Hanging Lake: A Tough Trail with a Big Reward
Hanging Lake isn’t the kind of hike you breeze through — it’s the kind you earn, and the kind you remember.
The trail climbs straight out of the canyon and made us work from the start.
Uneven rock stairs. Rugged trail. Steep climbs that tested our legs and our hearts.
But the payoff is worth every step.
At the top, you’ll find a lake so clear and bright it feels unreal. Water drips from moss-covered cliffs, and the whole place feels calm in a way you don’t get often.
But before you head out, there are a few important things to know. Let’s walk through the details that will help your visit go smoothly.
Trail Stats
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,062 feet
Difficulty: moderately difficult
Features: stunning lake, waterfalls, cedar forest
Time to Hike: 2 hours up, 1 hour down
Hanging Lake Trail may only be 3 miles round-trip, but don’t let that number fool you.
Most of the work is packed into the 1.2 miles it takes to reach the lake itself. The extra distance comes from the short offshoot to Spouting Rock, which is 100% worth the detour.
You gain 1,062 feet in that short climb, and almost all of it comes through steep, rocky steps and tight switchbacks.
You’ll cross seven bridges over Deadhorse Creek as the trail rises through the canyon, each one giving you a quick break and a new angle on the water rushing below.
By the time you reach the lake at 7,323 feet, you’ll understand why it became a National Natural Landmark. The climb is tough, but every step up the rocky trail pulls you closer to a lake that feels almost otherworldly.
See more stats and recent trail reviews on AllTrails.
FAQ & Pro Tips
What time of day should you hike Hanging Lake?
The earliest possible. Hiking in the afternoon puts you at risk of hot weather and/or pop-up thunderstorms. Hike earlier to stay cool and avoid bad weather.
See Hanging Lake Trail on AllTrails.
Do you REALLY need a permit?
YES. Beyond just being a good person who supports our public lands, you’ll need a permit for sure. They are checked before you can park. Even if you bike in, your permit WILL be checked.
What do the fees go towards?
“Fees pay for the reservation service, visitor information, trail supervisors, sanitization of touch-areas and restrooms, conservation and interpretation services during your visit. Fees also cover maintenance, additional staffing and communications.”
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
Yes. But there are no restrooms along the trail or at the lake.
How did Hanging Lake form?
A geological fault left a travertine deposition that sank in part of the valley floor. This resulted in Hanging Lake literally “hanging” above the canyon. The lake is fed by Bridal Veil Falls, which deposits minerals that give the water its vibrant color.
What to Pack for Hiking in Colorado
Colorado weather loves surprises—sunny one minute, hail the next. Here are the must-have items we never hit the trail without:
A rain jacket – Afternoon thunderstorms are basically a guarantee. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is lightweight, packable, and actually waterproof.
Actual hiking boots or trail runners – Hiking boots are awesome for support and waterproofing, but we love the lightweight breathability of trail runners on long hikes. Whatever you do, just PLEASE don’t wear regular sneakers—your feet will hate you.
Hiking pants (NOT jeans) – Colorado trails are full of scree, mud, and surprise rain. Hiking pants are durable, quick‑drying, and far better than denim (looking at you, Texans).
Layers, layers, layers – Temps swing fast at high elevation. Pair a breathable Capilene® Cool Daily Shirt with a warm Nano Puff Jacket and you’ll have everything you need.
Trekking poles – Save your knees on steep climbs and give yourself extra balance on rocky sections. These ones from REI are super durable, lightweight, and WAY better than that crap on Amazon.
Plenty of water – Dehydration sneaks up quickly at high altitude. We love our Osprey Daylite Pack. It’s perfect size to fit a couple layers, and everything you need for a day on trail
Snacks with actual calories – Trail mix, jerky, or bars—don’t underestimate how much energy hiking at 10,000 ft burns.
Sun protection – A hat + sunglasses + high‑SPF sunscreen will keep you protected.
Navigation tools – Download offline maps with AllTrails or carry a GPS device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2.
First aid kit – Even a small one saves the day for blisters, scrapes, or altitude headaches.
Colorado hikes are incredible—but only if you’re prepared. Trust us, a good rain jacket (and pants that aren’t denim) have saved us more times than we can count!
Getting Tickets
Tickets are available WELL in advance. If you know your dates, go ahead and book tickets.
It’s possible to get last-minute tickets, but the earlier you can book, the better.
Tickets are $10 per hiker November through April, and $12 the rest of the year.
Your ticket includes parking (but no vehicles over 25 feet), and there are no ride-sharing services allowed (so no Uber or Lyft).
Go to Visit Glenwood for information and tickets.
Why are permits required?
Simply put, Hanging Lake was getting loved to death.
Too many visitors, not enough regulation.
Permits let the state limit the number of visitors. And the fees collected help maintain the trail so future generations can enjoy Hanging Lake just like we did.
Driving There
You used to have to take a shuttle to the trailhead. But between COVID and the Grizzly Creek fire, you don’t have to take a shuttle anymore.
Now you can drive and park at the trailhead as long as you have a permit.
BUT there’s a catch.
You can only get to Hanging Lake when you’re heading from Glenwood Springs (the closest town just west of Hanging Lake).
And when you leave Hanging Lake, you can only get on the highway going towards Glenwood Springs.
That means if you are coming/going from the east (Denver, Breckenridge, Vail, Silverthorne, etc.), you will add 16 miles round-trip to your drive.
Directions From East of Hanging Lake
Drive westbound on I-70 to Exit 116, the main exit in Glenwood Springs. Exit here and return to I-70 going eastbound. Return to Exit 125, the Hanging Lake exit.
Directions from West of Hanging Lake
Drive eastbound on I-70 past Glenwood Springs to Exit 125 for Hanging Lake. To return, simply get back on I-70 westbound from the Hanging Lake exit.
Bike There
Cyclists may access the trailhead via the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail.
Yes, you must purchase a standard timed-entry permit like all visitors.
Cyclists should be off the Hanging Lake trail by 3:00 PM to allow enough time to bike back to Glenwood Springs. Heavy afternoon rain can cause bike path closures.
If a cyclist decides to drive instead of cycling, no permit modifications are required.
The Hike
Hanging Lake Trail doesn’t hold back when it comes to elevation gain.
It starts with some steep, rocky stairs pretty early on in the hike.
This type of climb will continue on and off for most of the hike.
There are some moments of reprieve as you cross the seven bridges over Deadhorse Creek. They are numbered so you can track your progress.
At least the trail is mostly shaded as you make your way up the canyon!
In 2020, the Grizzly Creek Fire burned over 32,000 acres near Hanging Lake. Miraculously, the lake was spared. But in 2021, massive debris flows from flash flooding in the burn scar caused massive mudslides.
Large parts of the trail were swept away, destroying bridges and closing the trail for two years (but it’s open now!).
Remember your trail etiquette: hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
If you’re hiking uphill and want to pass someone who’s moving more slowly, politely say, “Pardon us, can we pass you?” If you’re the slower party on an uphill hike, let faster hikers pass you.
You’ll know you’re almost at the lake when you come to the steepest and most exposed part of the hike. Luckily, there are fences and railings to help you traverse this more complicated section.
But after this climb, you’ll be greeted with the best view of the canyon. You can see just how close that big wildfire came to destroying this trail and Hanging Lake — there are burnt trees SUPER close to the lush valley below.
Before you know it, you’ll be walking down the boardwalk to Hanging Lake. The lake opens up before you with crystal clear, aqua blue water.
The tumbling Bridal Veil waterfalls feed this lake with gorgeous water. You can’t help but just stop and stare.
Nerdy Facts Incoming: “Hanging Lake is a unique example within the Southern Rocky Mountains biophysiographic province of a lake formed by travertine deposition. It is one of the larger and least altered travertine systems in the province, where natural geologic and hydrologic processes continue to operate as they have done throughout the history of the lake.” (Source: NPS.gov)
Basically, Hanging Lake is a rare geological phenomenon, and we need to protect it for future generations.
This site also supports one of the best and largest examples of a hanging garden plant community in the country. Hanging Garden Sullivantia requires a stable source of moisture with a surrounding arid environment.
Oil shale columbine is another native species found within this garden.
After you’ve enjoyed your time at the lake, briefly retrace your steps to the Spouting Rock trail. It’s only 200 yards (think two football fields) away. Don’t skip it!
This trail is also quite uphill and rocky, but the effort is 100% worth it. There are two waterfalls. One tumbles over the cliff face from above, the other spouts directly out of the rock (hence the name Spouting Rock).
Now retrace your steps back to the trailhead!
See Hanging Lake on AllTrails.
Leave No Trace
To protect the delicate environment, the following rules are strictly enforced:
- No swimming, wading, or dipping body parts in the lake.
- No walking on the waterfalls or the fallen log in the lake.
- No fishing.
- No leaving trash—pack out all you bring in.
- No pets except classified service animals. Emotional support dogs (ESA’s) are not allowed and are not classified as service animals.
- It is not permitted to leave pets in your vehicle while you hike. Check for area kennel services in Glenwood Springs that can care for your pet while you hike to Hanging Lake.
Other Nearby Trails Nearby
Hanging Lake made our list of the Best Hikes near Denver. There are also great hiking trails in the surrounding area:
– Best Hikes Near Breckenridge, Keystone, & Silverthorne
– Best Trails near Glenwood Springs
– Crystal Mill
– Booth Falls
– Maroon Bells
Places to Stay Near Hanging Lake
You’ve got a few solid places to stay near Hanging Lake, and each one gives you something a little different.
Here are the best options and what you get from each.
- VRBO – You get full privacy and space to spread out. It’s a good pick if you want a kitchen, room for your gear, and a quiet place to rest after a long hike.
- Glenwood Springs Inn – This is a simple and budget-friendly spot. You save money, stay close to town, and still have fast access to the Hanging Lake trailhead.
- Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge – You stay right next to the famous hot springs pool. That means you can soak your tired legs after hiking without even getting in the car.
- Hanging Lake Inn – This small, locally run inn sits just a short drive from the canyon. It’s quiet, clean, and gives you quick access to both the trail and downtown Glenwood Springs.
Fun Things to Do Near Hanging Lake
Use GetYourGuide to find fun adventures near Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake
Here are some other fun nearby adventures:
- Bike the 16-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs & Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- White Water Rafting the Eagle River
- Paragliding in Glenwood Springs
Final Thoughts
Hanging Lake Trail is one of those rare hikes that stays with you.
The climb is tough, the steps are steep, and the switchbacks feel endless at times. But the reward at the top is the kind of view you carry home long after your legs stop aching.
With the right planning—permits, timing, and a sense of patience—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth visit. And once you’re standing at the edge of that clear, quiet water, you’ll see why people work so hard to protect this place.
Take your time on the way up. Soak it all in at the top.
Hanging Lake is a hike you earn, and that’s part of what makes it unforgettable.
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