Improvements to Zapata Road to begin in San Luis Valley
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MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) San Luis Valley Field Office will begin improvements on the Zapata Road on the week of November 30.
The improvements will improve access by resurfacing the road, realigning a half mile of steep road, and addressing drainage issues by installing oversized culverts under the roadway. Work is expected to begin as early as December 1.
“We are excited to begin improving access to this location that is loved by so many in the San Luis Valley and beyond,” said San Luis Valley Field Manager Melissa Garcia. “We ask for the public’s patience while these improvements are underway.”
The Zapata Falls Road, also known as BLM road 5415, leads from Colorado State Route 150 to BLM’s Zapata Falls trailhead and campground. Located just seven miles south of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Zapata Falls receives approximately 180,000 visitors per year.
The road, trails, and 23-site campground will remain open during construction, although delays will be possible throughout the project. While culverts are being replaced or rock crushing operations are underway, delays may extend up to 4 hours. These delays will only be during weekdays and delays will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
The improvements are expected to be complete in the summer of 2021.
For more information on the project, please visit the San Luis Valley Field Office website or call the field office at (719) 852-7074.
In 2019, recreation on BLM lands statewide in Colorado contributed over $692 million to the economy.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.