2019 Map of Zapata Ranch

About this map

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Preserve dominate this high-altitude landscape where the San Luis Valley meets the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Historically centered around the Zapata Ranch, this area shows a transition from the wide, creek-fed valley floors to the steep alpine terrain of the Rio Grande National Forest. Notable landmarks such as the Urraca Cem provide a glimpse into the early settlement of Alamosa County, while the complex drainage systems of Medano Cr, N Zapata Cr, and S Arrastre Cr illustrate the vital water sources that have sustained ranching and mountain life. The rugged eastern portion is defined by prominent features like North Zapata Ridge, Sheep Ridge, and Raspberry Canyon, with higher elevations reaching the Middle Zapata Cr Lake and the historic Mosca Pass.