I was first introduced to Hanging Lake as a teenager in the 1980s. Once I learned about it, I visited Hanging Lake any chance I could. Back then it was one of Colorado's best kept secrets. Today, it's one of Colorado's most popular hikes. Unfortunately, because of its increased popularity and limited capacity, the Forest Service implemented a reservation system in 2019. Gone are the days where we could drive down Interstate 70 and stop, on a whim, to enjoy the hike.
Reservations
Reservations are required to enter the Hanging Lake parking lot. And, even if you are willing to bike or walk along the beautiful Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path from another parking lot to the trailhead, you are still required to have a reservation to hike. The reservation system requires you to select an available date and time. Each timeslot allows for a three hour hike which, for most hikers, is plenty of time to complete the hike and enjoy time at the lake. While the reservation system may require you to plan several weeks ahead, especially for a weekend slot, it does make the experience more enjoyable. We had no problem finding a parking space and we saw relativley few people on the hiking trail and at the lake. Our hike was more relaxing and the lake was more picturesque without crowds of people.
Facilities
Picnic and restroom facilities are located near the parking lot. A water fountain is located just inside the building and several picnic tables, garbage cans and educational signs are scattered around the parking lot and restroom area.
Hanging Lake Trail
According to Google Maps, the Hanging Lake trailhead is near the parking lot. This is where most people start the hike because it's the closest place to park. The first .4 miles from the parking lot is on the paved Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path which follows the Colorado river for the entire 16 miles through Glenwood Canyon.
If you choose to bicycle to the trailhead along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path from one of the parking lots that are east of the trailhead, you can start the hike at the original trailhead.
The hike from the original trailhead to Hanging Lake is approximately 1.3 miles on a well-maintained trail. The trail follows Dead Horse Creek much of the way and is a consistent uphill climb. Several bridges lead you back and forth across the creek. You'll know you're near the lake when you start climbing the stone steps with handrails.
Hanging Lake
While Hanging Lake Trail is relatively short, it's not an easy hike... but it's worth every step!
Spouting Rock
After resting up and enjoying the beauty of Hanging Lake, I suggest taking the short hike from there to Spouting Rock, which is just above the lake. A sign near the end of Hanging Lake Trail points you in the right direction.
Hanging Lake has been one of my favorite Colorado hikes for nearly 40 years. It's impossible to adequately describe its beauty in words. So, instead, you can see for yourself in this video which follows the hike from the parking lot to Hanging Lake and Spouting Rock above the lake.
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