Hanging Lake
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Details
Distance
3.06 miles
Elevation Gain
1168 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Nicola Easterby
The trail to Hanging Lake offers an amazing view of cascading waterfalls surrounded by pine tree lined cliffs and hanging plants. This Glenwood Springs icon is only a 3-mile roundtrip hike. If you get hot, you can cool off from the waterfall at Spouting Rock.
Hanging Lake is a beautifully unique natural wonder. Surrounded by dramatic, pine tree lined cliffs, a unique community of hanging plants thrive beside waterfalls cascading in to this glimmering turquoise pool of water. If this isn’t enough to entice you- the trail leading up to the lake is rather delightful.
Note: This hike requires permits. Visit the Glenwood Springs website for more information and to reserve yours.
Following Dead lake creek, there is no shortage of photo opportunities along the way. Dramatic, pine tree lined cliffs, tinkling brooks, and one particularly unique landmark that shouldn’t be missed - Spouting Rock. Found just behind Hanging Lake, it boasts a waterfall that spouts directly from the face of the cliff. The erosion of the water has created a shallow cave, meaning you can basically stand under the flowing water- what better way to cool off after your hike!
Here are the coordinates for Hanging Lake: 39.60165°N 107.191997°W. The trailhead is located along the Glenwood Canyon Bike & Pedestrian Path. Be aware, parking at the trailhead is limited as this is a very popular trail. Try to arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the parking lot being full. If it does turn out to be full, there is a plan B. You can exit and park at Bair Ranch, then follow the Glenwood Canyon Bike and Pedestrian Path for a few miles until you reach the bottom of the trailhead.
No dogs allowed on the trail.
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Reviews
This hike is short for Colorado standards, making it extremely popular with everyone going through the area. Knowing that, any sunny day or any weekend are going to be jammed packed. If you pick some less popular hours, this place delivers without fail. The waterfalls are truly incredible. The hike is short, but its a lot of scrambling up loose rock. You don't need to go all out - I hiked it in tennis shoes as a kid - but just know it's not one of those hop out of your car and have a five minute wander to a viewpoint kind of thing.
4.0
This is a five star post for going at the right time. If you go during day or on weekends it will be so packed, and you will be miserable. I arrived before sunrise and had the hike up to myself. The hike is short, but it's not super easy. You will be climbing elevation fast - mostly on rocks. Be prepared for a real hike, not just a stop the car and walk up in regular shoes situation. The payoff is unreal. Pretty on all levels. Remember to respect the ecosystem and you cannot bring your dog. On my way down I passed, no joke, at least 100 people. The parking lot was full. It was 8:30am on a Friday. That's how busy it gets. Go early and on a weekday for one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Spouting Rock via Hanging Lakes Trail
Hike the Grizzly Creek Trail
Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs
Camp at Deep Creek Campground
Camp at Dotsero Crater
Trail Run Mushroom Rock and Red Hill
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