The Hidden Gem

While Colorado is known for its 14ers, one of my favorite hikes is appropriate even for the less avid hiker.  Located 2 1/2 hours past Denver in the picturesque Gleenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake is great as a day trip or just a hike on a your way through. With a trail head located right off of I-70 this is a popular hike for which I would recommend a fairly early start (I started at 7am and had the trail nearly to myself). 

Getting there

If you are coming from Denver note that you will have to go to Glenwood Springs and turn around to get on the eastbound I-70.  The exit for the trailhead is only reachable from eastbound lanes.  The trail head can also be reached by bike from Glenwood Springs and would be approximately a 7 mile ride. The bike trail follows the Colorado River and is mostly flat. As a note it is now only accessible by shuttle buses to control the crowds. Starting in May 2019 you have to book ahead for a shuttle bus from Glenwood Springs. I am not sure if this is just during the summer or year round.

The Hike

The trail is 1.6 miles from trailhead to lake with an incline of 1000ft and rated as vigorous. The trail is well maintained and I would consider very doable even if you aren’t a regular hiker. The hardest is steeper steps at the end of the trail to the top which has a rail to hang on to as well.

When to go

The first time I hiked the trail was in the summer and was perfect weather. The second time I hiked Hanging Lake with friends and went over spring break. With heavily shaded areas frozen the hike was much harder this time around. Late spring, summer or early fall are all times I would recommend. If you have extra time the Glenwood Springs area has lots to do and great for a long weekend or short vacation. See future post for more things to do in the area.