Hanging Lake – What You Need to Know in 2019!!

I need everyone to stop what they’re doing and hear what I’m saying (…read what I’m writing?? Whatever, just stop what you’re doing and pay attention!)

You have to make time in the course of your life to see Hanging Lake. Yup, I just put that out there, because this is “Bucket List” worthy stuff right here!!

I really really don’t want to sound like a jaded Colorado a-hole… but given what I’ve been blessed to see and experience in my life, it takes a little bit more than run-of-the-mill scenery to mind-blow-impress me. Don’t get me wrong!!!!!! I try to mindfully enjoy all different kinds of landscapes and foliage and scenery…but the “wow” factor has to really be something for me to get so excited that I’m actually a little angry.

So what I’m saying is this: Hanging Lake did that for me.  It was a super impressive place, and it was so pretty that I actually got a little angry.

I’ll say this too: Before you leave this page, at least scroll down to the pictures of the lake and try to wrap your mind around the fact that the pictures really don’t do it justice at all!!

This post has been updated to reflect the new rules and regulations for visiting Hanging Lake effective May 2019.  Please skip down to the Tips section for more information.

I’ve been to or through Glenwood Springs three times since the beginning of this year, but the second time is when I spent the night and saw Hanging Lake and Doc Holliday’s Memorial.  My other half wanted to do something memorable for my first Mother’s Day and suggested we spend the night in Glenwood Springs, which as you might imagine, I was totally fine with! I had read that parking can be an issue so we left pretty early and headed into Glenwood Canyon.

(Speaking of Glenwood Canyon, it’s a pretty legit place in its own right.  It’s a gorgeous drive and there’s a walking trail that goes all through it along the river.  Definitely recommend walking/biking some of it if you’re staying in Glenwood Springs!)

So without any further ado, let’s get down to the specs before I continue to sing the praises of this awesome place!

Directions from Glenwood Springs – Travel East on I-70. Take exit 125 which will have signs for Hanging Lake. This exit will take you directly to the parking area.

Directions from Westbound I-70 –  There isn’t direct access to the parking lot from I-70W. Take exit 121, which will have signs for Hanging Lake/Grizzly Creek.  Upon exiting, follow the road around and onto I-70E. Follow I-70E until you get to exit 125, which will be marked for Hanging Lake.

Restrooms: There are restrooms at the parking lot but no restrooms once you get on the trail.  Make sure and go before you start!!

Distance: This trail is an out and back, 2.4 mile round trip hike. The trail to Hanging Lake is almost entirely uphill.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.  Mostly difficult unless you hike 14ers for breakfast. The elevation gain on this hike is 1000 feet.

Pets OK? Pets are NOT allowed on this trail, and they are not allowed to be left in vehicles at the parking lot.

Crowds: Heavy

Camping allowed: Camping is not allowed at Hanging Lake.  The closest campgrounds seem to be Gyspum Campground, which is roughly 20 miles away, and Coffee Pot Springs Campground, which is about 35 miles away….so “closest” is a relative term!

Another site camped at Redstone Campground, which even though was about an hour away, was highly recommended.

Fees/Permits: Currently there are no fees, but this hike will be by permit only next year in 2019

Tips:

• The Hanging Lake shuttle service is through H2O Ventures and will launch on May 1, 2019. Reservations will be available for purchase at https://www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/ on the go-live date of April 1, 2019, or in person at the new Hanging Lake Welcome Center, which will open on May 1, 2019.  The location of the Welcome Center will be 110 Wulfsohn Road in Glenwood Springs.  Feel free to call the Welcome Center once it’s open for any questions at 970-384-6309!
• You will NOT be able to park in the parking area at the trailhead during the peak season between May 1 and October 31.  The shuttle will be your only option! Parking for the shuttle is free at the Welcome Center.
• If you opt to bike into Glenwood Canyon all the way to the trailhead you still need a reservation/permit!
• During peak season the cost is $12.  Off-season permits are $10.
• During the off-season, you can drive your own vehicle to the trailhead parking lot, but you still need a permit! 
• There is a limit of 20 people per group reservation.
• Make sure you know how often the shuttles are running so you know when to be back at the trailhead!
• This hike is a steep, rocky hike.  Make sure you are wearing proper footwear for this terrain.
• This area has a very fragile and delicate ecosystem.  While you may find pictures on the internet of people playing in the water, messing with the infamous log at the lake, or even playing under the waterfalls, these things are NOT allowed.  It’s very damaging to the ecosystem, so please have respect for this beautiful place and follow the rules. By doing so, you can help preserve it for future generations!
• Drones are not allowed on this hike
• There are currently no hours of operation. It’s open 24 hours, but remember camping isn’t allowed.
• There is no drinking water available on this hike!! The water in the lake and creek have the giardia bacteria, so it’s definitely a no-go. Make sure and bring plenty of water as well as snacks for energy…trust me, you’ll need it!
• Look up the weather if you come in monsoon season (July-August).  Thunderstorms in Colorado are prone to cause flash floods.
• There is wildlife in the area!!! Please be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on wandering children!
• Near the end of the trail, there’s a steep ascent on a set of stone steps. There is a railing, but it’s a steep drop-off on the other side, so please be careful with young children!!
• Once you get to the lake, remember to take the short trek up to Spouting Horn Falls! An impressively tall waterfall awaits you, and the hike up doesn’t take long at all!
• Again, I know I’ve already said this, but there is no swimming, fishing, or pets allowed.
• This website has a ton of useful information and tips on hiking Hanging Lake.

If you were lucky enough to get a parking spot then this sign will greet you at the beginning of your trek!

This walking path will take you to the trailhead

I know I’ve already said this…but Glenwood Canyon in its own right is so beautiful!! Definitely would walk the entire river trail if I was staying in Glenwood Springs!

Aaaaaaand as soon as the trail begins….so does the uphill battle!

Not long after beginning the trail you’ll come to this rocky portion.  At this point, you are still feeling pretty good and your legs have not yet turned to jello!

Am I the only one who thinks this picture is amaze-balls?????

Wow.

The trail follows alongside the creek for the majority of the hike…Lots of photo ops y’all!

So it was somewhere around these areas where my legs definitely were feeling it…but at least I wasn’t the one with a baby strapped to me!!

When you get to this stone walkway you are getting real close!!

This area is where the trail really got interesting!!!  The water streaming down this cliff is from the lake.  Since the lake is basically hanging out on the side of a cliff, its run-off cascades down the cliff to the area in this picture as well as the following video.

This was pretty much where my mind started to get blown a little, although I wasn’t angry at this point.

This video shows really well how the water was streaming down the cliffside:

This picture is the final ascent to the lake. I had a friend who came here in early spring and said these stairs were all iced then… so be aware of that if you come around that time! She kept falling so she had to scoot down these stairs on her descent! I personally would find that a little terrifying.

Make sure you take time to enjoy the gorgeous view of the valley!!!

Aaaaaaand full blown anger over how pretty it was!!!

I know some of these pics are redundant, but how can you grow tired looking at them??

Can you believe the lake gets to 25 ft deep??

I even took a short video on my phone to try and better show what I was looking at:

After we had spent awhile enjoying the beauty and resting our legs we hiked the very short distance to the waterfall above the lake.

This was actually a pretty large waterfall! Note in the bottom right corner the size of the people for some perspective!

We managed to get a picture of my little booger-bear smiling 🙂

We hiked the whole thing in probably two and a half hours, but I would definitely plan on three to four if you are not used to hiking or not used to altitude. We usually hike in pretty good time because our descents are fast. We got there a little before 8 and were for sure done in the 10 o’clock hour, leaving us plenty of time to see and do other things.

I hope y’all enjoyed looking at the pictures as much as I enjoyed sharing them here! Trust me when I say, you won’t regret visiting this Colorado must-see!!

Until next time my friends!!