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 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

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 ₹17,573 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
₹17,573
₹19,664 total
4 Jul - 5 Jul
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! (430 reviews)
"The staff were really friendly, the glamping dome and bathrooms were very clean"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 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 ₹16,971 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
₹16,971
₹18,991 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
Cozy camping adventure
"Very friendly staff. Great views. Fun community activities such as bonfires and making s'mores."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
Quality Inn Alamosa
Quality Inn Alamosa
2.5 out of 5
333 Santa Fe Avenue, Alamosa, CO
The price is ₹7,213 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,213
₹8,071 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Alamosa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.2/10 Good! (307 reviews)
"Bed was nice and firm, staff was friendly and loved the breakfast waffles. Even got to stop by the water park/pool! Lovely facility!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Quality Inn Alamosa
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
Cozy camping adventure
"Very friendly staff. Great views. Fun community activities such as bonfires and making s'mores."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes
5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!
5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!
3 out of 5
Mosca, CO
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Mosca. Enjoy free parking, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Zapata Falls is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This property is a gem! From the spices, cookware, dishes, and towels in the kitchen, to the extra pillows, blankets, cots, and air mattresses for the bedrooms, to the boards and sleds for fun at the Dunes, everything was clean and well-stocked. It's a very private spot, so our family was able to ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

5 Mi to Great Sand Dunes NP: Mountain Retreat!
Eclectic Adobe Crestone Cottage w/ Patio + Yard!
Eclectic Adobe Crestone Cottage w/ Patio + Yard!
3 out of 5
Crestone, CO
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Crestone. Enjoy free parking, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Baca Grande Park and Little Pearl Pocket Park are located ...
Eclectic Adobe Crestone Cottage w/ Patio + Yard!
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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