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2025 ranch stays are now open. Book now.

ZAPATA RANCH

San Luis Valley, Colorado

Easily accessible year round historical ranch. 100,000 acres of prairie, sand hills, arroyos, meadows, historical corrals, dilapidated homesteads and renovated log buildings. The ranch is adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park and has a backdrop of the 14,000ft Sangre De Cristo mountain range. 

OVERVIEW

  • 60 head horse herd
  • Cattle herd
  • Open prairie
  • Wooden livestock corrals
  • Mountain backdrops
  • Miles of dirt and sand tracks
  • Wooden corrals and round pen
  • Historical dilapidated homesteads
  • Views of The Great Sand Dunes
  • Easy access on ranch with 4 wheel drive 
  • Accommodations available on site during off season November - March or in season booked 6 months in advance

Extensive on-site rentals including:

  • 3 x livestock trailers
  • 4 x 2000’s model ranch trucks
  • Horses and Riders available 
  • Tack (saddles, bridles)

ACCESS

  • DEN Denver International airport 4 hours drive 
  • ABQ Albuquerque airport 4 hours drive
  • COS Colorado Springs airport 2.5 hour drive 
  • PUB Pueblo airport 1 hour 45 minutes drive 
  • TMW Taos airport 2 hours drive 
  • ALS Alamosa airport 30 minutes drive
Accommodation Options:
  • Hampton Inn 
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites 
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 
Onsite April - November
  • Guest rooms 17 bedrooms with 26 beds
  • Plus two basic staff housing  3 bedroom homes

YEAR ROUND WEATHER

Spring (March-May) - Spring is an amazing time here at Zapata. Coming around this time may give you the chance to see all four seasons of weather in a single week, with possible bouts of rain and snow, and temperatures dipping into the low 30s. As the sun comes out, temperatures may rise into the 60s. 

Summer (June- August) - Summer at Zapata is beautiful with every outdoor activity in full swing. Expect temperatures to range between 40 and 50 degrees overnight, warming up to approximately 80 degrees during the day. In July and August it can sometimes get as warm as 90 degrees, but cool evenings and afternoon monsoon rainstorms provide a nice balance. 

Autumn (September - November) - Fall is a secret treasure here at Zapata. Many of our guests and staff call it their favorite time of year. Sunny mild days give way to crisp evenings and chilly mornings. Temperatures start falling into the 30s overnight, while during the day the sun warms things up into the 60s.

Get in Touch

Curious to hear more about the Zapata and how it fits into your next shoot? Send us an email at locations@ranchlands.com and our team will tell you everything you need to know. We look forward to hearing from you!

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