How Difficult Is the Hike To Colorado’s Hanging Lake?

When the U.S. Forest Service announced that the Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs would reopen this summer, I made sure to reserve a permit. Scheduling a hike on this trail means careful timing. Parking can be difficult, and if you are late for your scheduled hike time, you will be skipped.

I started checking for trail updates about a week before my hike. The only bad news was the recent hiking reviews from people who said the hike to Hanging Lake was nearly impossible. I went anyway. Now that I've had a chance to try the hike for myself, I thought I would share what it's really like.

Where Is Hanging Lake, and How Do You Get There?

Read More: The Cold Truth About Colorado’s Cleanest Mountain Lakes

The Hanging Lake Trailhead is located in Glenwood Canyon, just a few miles west of the city of Glenwood Springs. Take Exit 125 from I-70 (east). Anyone without a permit or a reservation will not be allowed into the parking area. Reservations and permits can be requested at VisitGlenwoodSprings.com. Select an available date and time on the website, and pay the $12 fee (per hiker).

Print out paperwork or be prepared to show a screenshot of your reservation to the forest service attendee in the parking area when you arrive. The earlier you make your reservation, the easier it will be to find a parking space. Bathrooms and trail information can be found at the trailhead.

Hanging Lake Trail Stats at a Glance

The Hanging Lake trail is 1.2 miles from the canyon floor to the lake. Hikers will gain 1000 feet of elevation along the way. Hanging Lake trail follows Dead Horse Creek up the sides of the canyon walls. Hikers visiting the lake should know the trail over the falls to Spouting Rock is still closed. Hikers are no longer permitted behind the falls.

The trail includes seven crossings via a bridge over Dead Horse Creek. These bridges are all brand new, replaced during the trail's closure in 2024 and 2025. The average hike time is about 3 hours. Two hours to climb to the lake, and less than an hour to hike back to your car.

Get our free mobile app

Is the Hanging Lake Hike Difficult? Let’s Break It Down

A "short" hike in the Rocky Mountains does not necessarily mean an "easy hike". The route to Hanging Lake is difficult, but near each bridge crossing, you will find places to sit and catch your breath. The trail is cooler near the top (even in July). Sure, this trail is a challenge, but at no point did I feel like 'it almost killed me.'

Stick to a pace that works for you and rest when you need to, and this hike is a beautiful way to spend a day in Glenwood Canyon. You'll need hiking boots and lots of water. The only other thing you will need to finish the hike is your determination. You can totally do this.