Tips for hiking at Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Just because the snow is gone, doesn’t mean we can’t still reap the benefits months later. With all that snow comes water, rivers, lakes, and great hiking.

Hanging Lake is one of the more accessible, picturesque and interesting (geologically speaking) spots to hike in Colorado. Here are a few tips:

1. Bring good hiking shoes

The lower part of the trail goes through a big, rocky skree field. Watch your step as you place each foot.

2. Leave the dogs at home

No dogs are allowed on the trail. It’s fairly steep, narrow, has switchbacks, and gets very crowded.

3. Pack Water

It’s only a 1.5 mile hike but you shouldn’t underestimate how high (altitude!) you will get and how much it takes out of you. Bring a light sweater or rain jacket too, just in case.

4. Hike past the lake up to Spouting Rock

It’s a small sign but don’t miss it. Spouting Rock shows you how the lake was formed. Hold your cupped hands together (side by side, palms up) and then lower one of the hands. That lower hand is what is now Hanging Lake. Spouting Rock is the water coming out from the upper half.

5. Get there early

If you’re planning to hike this during a summer weekend then you should try to get there by 7 AM. By 8 the parking lots will fill up, the trail will be crowded and you won’t get to enjoy the hike as leisurely, take photos without dozens of people crowding you, etc.

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Enjoy your time at Hanging Lake!