HANGING LAKE TRAIL
PERMITS & INFORMATION

Hanging Lake is a National Natural Landmark in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. It was formed by a geological fault, leaving a travertine deposition that resulted in a stunning turquoise lake suspended in the canyon. The lake is fed by Bridal Veil Falls, which deposits minerals that give the water its vibrant color.
Spouting Rock is a spectacular waterfall located 200 feet above Hanging Lake, where water gushes directly through the rockface of the cliff. Visitors can walk behind the falls for a unique perspective.
Restroom Facilities: There are NO restrooms or drinking fountains along the trail or at the lake. Please use the restrooms available at the Hanging Lake trailhead prior to embarking on your hike. It is advisable to pack plenty of water and light snacks for your hike but remember to pack out your trash.

Trail Difficulty: The Hanging Lake trail hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to its 1,200 feet of elevation gain over 1.2 miles (one way). The trail features rocky steps, switchbacks, and seven bridges crossing Deadhorse Creek.
Hiking Timing: The average round-trip hike takes about 3 hours—approximately 2 hours up and 1 hour down.
Elevation of Hanging Lake: The lake is at 7,323 ft (2,232 m). Visitors from lower elevations may have trouble breathing and/or experience nausea due to lower oxygen levels.
Winter Hiking: Hiking permits are available (and required) in winter; however winter conditions can be challenging. Microspikes for traction on ice, Trekking poles for stability, and warm, waterproof clothing are highly recommended.

A timed-entry permit is required year-round for all visitors.
Permits are available hourly and times vary by season. All reservations are for a 3-hour hiking window.
Arrival Timing: Plan to arrive within 30 minutes of your reservation time. 
Parking is available at the trailhead and included with your permit. Vehicles over 25 feet are not allowed.
Transportation: Hikers may drive their own vehicle and park at the trailhead. Hikers may be dropped off at the trailhead in a private vehicle, but all private vehicle pickups must complete by 4:00 PM. Ubers, taxis, and other ride shares are not permitted. There is no shuttle service to the Hanging Lake parking area.

Hikers with permits may be dropped off at the Hanging Lake trailhead in a private vehicle. Private vehicles picking up hikers must be out of the parking lot by 4:00 PM no exceptions. 

Hikers MAY NOT be dropped off or picked up in taxis or ride shares like Uber.  There is no shuttle service to the Hanging Lake parking area. 

Cyclists may access the trailhead via the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Trail. Cyclists must purchase a standard timed-entry permit like all visitors.
Be Aware of Weather Events: Cyclists are advised to 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.

Seasonal Closures of the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. The path is closed during winter, high water and weather events, please check the path status before starting your ride. CDOT Region 3, Monday – Friday at 1-970-243-2368 Ext. 9.

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 fallen log in the lake
🚫 No fishing
🚫 No leaving rubbish—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 under title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, therefore they are not allowed in areas that do not allow dogs including the Hanging lake trail. It is NOT PERMITED 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.

No pets (except classified service animals). Emotional support dogs (ESA’s) are not allowed and are not classified as service animals under title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, therefore they are not allowed in areas that do not allow dogs including the Hanging lake trail. It is NOT PERMITED to leave pets in your vehicle while you hike.
 Please check for area kennel services in Glenwood Springs that can care for your pet while you hike to Hanging Lake.

• Hiking boots or trail runners (good grip needed). Open-toed shoes are not recommended.
• Water (at least 1/2 liter per hour of hiking)
• Hiking or trekking poles
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Breathable clothing
• Trail snacks
• Camera or phone
• Winter traction enhancements for footwear: micro-spikes or similar products. 
• Winter clothing and outerwear

Know Before You Go

• This land really is your land. Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Learn about and respect the spaces we all own, share and sing about.
• Stay back from the pack. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places.
• Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate.

Stick To Trails

• With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural.
• Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals.

Trash the Trash

• Pack it in, pack it out. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. Put litter, even crumbs, peels and cores in your nearest waste/recycling bin.
• Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. A bubble bath is no treat for fish.

Leave It As You Find It

• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so others experience the joy of discovery.
• Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Snap away, but only with a camera.
• Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy.
• Treat all living things with respect. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.

Be Careful With Fire

• Colorado’s low humidity has perks, but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.
• When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers. Never let a fire burn unattended.
• Use care when smoking in Colorado’s dry climate. Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind.
• Always check for local fire restrictions.

Keep Wildlife Wild

• Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them – and you – safe, don’t approach them.
• It is not adorable to feed wild animals. You could alter natural behaviors, exposing them to predators or even euthanasia.
• Keep your furry buddies leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails, and pack out their waste. All the way to a trashcan.

Share Our Trails & Parks

• Chances are you’re not out in nature to people watch, so try out the lesser-known paths and sites.
• Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function.
• Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum.
• Listen to nature. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado.

 ● Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
● Make yourself known. When you encounter other hikers and trail users, offer a friendly “hello” or a simple head nod. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the trail. If you approach another trail user from behind, announce yourself in a friendly, calm tone and let him/her know you want to pass.
● Stay on the trail. Don’t step off trail unless you absolutely must when yielding. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.
● Do not disturb wildlife. They need their space, and you need yours. Keep your distance from the wildlife you encounter. Some parks require you to stay a certain distance from wildlife, so check regulations before your visit. Never leave the trail to get a closer look at an animal. This can damage habitat and put you and the animal in danger.
● Take time to listen. When hiking in the great outdoors, let nature do all the talking. Be respectful of both nature and other trail users and keep the noise from electronic devices at bay. Many wildlife species rely on natural sounds for communication purposes, and disrupting those sounds can hurt their chances of survival.
● Be aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking. It will help keep you and any members of your group safe.
● Music on the trail: When hiking on a trail with music, the primary etiquette rule is to always use headphones and keep the volume low to avoid disturbing other hikers; essentially, only listen to your music at a level where only you can hear it, respecting the quiet nature of the trail and the desire of others to enjoy the sounds of nature.

The Grizzly Creek Fire of 2020 caused instability in Glenwood Canyon. Heavy rain can trigger rock and mudslides, leading to road and trail closures.
Be aware of Weather Concerns: If heavy rain is forecast, I-70 and Hanging Lake may be closed for safety reasons. Reservations will be refunded in such cases.