Hiking to Hanging Lake in Colorado 2023: What to Know Before You Go

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Hanging Lake Colorado

Hike to Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs

The hiking trail known as Hanging Lake in Colorado is a wonder-filled destination for your active, outdoorsy family.

This beautiful national natural landmark is one of Colorado's most famous hikes.

Why is it called Hanging Lake?

Hanging Lake was created when a geologic fault forced the lake bed to fall away from the valley floor above. Water flows into Hanging lake over trickling Bridal Veil Falls. 

Stay on the trail and boardwalks to Hanging Lake

Why is the lake blue-green in color?

The blue and green colors in Hanging Lake are due to minerals dissolving in the water over time. Travertine makes up most of the rock in this area, which is a kind of limestone that surfaces from the hot springs and mineral springs in the canyon. 

Glenwood Canyon’s most popular hiking trail

You will be required to have a permit to hike here. Hanging Lake Trail guidelines and adjustments will include a temporary reduction in hiker capacity as well as assisted self-parking for permit holders.

Below you will find all the important tips you need to know before hiking one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado.

A dropped valley floor helped create Hanging Lake, a national natural landmark in Colorado

Where is Hanging Lake?

Hanging Lake in Colorado is just 7 miles east of Glenwood Springs* off the I-70 corridor, a perfect day trip from nearby mountain towns.

About an hour from Vail or Aspen, the drive through Glenwood Canyon to get to Hanging Lake is memorable on its own.

Plan 2-4 hours for the hike to Hanging Lake and splash time at Spouting Rock, which is just a few minutes more of hiking up from the lake. 

We drove to Hanging Lake while on summer vacation in Aspen – Snowmass area last July. Packing a picnic lunch, we aimed to be at the trailhead around noon to refuel ourselves and then begin the steep, heart-pumping hike up to Hanging Lake.

Hanging Lake Trail is a moderate 3 mile there-and-back cardio hike, mostly enjoyed March through October. This lake is also one of most popular, gorgeous, albeit challenging, Colorado hiking trails.

Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs is a beautiful 1 hour 20 minute drive from the infamous hike to Aspen’s Maroon Bells.

Where to stay by Hanging Lake Colorado

Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs is near some gorgeous Colorado vacation homes in the mountains. We love these:

• Modern cozy apartment for two in downtown Glenwood Springs

• Charming mid-century four bedroom home sleeps 7 close to downtown

• Beautiful home with large deck on the Roaring Fork River, sleeps 4

Keep in mind that Glenwood Springs is only over an hour from Aspen and the Maroon Bells. There are so many fun things to do in Aspen, making this part of Colorado great for a summer vacation.

Looking for a vacation home on wheels? Live outdoors and book an RV, camper van, or travel trailer to get close to what matters. Many RV owners will set up and deliver their rig for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

A gorgeous view of Glenwood Canyon from Hanging Lake Trail

How to reach Hanging Lake trailhead

From the rest stop parking lot off of I-70, the hike to Hanging Lake starts on a paved path along the Colorado River before you reach the trailhead headed up.  Sitting 1,000 feet above the trailhead, the hike begins along Dead Horse Creek and steps up, up, up through the rocky canyon. 

If you are traveling east from Glenwood Springs, take Exit 125 to Hanging Lake. If you are traveling west on I-70, take the Grizzly exit (Exit 121) in Glenwood Canyon. Because there is no westbound exit, you will then turn around and get back on I-70 headed east to exit at Hanging Lake.

This is a big, developed rest area with toilets, drinking water and information. You will find the Hanging Lake trailhead about 1/4 mile esa of the rest area right before a bridge.

Don’t forget to make your Hanging Lake reservation in 2023

Hanging Lake Reservations

Permits required to hike in Summer

Due to its celebrity status, permits are now required to hike to Hanging Lake during peak season.

The Forest Service learned that 184,000 people hiked to Hanging Lake in 2017, sparking the need for a management plan.

Please read everything here about the Hanging Lake Trail before purchasing your permit. Hiking permits may be reserved now through September 4th, 2023.

For example, know this is a challenging hike due to the strenuous elevation change. It can be particularly challenging for young children and elderly.

Summer permits are $12 per hiker and include self parking at the trailhead.

Hiking to Hanging Lake in Winter

Winter permits through April 30th are $10 per hiker and include self parking at the trailhead. This recreational trail is not maintained in winter and can be hazardous. Use at your own risk and be prepared for winter hiking conditions, including inclement weather, cold temperatures, snow and ice.

Your hiking permits and reservations to Hanging Lake include self parking at the trailhead. 

RELATED: We love these hot springs and hikes in Glenwood Springs, many of them great for families.

Keep reading below for best tips before you hit the trail to Hanging Lake.

Your hike to Hanging Lake begins on a paved path to the trailhead

Be ready for the steep elevation gain on Hanging Lake CO Trail

Hanging Lake in Colorado

Hanging Lake hike in Glenwood Springs

What you should know before you hike:

• The hike to Hanging Lake is a heart-pumping 1,000 foot climb up starting from Glenwood Canyon through Deadhorse Creek Canyon to Hanging Lake. 

• Know your limitations. This hike is particular challenging for young children and elderly.

• Are you coming from much lower elevation? Read Tips for Hiking in Colorado.

• The rocky, steep trail is only 1 mile long after the paved portion, but be ready for lots of climbing!

• Wear sturdy shoes with good tread. Wear hiking shoes/boots if you have them.

• Wear spikes for hiking in winter. This means be prepared October through April.  

• There is minimal to no cell phone coverage in this area. If you are hiking alone, tell someone where you are going before you hike. 

• Bring all of your drinking water along (at least 2 L each) since there is no water spigot at the trailhead or along the hike.

• Pack salty snacks or even a lunch for the top of the trail at Spouting Rock.

• While tempting, do not shortcut the trail’s switchbacks as that only increases erosion and de-beautifies the terrain.

• There are several places to stop and take a breather, so take your time and enjoy the hike! 

• On the last bit of the trail, before you reach Hanging Lake, there are steep stairs crafted from the canyon’s rock. Be careful.

• Once at the lake, please stay on the made-for-you boardwalk. Do not tip-toe out onto fallen trees laying across the lake, and do not get into the water. It is a very fragile eco-system. Don’t ruin it for everyone else just because you need a cool shot for the ‘gram.

Go all way up to Spouting Rock after you see Hanging Lake

• Don’t miss Spouting Rock! After you’ve seen Hanging Lake, double-back along the trail just a bit and head further up the trail a short ways to Spouting Rock - a super refreshing waterfall created from a hole through the limestone cliff wall. (see above).

• Stay on the trail and obey all posted signs. Take care of Hanging Lake Trail so future hikers can enjoy this wondrous place too!

• If you don’t hike in Colorado often, freshen up on Colorado hiking tips.

Plan ahead and this hike to Hanging Lake in Colorado will be one for the books for your family!

Have you been to Glenwood Springs, CO? We love these hot springs and hikes in Glenwood Springs, many of them great for families.

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Need help deciding or planning your next family vacation to Colorado? Book a one hour consultation call with me. Ask me questions and gather tailored advice and next steps for putting together your next adventure.

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