Hanging Lake (4) - Just Hiking

Statistics

Date - 09/29/2026
Elevation - < 7,000'
Route - Hanging Lake Trail
Miles - 2.6
Elevation Gain - 1,220'
ACME Mapper - Link
CalTopo - Link
Partners - Luis Acosta, Mitch Shanahan

Description

I had a work assignment in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, so I took advantage of being in the area and hiked to Hanging Lake. It had been 16 years since I did this hike and the trail had changed a fair amount. Since last being there, the area had been shut down a few times due to rock slides, people swimming in the lake, and significant trail work. A reservation system now limits the amount of people that can hike each day, and it also costs $12 per person to make the trip

I convinced Luis and Mitch to join me since neither of them had been to this area or seen Hanging Lake. From the base of the trail where the steps start, it took us 35 minutes to reach the lake. We also made the short trek above Hanging Lake to see Spouting Rock, which was surprisingly strong for the time of the year. We descended the trail in half the ascent time or 17 minutes before strolling back to the parking lot and driving back to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Photos

Mitch and Luis racing up the trail.

Hanging Lake

Spouting Rock

Mitch and Luis behind Spouting Rock.