Zapata Ranch – Mosca, CO

Closed but likely to reopen. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, Zapata Ranch is a conservation-oriented working ranch located on the edge of Great Sand Dunes National Park. It offers a rare opportunity to bring your horse and ride among herds of bison, sand dunes, and vast open plains. Educational programs, ecological tours, and ranching demonstrations give guests a deeper connection to the land. Accommodations are rustic yet stylish, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

While plans are still being developed, the Nature Conservancy’s vision for the future of the Zapata Ranch will likely include Tribal involvement and the use of the Preserve as a place for cultural connection, learning and resource protection alongside meaningful engagement with Tribal Nations, Indigenous Peoples, and the San Luis Valley’s historic Latino and local diverse communities. This change comes after a significant review by The Nature Conservancy of their Colorado Preserves to determine the best role for each property to achieve their strategic plan and have maximum impact to their mission. After the 2024 season, the lodge will be closed to the public for a period of time while TNC explores future uses for the Preserve.

The Zapata Ranch experience has been the flagship for Ranchlands Stay for the past 18 years and has provided us and our guests one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn about nature, ranching and its critical role in conservation. While we are saddened to say goodbye to the ranch, we admire TNC’s goal to engage historical communities of the San Luis Valley and know that the ranch will provide a special place for connection and learning. We are grateful for the opportunity that we have had to shepherd and share this amazing place with you all for the last 18 years.

As we look ahead, the future is bright.