Hanging Lake…

Hanging Lake is a natural wonder located in Glenwood Canyon, just a few miles east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is a stunning and unique destination known for its turquoise-colored water, waterfalls, and hanging gardens. Here are some key features and details about Hanging Lake:

Hanging Lake is renowned for its exceptional beauty. The lake is nestled high in the mountains, suspended on the edge of a cliff. The vibrant turquoise color of the water is a result of dissolved carbonates and minerals, creating a striking visual effect.

To reach Hanging Lake, we had to hike a moderately challenging trail. The trailhead is located off Interstate 70, and from there, it’s a steep ascent over a 3.1-miles trail that gains approximately 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail is well-maintained but can be rocky and slippery in places.

Make sure the check the weather before going. You will walk a 1 mile on the concrete trail before reaching the hanging lake trail. That’s the easy part. We were told that it would take about 3 ⅓ hours to hike the trail. The last mile of the trail is at 71% of an incline and in our opinion was a hardest park of the hike. If you can go up 80 story building, you can do this. Once at the top you do feel refreshed by feeling the mist hitting you. If you can keep going to Sporting Rock that is extra 200 feet to your left before the man made board walk. There is a few places to sit and relax before going back down.

One of the defining features of Hanging Lake is its hanging gardens. The cliffs surrounding the lake are covered in lush vegetation, including mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque and enchanting environment. Visitors can also marvel at the two beautiful waterfalls that cascade into the lake. We did see a fish inside the lake, however the fish was fast and we couldn’t take a picture of the fish.

Due to its delicate ecosystem, Hanging Lake has limited visitor capacity. To preserve its natural beauty, the U.S. Forest Service implemented a permit system, and visitors are required to obtain a permit in advance to access the trail. This helps manage the number of visitors and protects the fragile environment.

Along the trail to Hanging Lake, there are interpretive signs providing information about the unique geological and ecological aspects of the area. These signs offer insights into the lake’s formation, the surrounding geology, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. One of the sign’s got a little damaged with a rock slide. We did post a picture of all the signs at the end of the blog.

To protect the pristine environment, it is important if you are visiting to follow the regulations in place. Some of the rules include no swimming, no dogs, no fishing, and no drones. It’s also crucial to stay on the designated trail and avoid stepping on the delicate vegetation around the lake.

Hanging Lake is a popular destination, so it’s advisable to plan your visit ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. The combination of the awe-inspiring natural setting, the challenging hike, and the unique hanging gardens make Hanging Lake a must-see attraction in Glenwood Springs.

If you would like to go up to hanging lake, you can make a reservations at… https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/