In accordance with the Colorado Governor’s Executive Order, access to Hanging Lake Rest Area and Hanging Lake Trail will be closed through April 11th. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
Learn more about the 2nd year of Hanging Lake Shuttle System HERE.
Nov 1st – April 30th
Park & Hike from the Trailhead during the Off-Peak Season
Reservation includes Day Permit
.
May 1st – October 31st
Ride Shuttle to the Trailhead from the Hanging Lake Welcome Center
Reservation includes Permit & Shuttle Ride
May 1st – October 31st
Bike to Trailhead with personal bike
or Rent from Local Rental Company!
Reservation includes Permit
.
Hanging Lake is a Colorado treasure and a rare example of a travertine geological formation located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon on the White River National Forest. The 1.2 mile (1.9 km) trail is steep, rigorous and rocky but rewarding. This Natural National Landmark features awe-inspiring scenery and gentle waterfalls! The Hanging Lake trail is a backcountry hike. The trail is steep and rocky. In the winter it is also icy and slippery.
Off-Peak Season: November 1, 2019 - April 30, 2020
From November 1st through April 30th: Purchase a day permit and self-park at the Hanging Lake Rest Area (I70 Exit 125), hike to Hanging Lake from there.
Be prepared to present your permit to an authorized agent or Forest Service Officer upon request.
Cost: $10 / Person
The Hanging Lake trail is a backcountry hike. The trail is steep and rocky. In the winter it is also icy and slippery.
Hanging Lake Trail follows a steep, narrow canyon. Heavy foot traffic quickly compacts fluffy new snow into slippery ice. In the winter, the trail is shaded and retains ice even when other areas have bare ground. The hike continuously climbs 1000 feet (305 m) up from the Colorado River to near the canyon rim.
Rent them in person at Glenwood Adventure Company (723 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-7529)
or Purchase them at Summit Canyon Mountaineering (205 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-6994)
Peak Season: May 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020
From May 1st through October 31st: Personal vehicles are not allowed to park at the trailhead!
You may park at the Hanging Lake Welcome Center (110 Wulfsohn Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 –CURRENTLY CLOSED) and ride the Hanging Lake shuttle to the trailhead or bike/hike to the Hanging Lake trailhead.
Cost: $12 / Person
Permit Cost
The Cost for the Day Permit during the Off-Peak Season is $10/Person.
The Cost for the Reservation during the Peak Season is $12/ Person.
Fees pay for the reservation service, shuttle operations during the peak season, visitor information, conservation and interpretation services during your visit. It also covers maintenance, staffing and communications.
Refund Policy
Reservations cannot be cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours of your departure day.
To change or reschedule your reservation before 48 hours of your departure day please email [email protected] call 970-384-6309 and have your reservation number ready!
We are committed to answer all questions & concerns!
Please make sure to check out our FAQs before calling or emailing:
[email protected]
970-384-6309
How should I prepare to hike the trail?
The Hanging Lake trail climbs up a steep canyon for 1.2 miles (1.93 km) with over 1000 feet (305 m) of elevation gain. The hike is strenuous and the trail is ice covered and slippery all winter long. All hikers need mini-crampons and hiking poles to safely reach the lake.
Most people take 3 hours or more to complete the hike.
Why mini-crampons & hiking poles?
We do not advise hiking the Hanging Lake Trail without poles and winter traction devices for your boots. The trail is steep and slippery.
Find hiking poles and mini-crampons in Glenwood Springs:
Rent them in person at Glenwood Adventure Company (723 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-7529),
or Purchase them at Summit Canyon Mountaineering (205 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-6994)
Where do I go to make a reservation to visit Hanging Lake?
Reservations can be made online on this page visitglenwood.com/hanginglake.
How much does it cost to visit Hanging Lake?
The Cost for the Day Permit during the Off-Peak Season is $10/Person.
The Cost for the Reservation during the Peak Season is $12/ Person.
Fees pay for the reservation service, shuttle operations during the peak season, visitor information, conservation and interpretation services during your visit. It also covers maintenance, ranger presence, staffing and communications.
Where can I find hiking poles, mini-crampons, boots and other hiking equipment?
Find hiking poles and mini-crampons in Glenwood Springs:
Rent them in person at Glenwood Adventure Company (723 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-7529),
or Purchase them at Summit Canyon Mountaineering (205 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, (970) 945-6994).
How long is the Hanging Lake trail?
The hike to Hanging Lake is a moderate to difficult hike up into a narrow drainage for 1.2 miles (1.93 km) with over 1,000 feet (305 m) of elevation gain. It is important that hikers are prepared for elevation, strenuous climbs, and rocky conditions. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate footwear and clothing.
From October through June: Please be prepared for winter trail conditions of snow and ice. Hiking poles and crampons are recommended.
Is there group size limit for reservations?
Yes, there is a limit of twenty people per group reservation, larger groups must call 970-384-6309 to make additional arrangements.
Do I need a reservation year-round?
Yes!
During off-peak season, Nov. 1-April 30, a reservation is required to visit Hanging Lake via independent vehicle, hiking or biking. Forest Service Rangers and/or staff patrol the trail and parking area to ensure visitors have obtained a day pass. Be prepared to present your permit to an authorized agent or Forest Service Officer upon request.
During the peak season, May 1-Oct. 31, a reservation is required to visit Hanging Lake either via shuttle, hiking or biking. There is a daily limit of 615 visitors per day. The Forest Service and H2O Ventures provides onsite visitor services and compliance daily.
Can I cancel or reschedule my reservation?
Reservations cannot be cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours of your departure day.
To change or reschedule your reservation before 48 hours of your departure day please email [email protected] or call 970-384-6309 and have your reservation number ready!
Do I need a reservation to bike to the trailhead to visit Hanging Lake?
Please keep in mind that Glenwood Canyon Bike Path is frequently closed during the winter months and in spring!
Bikers/hikers need a reservation year-round to bike to the trailhead and hike to the lake.
Are there restroom facilities at Hanging Lake?
Restroom facilities are available at the Hanging Lake trailhead along with a water fountain and picnic tables. Restroom facilities and drinking water are not available along the trail or at the lake; please pack water and snacks with you and remember to pack it out and Leave No Trace!
Are there special rates for children, seniors and military?
At this time there are not special rates for children, seniors and the military. Please call the Hanging Lake Welcome Center for special requests and Babies under two years of age.
Is there cell service at Hanging Lake?
There is no cell service at Hanging Lake. Make sure to print your day pass or screenshot/save on your mobile phone to present to authorized staff at the trailhead.
I don’t want to hike to Hanging Lake, but I do want to utilize the Glenwood Canyon bike path, do I need a reservation?
No, you will not need a reservation if you are not hiking to Hanging Lake.
Will any of the revenue collected directly benefit Hanging Lake?
At a minimum, 5% of overall revenue goes back toward the partnership and long- term sustainability of operations and management of Hanging Lake and stewardship of this special place.
The partnership allows for the City and the Forest Service to cost share and to cooperatively develop, plan, and implement projects that are mutually beneficial to the Hanging Lake area and provide local residents, as well as the American public, with high quality recreation experiences and excellent customer service.
What is the ultimate goal of the Hanging Lake Management Plan and the reservation system?
The overall goal of this management Plan is to create and implement a management system for the Hanging Lake Area that is sustainable and achieves these goals:
Can I bring my emotional support animal (ESA) on the trail?
Although your animal may serve critical functions for you, ESAs, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.
ESAs are not recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore are not allowed in areas that do not allow dogs, including the Hanging Lake trail. There are multiple kennel services in Glenwood Springs that can care for your animal while you hike to Hanging Lake. In addition, there are miles of trails throughout the White River National Forest that do not have restrictions on pets that may be a better fit for your needs.
Special Needs or Accessibility Accommodations
During the peak-season: Call 970-384-6309 or email [email protected] to arrange for any special needs or accessibility accommodations.
Hanging Lake was formed by a geological fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above. Over the years, water flowing over Bridal Veil Falls has deposited dissolved carbonates to build up the fragile lake edge. Because of its uniqueness, the area was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011.
Over the years the popularity of the area has increased leading to vegetation and trail damage and overcrowding. A management plan was put in place in 2018 to protect this natural wonder into the future. A percentage of the fees collected for reservations will be reinvested into the long-term stewardship and sustainability of Hanging Lake. The implementation of the permit system, environmental education and interpretation program will help visitors play an active role in protecting the ecological health of Hanging Lake, improve the visitor experience and support the local tourism economy.
Care for Colorado Principles
Hanging Lake Express is provided by H2O Ventures.
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