great Sand Dunes Lodge

2 out of 5
7900 CO-150, Mosca, CO
Stay at this hotel in Mosca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (477 reviews)
"Amazing view"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

2 out of 5
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO
The price is ¥24,772 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥24,772
¥27,721 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado ...
9/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed; Fantastic view of Great Sand Dunes Np and mountains; Amazing night view of sky and stars"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Mosca
The price is ¥11,790 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥11,790
¥20,604 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Check in instructions were clear and information was provided to help us plan our stay. Wonderful property. Quiet, private, and comfortable. Will return on our next trip to the Great Sand Dunes."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes

2 out of 5
13254 Lane 5 N, Mosca, CO
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado ...
9/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed; Fantastic view of Great Sand Dunes Np and mountains; Amazing night view of sky and stars"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes

Mosca
Stay at this campground in Mosca. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Check in instructions were clear and information was provided to help us plan our stay. Wonderful property. Quiet, private, and comfortable. Will return on our next trip to the Great Sand Dunes."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes
Dune View -Star Gazing Getaway

Dune View -Star Gazing Getaway

Mosca
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Mosca. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Colorado Gators Reptile Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Nice property. Being there in Aug.there were a lot of flies/fruit flies and I saw one mouse, but overall, the property was very nice. Aug is a warm time of year. My family was in the valley to enjoy the Sand Dunes Recreation area and most of them were camping. The first night we stayed, there was ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Dune View -Star Gazing Getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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