Hanging Lake
Summer reservations available at www.visitglenwood.com. Trail reconstruction is continuing, and visitors may encounter workers and potential delays on the trail.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Summer 2025 reservations: available beginning March 17, 2025
General 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.
Year-round, weather dependent
A time-specific reservation is required for each visitor
Reservations are $12/person April 30 - October 31
$10/person November 1 - March 31
Reservations are available hourly from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 3-hour hiking window.
Arrival Timing: You must arrive within 30 minutes before or after your reservation time or you will not be allowed entry.
Transportation: Hikers must have their own vehicle parked at the trailhead. Uber, taxis, and drop-offs are not permitted due to potential emergency evacuations. There is no shuttle service to the Hanging Lake parking area.
- No dogs or pets permitted. Animals may not be left in vehicles at the trailhead.
- No swimming or bodily contact with water at Hanging Lake
- No fishing
- Drones are prohibited
- Please stay off the log, pack out trash and avoid cutting switchbacks
Reservations are $12/person April 30 - October 31; $10/person November 1 - March 31
Pets are not permitted, and they may not be left in vehicles while you hike.
Contact Name: info@hanginglaketrail.com
Contact Phone: 970-384-6309
Getting There
Elevation
7323'
Directions
Getting to Hanging Lake heading west: If you are west bound on I-70 (coming from Eagle, Vail, Silverthorne or Denver) and desiring access to Hanging Lake you must go to Exit 116 (the main GWS exit) and return east to Hanging Lake (exit 125), an additional eight miles each direction.
Leaving Hanging Lake and heading east: If you are at Hanging Lake and desire to go east to Eagle, Vail, Silverthorne, or Denver you must first head west to the Glenwood Springs exit(s) and return east on I-70, an additional eight miles each direction.
Travel Considerations
If heavy rain is forecast, I-70 and Hanging Lake may be closed for safety reasons.
Parking
- Parking is available at the trailhead and is included with your reservation.
No vehicles over 25' in length are permitted
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Classified service animals are permitted. Emotional support dogs (not classified) are not permitted, and may not be left in vehicles while you hike.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
There are no restrooms or drinking fountains along the trail or at the lake. Please use the restrooms available at the trailhead prior to embarking on your hike.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
The trail to Hanging Lake is a steep, rocky, and moderately strenuous. It climbs 1200 feet in 1.2 miles, follows multiple switchbacks, and crosses seven bridges to end on a boardwalk around the lake. Visitors from lower elevations may have trouble breathing and/or experience nausea due to lower oxygen levels. There are several places to rest along the trail.
- Be prepared for inclement weather
- There is no cell service on the trail
- There is no restroom at the lake. Use facilities at the trailhead before hiking.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good tread (not flip flops!), and take extra precautions in the winter. Traction footwear is recommended when the trail is icy/snow covered.
- Bring water: potable water is not available at the lake or along the trail
- The average round-trip hike takes about 3 hours- approximately 2 hours up and 1 hour down.
- Winter conditions can be challenging: micro spikes, trekking poles and warm, waterproof clothing are highly recommended