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Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, CO

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Sports & OutdoorsOutdoor AdventureIconic

Hanging Lake

Hike a steep 1.2-mile canyon trail to a turquoise travertine lake fed by waterfalls, with Spouting Rock above it.

Hanging Lake rest area, I-70 exit 125, Glenwood Canyon · Glenwood Springs, CO

About Hanging Lake

A steep, rocky trail climbs 1.2 miles from Glenwood Canyon to a turquoise lake edged in travertine and fed by Bridal Veil Falls. Spouting Rock, a waterfall about 200 feet above the lake, gushes straight out of the cliff, and you can walk behind it. The site is a National Natural Landmark, and every hiker needs a timed-entry permit reserved in advance, which includes parking at the Hanging Lake rest area off I-70. Swimming, wading, fishing and pets are not allowed.

  • #hiking
  • #waterfall
  • #turquoise lake
  • #national natural landmark

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Hanging Lake, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

    $25–$50

    Soak in a mineral hot springs pool billed as the largest on earth, plus therapy pools and a family splash zone.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    7.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Curious Products

    No admission fee

    Longtime downtown gift shop with quirky souvenirs, collectibles and a smashed-penny machine.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Glenwood Springs

    No admission fee

    A Rocky Mountain resort town famous for its hot springs, Hanging Lake and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Iron Mountain Hot Springs

    $50+

    Geothermal hot springs resort on the Colorado River with dozens of soaking pools of varying temperatures.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    8.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Rifle Gap State Park

    Under $25

    A Colorado state park built around a long reservoir near Rifle, offering water sports, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

    30 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Iconic

    Aspen Mountain

    $50+

    Ride the Silver Queen Gondola from downtown Aspen to the 11,212-foot summit for runs suited to intermediate and expert skiers.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    35 mi awayMore like this

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