Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, CO

Photo: Joshuahicks ( talk · contribs ), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureIconic

Hanging Lake

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

Why you should go…

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

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

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.

    7.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Curious Products

    Free

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

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Glenwood Springs

    Free

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

    8.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Iron Mountain Hot Springs

    $50+

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

    8.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    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.

    35 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Maroon Bells

    Under $25

    See two 14,000-foot peaks rise above Maroon Lake and walk the trails of the scenic area near Aspen.

    37 mi awayMore like this