Southeast Ridge from South Zapata Lake

Overview

UN 13,656 is on the ridge east of South Zapata Lake. New mapping showed it is the ranked high point of the ridge, not Point 13,654 about 0.4 mile to the north.

A good trail climbs past Zapata Falls to the lake. From there you climb Class 2 slopes, steep at the end and mostly big talus, to a narrow ridge with views in every direction.

The round trip from the trailhead is about 11.9 miles with 4,635 feet of gain. You can do it in one long day, but many people backpack to the lake and climb the peaks around it.

Plan of the day

Getting to the trailhead

Take US 160 west from Blanca for roughly 6 miles and turn right onto Colorado 150 toward Great Sand Dunes. After about 10.8 miles, turn right (east) on the Zapata Falls road (BLM 5415). From the dunes visitor center, it's about 9 miles south on 150.

The graded gravel road climbs 3.6 miles, with several switchbacks, to the Zapata Falls campground and trailhead. Cars are fine. There's a day-use and backpacker lot, vault toilets and a small first-come fee campground with no water.

Next: the route, step by step →

The route

1. 1

   Zapata Falls trailhead 9,075' · 0 mi

   Walk up the old road toward the falls. The South Zapata Lake Trail forks right, up onto the ridge above the falls; signs have been poor, so watch for it.

2. 2

   Creek crossing 9,400' · 0.8 mi

   A little above the falls, cross South Zapata Creek. Wade if there's no log or bridge; it runs fast in June.

   Watch for: Swift water in early summer.

3. 3

   North Fork junction 10,300' · 2.25 mi

   The trail climbs steeply to a small ridge, then contours up the east side of the valley below some cliffs. Stay on the main trail where Trail 868 turns east.

4. 4

   Upper crossing 11,360' · 3.6 mi

   The trail crosses the creek to the west side. There's a sheltered campsite in the trees here, the best cover in the valley.

5. 5

   Last big trees 11,800' · 4.2 mi

   The forest ends about 3/4 mile below the lake; willows take over.

6. 6

   South Zapata Lake 11,900' · 4.8 mi

   Few campsites here, mostly on the northwest side, and no trees for shelter.

7. 7

   Southeast stream 12,100' · 5.1 mi

   Skirt the lake on its east shore and follow the small stream that comes in from the southeast. Stay off the rock glacier to the southwest.

8. 8

   Talus slope 12,600' · 5.4 mi

   After about a quarter mile, turn east and start the steeper climb. Bear north so you don't top out at Point 13,618.

9. 9

   UN 13,656 13,656' · 6.2 mi

   Tundra gives way to large, mostly stable talus. Aim to reach the ridge about a quarter mile northwest of Point 13,618, near the summit.

Getting down

From just south of the high point on the ridge, drop west-southwest down the big couloir between rock walls straight to the lake. It is loose talus, or a quick glissade when it holds snow.

If things go wrong

Go back down the way you came to the lake.

3D flyover

See the trail on video

Other routes

Every way up UN 13,656 we list, with its class.

• UN 13,656 SE Ridge this routeClass 2 11.9 mi