Hanging Lake

Are you going to Colorado this summer?  Have you googled hikes in Colorado?  Do you live in Colorado but you’re still searching hikes?  Then you’ve seen Hanging Lake.  And you should go.  But there are a few things you should know first.

Hanging Lake is close to Glenwood Springs, off of I-70, about two and a half hours from Denver.  When we went in 2016, we stayed in Vail the night before which took off a big chunk of the drive time.  I recommend staying closer than Denver-especially if you are going with kids. Giving the kids extra sleep time before strapping them into a backpack is a game changer and staying at an even higher altitude than Denver helps prevent altitude sickness.

Parking can be absolutely outrageous.  If possible, go during the week.  Even then, the parking lot will be full.  Everyone has heard of Hanging Lake and everyone wants to see its beauty.  Go early.  This will help with parking and with avoiding afternoon thunderstorms.  I’ve heard rumors about then adding a permit system or fee so look into this before you go since it’s been a while for me.

There are bathrooms at the parking lot but there aren’t any after that so use them and make your kids use them even if they, “don’t have to go right now.” Isn’t that the most annoying thing?  Five minutes into any activity and your kid has to go to the bathroom?

Just because everyone does it-doesn’t mean it’s easy.  It’s not an overly long hike.  Round trip has you at less than 3 miles but if you aren’t accustomed to the altitude it can feel longer so be prepared with time and with water and snacks.  Our daughter made it up there just fine when she was eight but we definitely saw people struggling.  There are also narrow stone stairs in one section-so just be prepared.  Make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to take little breaks and don’t go in flip flops!

Soap box time:  Follow the rules.  I feel like this should go without saying but I have been in one instagram argument in my life and it was because of a picture of a woman breaking the rules at Hanging Lake.  Don’t walk out on the log.  Don’t go out on the rock.  Come up, look around.  Sit and enjoy the beauty.  Take pictures.  But don’t go where you’re not supposed to.  Really.  I am mad just thinking about it.  There is a site dedicated to calling out the people who choose to ignore the signs and go out on the log and take pictures and post them to social media.  Don’t end up on this site!

There aren’t trash cans.  Pack it in, pack it out.

Have you been to Hanging Lake?  Do you have any other tips I’ve missed?

Disclaimer: These are just my opinions.  Logistics and rules are ever changing so always do research beyond me!