If you’re ready for a hike you’ll feel the next day, with scenery you’ll remember for the rest of your life, then you’re ready for the trail to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon. The drive through the canyon itself, probably the most awesome stretch of I-70 in the state of Colorado, makes the journey almost as fantastic as the destination.
Getting to Hanging Lake from Denver (or anywhere east of Glenwood Springs) is a little tricky, since there is no exit to the parking area / trail-head from westbound I-70. To get there you have to actually overshoot Hanging Lake and exit I-70, we used the Grizzly exit one time we went, but more often then not we go all the way to Glenwood Springs and grab a small bite to eat before the hike. Get back on I-70 eastbound and simply exit at Hanging Lake.
Once there, you’ll park in a rest area parking lot and actually walk a short distance along the Colorado River on a bike trail to access the trail-head. You will notice people of all ages along the way. This trail is a favorite for kids as there is a lot for them to see and some wide spots in the trail which allows them to “explore”. And, on the plus side for parents, the short but steep trail is all but guaranteed to wear them out for the drive home.
Take note of the sign at the base of the trail, when I say its short and steep, it is exactly that, as it climbs a total of 1000 feet in just over a mile. It can be pretty strenuous, but provided along the way are plenty of benches and other resting points. Even if you have the stamina to take the trail without stopping, its hardly worth the hike up if you don’t.
Aside from the rocky area at the beginning of the trail, and the somewhat vertigo inducing rock stairs toward the top, most of the trail follows along a creek that gives one the sense of peace and meditation as you walk. Sitting in the shade of the trees, listening to the sound of the running water, and taking in all thats around you brings a feeling of tranquility hard to find these days.
The best, however, is yet to come. By the time you get to the rock staircase, you’ve probably lost count of how many people you’ve asked on their way down, “Is it much further?”, and now, you truly are close. No matter how many times you’ve heard “Almost there!” up until now. Upon reaching the top of the steps, its just a short jaunt around the bend and then be prepared for jaws to drop and for goosebumps to rise.
What you will see will be sure to inspire and awe anyone who gazes upon its splendor. At your feet lies a crystal clear lake suspended from the canyon wall. This lake was created when part of a lake bed fell through a fault and this is basically where it “landed”. Feeding into the lake are some of the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen. They are not very high, but they are very cool looking, and, unless the water is flowing to fast, you can walk right behind them! You’ll get sprayed with water but after the long hike this is a refreshing treat. Keep your eyes out for friendly chipmunks and the little birds that live in the moss in the waterfall.
Spend some time up here, take it all in, read the placard of information scattered about, have a picnic or read a book. Its a nice area to relax and you deserve it after all the work you put in to get here. If you still are up for a little more climbing, there is a side trail that will take you to the top of the falls. Whatever you desire, enjoy it while you’re here. You still have the trip down.
Don’t be fooled, thanks to gravity, going down is not easy. You will have to fight to force of gravity to control your pace as well as to keep your top half going the same pace as your bottom half so you won’t go tumbling head over heels. Be sure you give yourself the same amount of time to get down as it took you to get up, if you get down quicker, well at least you were better safe than sorry, and with the extra time you can enjoy the Colorado River as you walk the bike path back you your vehicle.
As of the last time I went up to the Hanging Lake trail there was no charge to park or to gain access to the trail. Do take note however that dogs are NOT allowed on the trail and there is NO fishing or swimming in Hanging Lake.
If you have not read one of my previous articles on hiking, or just want to go over the basics of back-country safety (which never hurts), please read this last section:
Back-country safety:
There are three important things to do before you ever leave for your hike. The first is to plan your route in advance and write the information down and let someone know where you’re going. Stick to this plan so if something does happen rescuers will know where to look for you. Also, it is a good idea to study or review basic first-aid and survival skills. Finally, once you know where you are going, just before you leave, check the weather forecast. Pay close attention to any chance of lightning which is extremely dangerous at high altitudes, as well as rainfall which can cause flash flooding along river trails, and any cold weather that may be coming through which for prolonged periods of exposure can lead to hypothermia. Even after checking forecasts, be sure to keep your eyes on the sky as the climate can change quickly in the high-country.
Avoid hiking alone whenever possible, and always let the slowest person or person with the lowest stamina set the pace. Don’t get somewhere and not be able to get out because someone has overexerted themselves.
Make sure to pack a first-aid AND survival kit. Your first aid kit should include AT LEAST the following items: Antibacterial ointment and bandages, medical tape and gauze, a needle, a snake-bite kit (with instructions), aspirin or ibuprofen, pop-cycle sticks / tongue depressors for temporary splints, and moleskin for blisters. Your survival kit should include AT LEAST the following items: Knife (pref. multipurpose), flashlight, cigarette lighter as well as matches in a waterproof container, a compass (learn to use one or it does you no good) and/or gps locater, flashlight, flint, and both a whistle and a mirror to use if needed to signal rescuers.
As with most trails, the following all have places near the trail-head where you can gather information and get area maps. Get any pamphlets, brochures, and maps available as well as reading all sign-age. Make sure to find out about any wildlife in the area and what you should do if you encounter any wild animals along the trail. On Colorado’s front range trails, animals most often encountered are mountain lions, bears, and snakes. All ranger stations and park information centers can give you more information on how to handle encounters with all of these.
And remember, although this is not a safety tip, out of respect for the beauty of our Colorado wilderness, learn it and live by it….. Take only pictures, leave only footprints!! If you have any doubt to as what this means, ask a ranger before setting foot on any trail.
