The Hanging Lake Trail is an iconic hike along Interstate 70 just east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The trail experienced extensive fire damage in recent years and grew in popularity. These two factors required a reservation system and off-season closures to be put in place. Please check out their website for up-to-date details.
We couldn’t pass the opportunity to “try” and get reservations for this hike on our drive home. I will give you a heads up that the reservation confirmation process is not clear. After going through the reservation process, my confirmation screen didn’t go “through” nor did I get a credit card confirmation. I didn’t think we had a place reserved. However, the night before I got an email about my “upcoming” reservation which meant my registration went through.
Each reservation session lasts three (3) hours and I would plan to use that entire time. After the short walk along the bike path, the real trail and “work” starts as it is straight up for 1.5 miles. The silver lining is that you are in a dense tree covered trail helping to keep you cool. I would recommend going up to the waterfall (and walking under it) before returning to Hanging Lake.
Oh, Hanging Lake! You are so cool that even my gloating will never do you justice. The sight of a lake on the side of a canyon is a natural wonder in itself and then you add in the color of the lake, and wow! So cool! I definitely recommend adding this one to your list!
Good to Know
Distance: 4 miles out-and-back
Trails: From the parking lot, you walk ~0.5 mile on the bike path before taking a left and heading up the official Hanging Lake Trail
Elevation Gain: 1,606 ft
Terrain: Narrow, dirt single-track
Parking: Available at the Visitor Center
Facilities: Available at the Visitor Center
Fun Fact: Bring a snack and place to spend some time relaxing at the lake. They have benches places
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