Hike to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon

I was really looking forward to hiking Hanging Lake, and it was absolutely worth the effort! The climb was definitely difficult, but knowing what to expect and being mentally prepared helped. I highly recommend trekking poles—they helped both going up and coming down—and taking frequent breaks. Give yourself permission to go at your own pace. Reaching the lake felt amazing. It’s beautiful, and going a little farther up to the waterfall was well worth it, too. Being able to walk behind it was an added bonus! I visited in early October, which felt like the perfect time: it wasn’t too hot, the trail was in great condition, and there were other hikers around without it feeling overcrowded. A permit is required, so plan ahead. I’m so glad I did this hike. I left with beautiful memories and a real sense of pride in what I’d accomplished.

Hanging Lake is one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever visited and is absolutely worth the hike! The crystal-clear turquoise water, stunning waterfalls, and lush scenery make it feel like something out of a fairytale. Pictures truly don’t do it justice. The hike is definitely challenging, especially the steep sections, so be prepared to take breaks along the way if you need them. There are plenty of spots to stop, catch your breath, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One important tip: make sure to reserve your permit ahead of time, as access is limited and reservations are required. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience and one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado. We would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature and doesn’t mind a bit of a workout!

Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Canyon is one of those places that feels almost unreal. 💚🏔️💦 The hike itself is relatively short in distance, but don’t let the mileage fool you. It’s a challenging climb with a steady uphill grade and plenty of elevation gain. It definitely makes you work for the views, but the payoff is incredible. When you reach Hanging Lake, it honestly looks like something out of a fairytale. The turquoise-green water is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and beautiful waterfalls flowing into the lake. Not much further of a hike up, there’s also a waterfall that flows right out of the sandstone cliff above the lake, which makes the whole area feel even more magical. So if you’re up for a little more exploring, you can hike farther up to get a closer look at that waterfall coming out of the sandstone. Standing beneath those towering cliffs and waterfalls is such a cool experience. There were a couple of Stellar’s Jays that came down to see us as we sat and gazed over the lake’s beauty. The birds were such a gorgeous blue. This trail is very well maintained and kept up. You need a timed permit/reservation to hike Hanging Lake, so plan ahead before you go. The trail is challenging, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. This was one of my favorite shorter hikes and one of the most beautiful and unique lakes I’ve seen. 🥾🏔️✨ Definitely a must-do if you’re visiting the Glenwood Springs/Glenwood Canyon area!

Please read the website and plan your trip! Everything you need to know about the trail, parking, rules are clearly laid out. Be a respectful guest and carry out what you bring in (keep your trash in your car!) Beautiful hike. Not for the faint of heart - high elevation gain. Quite the workout, even for seasoned hikers

What a beautiful hike and location. It was amazing but be prepared as you have to earn this view with a good hike upward. Every single step is totally worth it. Enjoy