Just outside of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, within Glenwood Canyon is the steep and scenic Hanging Lake Trail. Located within the larger White River National Forest, the trail lies 7 miles east of Glenwood Springs along Interstate 70. This challenging backcountry trail will transport you through a winding canyon with stunning views to an alpine lake perched at 7,323 feet in elevation. Hanging Lake, the namesake of this trail, is a gorgeous, emerald-colored lake formed thousands of years ago within a geologic fault. With an impressive 1200 feet of elevation gain in just 1.2 miles, this is a challenging trail, yet one that is worth every scenic step. A hike on this beautiful trail will not disappoint!
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White River National Forest
The Hanging Lake Trail is located within Glenwood Canyon and within the larger White River National Forest in Northwest Colorado. The White River National Forest receives up to 15 million visitors each year, making it the most visited national forest both in Colorado and in the nation! Home to an impressive 2.3 million acres of public land within the Rocky Mountains, the White River National Forest is accessible via Interstate 70, providing easy access to the Denver metro area and Denver International Airport. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon, and the picturesque Maroon Bells in Aspen Snowmass are part of this expansive national forest.
Hanging Lake Geologic History & Characteristics
Thousands of years ago, Hanging Lake was formed within a geologic fault as a portion (approximately 1.5 acres) of the valley floor dropped, leaving a shallow basin at 7,300 feet. In subsequent years, water rich in dissolved limestone flowed from nearby Bridal Veil Falls, depositing minerals throughout the basin. Over thousands of years, these limestone rich mineral deposits formed layers of travertine, which is the foundation of what we now know as Hanging Lake.
Travertine has a unique vesicular texture, with a whitish cream color. Small holes (vesicles) formed in the rock as it cooled, trapping gas bubbles (primarily carbon dioxide). Travertine can be observed along the shoreline, lake bed, and logs submerged throughout the lake. The reflection of sunlight on the travertine brings out the emerald green color of the lake. Hanging Lake is about a quarter of an acre in size, and 20-30 feet deep at its deepest points. This lake is a true geologic gem!
Glenwood Canyon Topography
The map below from Topozone.com illustrates the mountainous topography of Glenwood Canyon and the surrounding region. Interstate 70 passes through the canyon, downtown Glenwood Springs, and provides access to the Hanging Lake trail at Exit 125.
Glenwood Canyon Topography & Elevation
The map below from Topographic-map.com illustrates the elevation of Glenwood Canyon and the surrounding region. Note higher elevations indicated by oranges and reds, and lower elevations indicated by greens and blues in the city of Glenwood Springs, towards the bottom left along the Colorado River.
Hanging Lake Trail Fee | Reservation & Permit
To ensure that preservation of the Hanging Lake ecosystem, a reservation is required to hike the trail. The fee/permit for this trail is $12. Reservations can be made and permits purchased at the Glenwood Springs website.
Glenwood Canyon, Colorado | Weather
Weather in the Glenwood Canyon ranges from low 20s to mid-80s throughout the year, with four distinct seasons and over 300 days of sunshine each year on average. Summer is warm and dry for the most part, with daily temps between 75 -90 degrees. Fall is a beautiful time to hike in the Glenwood Canyon, with average daily temps between 65-70 degrees. For a current forecast and weather conditions, visit Grand Junction’s National Weather Service website for real-time updates.
For detailed information on the Hanging Lake Trail and the larger Glenwood Canyon’s many scenic trails, explore AllTrails. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type, with photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews.
Hanging Lake Trail | Photos
The photos below were captured during a recent trip to Glenwood Canyon. I last hiked this trail in late September under sunny skies with ideal weather conditions. Each image highlights my favorite spots along the trail, viewpoints, unique trail markers, and of course, the beautiful Hanging Lake. Up close, the emerald color of the lake appears far more vivid than these pictures suggest – it is truly beautiful!
National Natural Landmark | Hanging Lake Trail
The National Parks Service administers the National Natural Landmarks Program, a program dedicated to highlighting sites across the country with unique geological or biological value. Hanging Lake was designated a National Natural Landmark in 2011 for its rare geological features and unique hanging garden and wetland ecosystem.
Currently there are 606 unique sites across the United States and outlying U.S. Islands. A notable site that I have explored in the Great Lakes region (my home region) is the Baraboo Range north of Madison, Wisconsin. Read more about the Baraboo Range and surrounding region in my recent article: Experience Baraboo, Wisconsin’s Beautiful Scenery | Devil’s Lake State Park.
Downtown Glenwood Springs
If you plan to spend time exploring downtown Glenwood Springs, be sure to plan a visit to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool & Resort. Open year-round, this historic hot springs pool sits within the heart of Glenwood Canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyon and White River National Forest. I have visited this pool for over 40 years, and although it has grown from a more rustic hot springs pool to an all-inclusive resort, it is just as beautiful as the first time I visited.
A Drive Along Colorado’s Interstate 70
Fall is a breathtaking time to visit Colorado, to explore scenic trails and drive the mountain passes. A drive along Interstate 70 through the Glenwood Canyon is beautiful any time of year, but especially so in mid to late September when the aspens are at peak color. The combination of clear blue sky and golden aspens is something you won’t soon forget.
Garfield County, Colorado | Miles of Scenic Trails
Garfield County, Colorado is home to miles of scenic mountain hikes. Home to the scenic Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Resort, and nearly 300 individual trails, there is something for everyone who enjoys mountain views, Colorado’s clear blue skies, and outdoor recreation.
Colorado Hiking Adventures
For more scenic Colorado hikes in the Denver area, consider spending a day or two in Golden, CO. Jefferson County, CO is home to an abundance of scenic trails and a beautiful downtown area. On one of my recent hikes I enjoyed views of downtown Golden, the historic Coors Brewing Company, and the Front Range. Read more in my recent article: One Beautiful Day in Golden, CO | Exploring the Scenic Mount Galbraith Loop and Clear Creek.
Enjoy your exploration of Colorado’s beautiful Glenwood Canyon and White River National Forest.
Happy Trails!
-Erin
Adventures in Colorado & New Mexico
As you’re inclined, read more about some beautiful destinations in Colorado and New Mexico in my recent articles linked here below. From the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado to New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest, there is so much beauty to be found in this region. Read more here!
June 9, 2025 by Erin
Immerse yourself in an environment that looks and feels like a foreign planet – visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes offers the unique experience of standing amidst a vast dune field, the tallest in North America!
Immerse yourself in an environment that looks and feels like a foreign planet – visit Great Sand Dunes National Park, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. Great Sand Dunes offers the unique experience of standing amidst a vast dune field, the tallest in North America!
