🥾 Trail Info
Most great Colorado hikes demand at least a full day and a thousand feet of climbing. Hanging Lake does it in 2.4 miles — but those miles are steep, and the reward is unlike anything else in the state. A rare travertine lake clings to the side of a cliff in Glenwood Canyon, fed by Bridal Veil Falls and Spouting Rock, its minerals turning the water the kind of blue-green that looks edited in photographs. It isn't.
What to Expect
The trail begins at the Hanging Lake Trailhead deep in Glenwood Canyon and climbs 1,020 feet in 1.2 miles — an average grade of 16 percent. The path follows Dead Horse Creek through the narrow canyon, switchbacking steeply upward on a combination of dirt trail and stone steps. It is not a casual stroll, but it is straightforward — no route-finding, no scrambling.
At the top, a boardwalk system protects the fragile travertine deposits around the lake. Swimming and wading are prohibited (the ecosystem is extraordinarily sensitive), but you can walk around the lake's edge and out to Spouting Rock — a waterfall that erupts from a hole in a cliff face. It's bizarre and beautiful in equal measure.
Permits (Required)
The Hanging Lake Trail requires advance timed-entry permits from recreation.gov. This is a strict requirement — rangers turn away unpermitted visitors at the trailhead. Permits sell out fast, often within minutes of each reservation window opening. Set a calendar reminder. Shuttle-only access is enforced during peak season (late May through Labor Day) — you cannot drive to the trailhead.
Tips
- Book permits as early as possible. The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at recreation.gov. Set a reminder.
- No swimming or wading — rangers enforce this strictly. The travertine formations are irreplaceable.
- The climb is steep — take your time, especially with kids or if you're coming from lower elevation.
- Bring water. There's no potable water on trail.
- No pets allowed on the shuttle or trail.
Gear
- Trail shoes or hiking boots — the trail gets slippery near the falls
- Water bottle (2L minimum)
- Camera — you will take a hundred photos
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful on descent)
Getting There
The trailhead is accessible only by shuttle from Glenwood Springs during peak season. Shuttles depart from the Glenwood Springs transit center. The trailhead is located at mile marker 125 on I-70 — no direct highway access during permit season. Glenwood Springs is about 90 miles from Denver.
The Verdict
Hanging Lake is the rare hike that earns every bit of hype it gets. The permit system is annoying but necessary — and it means the lake isn't overrun when you get there. Plan ahead, book early, and bring a good camera.