Hanging Lake is one of the most popular hikes in all of Colorado. Situated immediately off of I-70 in Glenwood Springs, the place is so popular that most days (allegedly) the parking lot fills up to capacity with both locals and tourists looking to make the 1.2-mile one-way trek up to Hanging Lake.
So why is this hike so popular, you ask? Hanging Lake gets its name from the way it “hangs” above the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon. The lake, situated on a fault line, was formed when a portion of the valley floor sheared off from the surrounding cliffs and formed the lakebed. Hanging Lake’s stunning turquoise water is produced by carbonate minerals dissolved in the water.
Also fueling the popularity is Hanging Lake’s location – situated immediately off of I-70, about 7 miles east of Glenwood Falls; a relatively short drive from most of the popular ski/resort locations and a handful of hours from Denver. I-70 along this stretch is an attraction in itself, one of the most expensive and impressive stretches of highway in the entire U.S. Interstate Highway System.
Becca and I were lucky enough to avoid the large crowds when we hiked hanging lake. We rolled in super late after hours on the road and were running out of daylight when we attempted the hike. Thankfully we planned ahead and brought our headlamps with us. While the hike to the lake is only 1.2 miles, it climbs 1,000 feet in elevation.
We hauled ass up the trail hoping to have some daylight left when we got to the lake. Our aerobic effort was rewarded with a little twilight left – enough to snap a few pictures, enjoy some brief moments, and unpack the headlamps for the 1.2 mile scamper back down the mountain.
If you find yourself driving through Glenwood Canyon, whether headed to Ouray, Moab, or other destinations, consider taking a couple hours to check out this super unique place — as far as I’ve seen, there’s nothing else quite like it.
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