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 Regional Airport is located just south of Alamosa.
