Outbound Collective logo

Hanging Lake

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

4.7/5
based on 23 reviews

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. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Waterfall

Hanging Lake Reviews

Explorer

06/11/17

One of the most unique, relaxing hikes I've been on. It honestly feels like you're in the tropics... Capturing the cascading falls on the way up was a blast; must do.

Explorer

11/13/16

We got there around 9:45 am on a Saturday in November - parking lot was about half full. Most of the crowds were on their way down so we didn't have to share the lake with many people. The elevation gain really isn't that bad, and the views at the top are more than worth it.

Went in the winter time and only ran into two other groups on the trail. It can get pretty slippery and I had to slide down some parts on my butt to avoid falling. The waterfalls are frozen / suspended and it literally looks like a winter wonderland!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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