🏞️ Discover Mosca, Colorado
Mosca, Colorado sits quietly in the San Luis Valley at an elevation of 7,559 feet, surrounded by the dramatic rise of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Just minutes from Great Sand Dunes National Park and the icy cascade of Zapata Falls, Mosca offers a rugged, high-desert vibe perfect for solitude, stargazing, and unexpected roadside quirks — like the Colorado Gators Reptile Park. It’s the kind of place where the silence feels earned, and every trailhead hints at something epic.
🚗 Getting There
If you're planning to visit Mosca, there are a few ways to get in there depending on your style. Driving in from Colorado Springs takes just under 3 hours via I-25 and US-160, with wide-open views and a few quirky stops along the way. From Denver, it's closer to 4 hours — a scenic descent into the San Luis Valley. Flying? The nearest airport is Alamosa (ALS), just 18 minutes away, though most travelers opt for Colorado Springs (COS) or even Durango (DRO) for better connections. From there, it’s a mix of bus routes and rental car legs, but the payoff is real: Mosca’s quiet, high-desert welcome is worth every mile.
🌟 My Personal Observation
- Great Sand Dunes: Don’t be confused — yes, Colorado isn’t just mountains for mountain bikes, snowboarding, and skiing. It’s also home to the surreal Great Sand Dunes National Park. In these desert-styled dunes, I’ve hiked to the top, rolled in the sand like a baby playing at the beach, and sprinted downhill just for the thrill. On my last visit, I noticed that Great Sand Dunes Oasis, a gas station and restaurant just outside the park entrance, rents boards for anyone wanting to slide down the dunes like a sand surfer. I also have to mention — one time I was halfway to the dunes and got caught in a full-blown sandstorm. Wild, gritty, and unforgettable. 📍 View on Google Maps The Great Sand Dunes Oasis Restaurant📍 View on Google Maps
-
Zapata Falls: Just outside the Sand Dunes, tucked into the mountains, lies
this hidden waterfall. It’s the perfect refresh after hiking over warm sand — soaking your
feet and splashing cold water on your face feels incredible. The falls are concealed inside a narrow canyon
and can’t be seen from the trailhead, which makes the reveal even more dramatic.
📍 View on Google Maps
⛰️ Hidden Gems in Mosca
- Colorado Gators Reptile Park — a desert oddity where rescued gators, tortoises, and snakes thrive in geothermal water. Hold a baby gator, tour the tilapia farm, or just marvel at the fact this place exists in Mosca.
- UFO Watchtower — owned by Judy Messoline, this quirky roadside stop near Hooper offers a UFO-themed observation deck, gift shop, healing garden, and campground for skywatchers and curious travelers. Admission: $5 adults, $15 overnight camping (subject to change). For more information, visit the official site: Colorado.com listing.
- Sand Dunes Recreation — family-friendly hot spring in Hooper with pools, therapy tubs, and an adults-only Greenhouse (swimsuits required). Perfect for soaking off the sand and sun after a hike in the dunes.
🛏️ Places to Stay Near Mosca
I haven’t stayed overnight in Mosca myself — I usually drive back to Denver or Colorado Springs — but these are consistently top-ranked by TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Google Reviews:
- Rustic Rook Resort: Glamping tents with mountain views, breakfast included, and close access to the dunes and Zapata Falls. Stylish, cozy, and family-friendly.
- Great Sand Dunes Lodge: Simple lodge with unbeatable views of the dunes, hummingbird feeders, and patio seating. Closest lodging to the park entrance.
- Ramble at Great Sand Dunes: Premium campground with wind-protected sites, hot showers, and a camp store. Thoughtfully designed for tent campers and road trippers.
- Sand Dunes Recreation RV Park: On-site hot springs, full hookups, and access to pools and the Greenhouse. Great for soaking after a day in the dunes.
🎥 My Travel Videos
Here are some video I took from Sand Dunes and Zapata Falls.
