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Lake with vibrant green waters, cascades & sheer cliffs, accessed by steep hike or shuttle bus.

At a glance

#1 of 10 Hiking areas in Glenwood Springs

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.89

9.2 km from the center of Glenwood Springs

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★92%
  • 4 ★5%
  • 3 ★1%
  • 2 ★0%
  • 1 ★2%
1-70 East of, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, United States
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 1
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 2
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 3
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 4
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 5
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 6
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 7
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 8
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 9
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 10
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 11
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Springs – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Hanging Lake Trailhead?
Hanging Lake Trailhead is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 795 reviews.
How does Hanging Lake Trailhead rank in Glenwood Springs?
Hanging Lake Trailhead is #1 of 10 Hiking areas in Glenwood Springs by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Hanging Lake Trailhead located?
1-70 East of, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, United States — 9.2 km from the center of Glenwood Springs.
How can I contact Hanging Lake Trailhead?
Phone: +1 970-384-6309 · Website: visitglenwood.com
Lauren REBEL MAN Myers
One of those magic hidden places in Colorado. Its a 2 mile hike up from the trail head in Glenwood canyon. Just hiked this evening and you definitely need to be in shape, have proper hiking equipment including ice kletes like yak-traks. But for people who are here in Colorado for holidays and visiting our beautiful state this is something that you should put on your bucket list. Its unique and fragile ecosystem is unlike anything else in America. Also a few years ago we had a horrible fire in the canyon that pretty much burned everything throughout.... except for hanging lake. That is a miracle and once you see it in person you're going to understand this is a special place.
Sarah Present
We have been meaning to go on this hike for many years and we're finally able to come to the area today, and did this hike to hanging lake as well as the additional sporting falls. It is SO worth it! Everything everyone says is true - it is quite steep most of the way but in distance its realisticly not far. Take your time and enjoy- it's beautiful the entire trail. But when you see this lake and the falls it's so serene and the water color is beautiful. Today we did not need our winter spikes or the extra clothing but we had them. Definitely go prepared- you can tell it can get snowy and wet and slick for sure.
Shehnaz Shaik
Beautiful hike. You may need to prepare for the incline. Went there with a friend who was not physically active but she manages to do the hike. Totally worth it. The entire trail was pretty.
Jamie DiPrimo
Holy Cannoli! What a hike and soooo much beauty all around you! Was just such an awesome experience. This is a steep hike but I think manageable for anyone in reasonable shape. My 5 year old managed to complete this without any major tantrums! We took our time and enjoyed the journey...and at the top is the most beautiful lake you've ever seen. Just fantastic, beautiful, memorable day! Must do! Take the time to do the second ascent to the falls above. Worth it!
Giulia Zanella
Beautiful moderate hike. While it was a sunny day, it was still nice and cold outside in the morning and it was perfect for this hike. The lake is beautiful, it's like being in another world. The waterfall is unique too, you can walk behind it!!! It costs 12$ per person so a bit expensive and you need a reservation. And for people with dogs, they can't come!! Not even in the parking lot!
They also have very clean restrooms at the parking lot. Can recommend this hike enough!
Kk Jesuswantsthebroken
We really enjoyed the hike! Beautiful- enough of a challenge, but not so difficult that someone that doesn't always hike can't do it. We hiked it in comfortable shoes, and jeans. My husband carried our 9 month old on his back just fine. We are fairly active in general, but not active hikers, it took us under 2 hours to hike it( about 25 minutes hanging out at the top) We thoroughly enjoyed the hike and beauty!
Dee R
This backcountry permit hike to Hanging Lake and bridal veil falls is no joke despite the short 1.2 mile trail! This is the first trail I’ve ever been on to have two defibrillators. Wear hiking boots!!! Bring lots of water. Take breaks! Trekking poles are useful

The trail’s steep 1200 foot gain is rigorous and rocky with 7 bridge crossings but sooo worth it to check out this rare travertine geological formation in the heart of Glenwood Canyon in the White River National Forest. Added bonus is Spouting rock waterfall is just behind hanging lake and you can walk behind the falls😍
Jason Phan
Buy your timed entry in advance. No swimming or dipping in the water, so be mindful. Saw a few people doing the opposite. The hike was a bit rough goings but nothing undoable. Flush toilets, water refill, gorgeous views. Hard to pass up. $12/per person.
Fennoah
Such an amazing experience. The hike to get to the fall is a little steep but so worth it!!! Breathtaking views and waterfalls. It’s definitely worth the drive, hike and the $12 reservation.
D G
What a beautiful trail! The lake and waterfall at the end are well worth the hike. My 21yo daughter and my 75yo dad struggled a bit. The trail is short but really steep. There are multiple beautiful views along the trail as well. If you don't do well on steps when hiking, maybe skip this one. The permit process was easy. I would say this trail is moderate for a regular hiker and very hard for the couch potato crowd. There was an AED on the trail!

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