Mosca Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Zapata Falls which includes a gorge or canyon as well as a small group of people
Zapata Falls showing a waterfall
Zapata Falls showing a river or creek
Zapata Falls which includes wild flowers
Zapata Falls featuring 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 metres) and the 25-foot-tall (8-metre) 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 kilometres). 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 metres). 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-kilometre) 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

You might consider checking out Zapata Falls while you're exploring Zapata and the larger Mosca area.

Zapata
Great Sand Dunes Lodge

Great Sand Dunes Lodge

2 out of 5
7900 CO-150, Mosca, CO
The price is £172 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
£172
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mosca. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (465 reviews)
"I was expecting a step up from a tent and was pleasantly surprised. The rooms are comfortable and have a beautiful view of the sand dunes. Breakfast was good and the staff is friendly. The restaurant on property was good and staff very pleasant.."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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 £167 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£167
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campsite in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado Gators ...
9/10 Wonderful! (139 reviews)
Rustic Rook- great choice
"This was a wonderful trip with the family. The tent was such a fun experience. Good to get away from technology but was still able to access it if needed in the lobby. Breakfast burritos and s’mores ever night were something to look forward to. Close to the falls and sand dunes. Having bathrooms ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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, CO
The price is £101 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£101
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campsite in Mosca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"Lovely little spot to get away. Very close to the Sand Dunes NP and Zapata Falls. Patrick has thought of many little details to make your glamping experience wonderful."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 campsite in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a picnic area. Popular attractions San Luis State Wildlife Area and Colorado Gators ...
9/10 Wonderful! (139 reviews)
Rustic Rook- great choice
"This was a wonderful trip with the family. The tent was such a fun experience. Good to get away from technology but was still able to access it if needed in the lobby. Breakfast burritos and s’mores ever night were something to look forward to. Close to the falls and sand dunes. Having bathrooms ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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, CO
Stay at this campsite in Mosca. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"Lovely little spot to get away. Very close to the Sand Dunes NP and Zapata Falls. Patrick has thought of many little details to make your glamping experience wonderful."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Glamping yurt/tent, Fire Pit+Grill+Hammock+more, Great Sand Dunes
Trails End Getaway · Modern Cabin w/ Hot Tub near Sand Dunes Nat'l Park

Trails End Getaway · Modern Cabin w/ Hot Tub near Sand Dunes Nat'l Park

Mosca
Stay at this cabin in Mosca. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Close to Heaven
"The Outdoor Living Spaces are superb with a covered patio, open patio, deck and hot tub. It is so quiet and so dark at night the stars just pop out like crazy. A Slice of Heaven on earth. The kitchen has absolutely everything you need. The beds and linens were so comfortable. We have never stayed ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Trails End Getaway · Modern Cabin w/ Hot Tub near Sand Dunes Nat'l Park
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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