I prefer hiking in lesser known areas, hitting a hike where there are gazillions of “groups” and dogs and people is not why we head out into the great wilderness. The scenery; Photo Credit: Kady Kellogg. Visitors should stay on the boardwalks and be very careful not to disturb this special environment in any way, because even tiny amounts of oils and skin cells can damage it. We had no water, hiking poles, or sturdy footwear. Hike to Hanging Lake. I couldn't believe there were children and dogs going up the trail with us! We saw a tiny wooden cabin, and sat there to take a short break. Not particularly in shape either... My husband is though, and this was his idea. Well, this winter walk in the park bliss didn’t last for long. I thought they looked particularly magical under the deep cover of fresh snow. At that point, there was a long handrail attached to one side of the path. Hubby and I continued swimming, then went back for more soaking in the therapy pool. Many people fell. Follow-up ground inspections along the Hanging Lake Trail on Aug. 16 and 21 revealed that there had been little damage to the trail infrastructure, including several wooden bridges and the boardwalk along the south end of the lake. The entire trip was three hours give or take. Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com, Commonly searched for in Glenwood Springs. One exception to this rule is Hanging Lake … I've done this hike multiple times during the summer, but my family and I did the hike on Xmas day! I am Vessy, a classical pianist, former ICU nurse, and a travel writer, currently working on my travel counseling certificate. If you can, also go up around the falls to where the lake is, it only takes an extra 5 minutes or so. First off, we got there at 6:30AM to an empty parking lot. After some time, we met a well-prepared hiker, equipped with crampons and hiking poles, who was practically jogging back down the trail. Please be prepared for winter trail conditions of snow and ice. All we had to do was find a nice, clean patch and eat some. We jumped in the large pool, and started swimming. The fact is, without the handrail, we never would have made it up this part. Answer: The hike to Hanging Lake is a moderate to difficult hike up into a narrow drainage for 1.2 miles with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Lots of rocks but stable. I later learned that this stretch of I-70 had earned the Colorado Department of Transportation the 1993 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award. As it was, the steps were mostly covered in hard-packed snow, creating a steep incline, rather than actual steps. The winter route is along a gravel road, which soon narrows to a trail at the Fern Lake Trailhead. It is important that hikers are prepared for elevation, strenuous climbs, and rocky conditions. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and … ice cleats, micro-spikes, mini crampons) as well as hiking poles. On the decent which truly test your knees, lots of folks headed up. First time up in winter after years of summer hikes. The next thing I knew was, we were sitting in 104 F of pure mineral Heaven, looking at the snowy mountains nearby. Even some turning around. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. On the rocks at the far end of the lake, there was a partially frozen waterfall, where icicles of various shapes and sizes were sparkling in the afternoon sun. After purchasing our tickets and getting a couple of towels, we practically ran to the changing rooms. August 24, 2020 at 12:08 p.m. We recently hiked Arethusa Falls in New Hampshire and this one seemed a little tougher. The stalactite-like icicles that form around the lake from the rocky overhead give it an ethereal look, providing the perfect scenery. January 7, 2020. Hiking to the lake during winter months requires preparation. As we kept on driving further west, the road became more narrow, and we found ourselves between the walls of a canyon. A winter hiker stops to admire Hanging Lake and Hanging Lake Falls at the top of the trail last February. It is a very busy trail, but that just goes to show how spectacular it really is. It is a lake in the middle of a mountain. We were already pretty beat up from the hike, so it didn’t sound very appealing to drive for several hours in the dark back to our place in Frisco. We'll never forget it! We decided however, not go any further, since it was getting late and we had a challenging descent ahead of us. Planned this hike and glad we did. A Hanging Lake permit and shuttle system is in place to protect the fragile ecosystem and provide visitors with high-quality experiences through education and interpretation at the Hanging Lake Welcome Center and along the trail. read more. At least, we would not break something if we stayed close to the ground. The steam poured off the surface of the water, illuminated by the lights around the pool, and the hair at the top of my head crackled when I touched it, from having frozen so quickly. I highly recommend it. It was very icy and slick. It is not hard to see why, as the lake is a beautiful turquoise with a moss-covered waterfall feeding it. Winter hiking is a vastly underrated activity, but this year it will be extra crucial as a means of escape. You see, when we go on a ski trip, we want to use every minute we have skiing, from the time the chairlift first opens until it closes. Elevation of lake 8,280 ft. Destination. This is the story of how my hubby and I took an unplanned and somewhat haphazard hike to Hanging Lake in Colorado. It was like a small gem, like a perfectly shaped precious pearl. Our steep path continued to weave in and out of the forest, closely following a mountain stream. Hiking it in winter, though, will provide you with solitude and a great opportunity to see the falls frozen. Hanging Lake; Photo Credit: Kady Kellogg. There was just one small detail: the temperature outside was 17° F! The freezing temperature cut like a knife. It's not a difficult hike, although it does get steep towards the top. During the winter, the Hanging Lake Trail is icy, snow-packed, and slippery. Update: The canyon has recently had a major forest fire that started in August of 2020 in Grizzly Creek. Get shuttle and parking information, trail map, and what you need to know to hike this popular trail. Be aware that the hike up to the lake is very icy in winter, and you need to take the proper precautions. But even a novice can make it given a little prep. The way is steep and rocky; allow 2 to 3 hours for the trip. It was undoubtedly a stunning drive! Fall was, by far, the more enjoyable because there were so few people hiking it. We created this guide including hiking information, the new permit system, rules to follow and more. I would say starting from Bridge 5 we needed the spikes, which made the walking easy and enjoyable. My hubby and I were staying in Frisco, one of my favorite Colorado towns. It took my hubby & I a bit over an hour to climb the thing - it's pretty much straight up, and the trail is rugged terrain (see photo!). When they noticed I was having a little trouble with my slippery boots, the lady stretched out one of her hiking poles, and offered me to hold on. At the bottom of the trail, there are signs posted saying "this is a DIFFICULT hike" - and the signs don't lie! We figured it was only about 30 feet to the edge of the pool, so it wouldn’t be that bad. We took a few steps, and saw another sign sticking out of the snow that stated: CAUTION: Trail is difficult! From that point, there is an ADDITIONAL trail that goes up, called Spouting Rock. The historic Civilian Conservation Corps log shelter that is situated along the trail also still stood. Admittedly, we had hoped we were closer than halfway, but regardless, there was no turning back now. Glenwood Canyon & Hanging Lake Trail Map. Even though people often call it the “small” pool, it is actually 100 feet long. Its steep walls went so far down below us that we couldn’t really tell where they joined the ground. The entrance to the Underground Italian Restaurant. We discovered that Hanging Lake is a National Natural Landmark, with a very unique and fragile ecosystem. We held on tight, and kept pulling ourselves up choosing our every step cautiously. Cub Lake. The walls of Glenwood Canyon seen from the trail. After we drove for a little longer, it became clear we had missed our exit towards Hanging Lake. in comparison to the hike up to Hanging Lake, and you see 2 MASSIVE waterfalls coming out of the mountain wall, and can go right up under them. We packed our swim suits, since we were headed in the direction of hot springs pools, and hit the road. The trail is beautiful and kept up and it takes only about an hour to get to the top. On the way there, hubby called and booked us a room at a nearby hotel, so we were all set for the night. Hanging Lake is one of the most popular short hikes in the Colorado Rockies. Distance. There were more steep sections with rocks covered in ice and snow. I am NOT a hiker. After having skied hard for a couple of days, everyone that morning was a bit low on energy, and dealing with various sore muscles. The scenery is incredible during the winter - icicles, snow, the water is still running, peaceful and serene. Please remember that, in all season, swimming in the lake and walking on the log is forbidden in an attempt to protect the lake’s fragile mineral layer that is easily disrupted. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Hanging Lake, which is designated as a National Natural Landmark, is located about 1,000 feet up a side canyon of Glenwood Canyon. At least, we thought we missed it! Considering it was winter and Hanging Lake trail was covered in ice and snow, we had more than a few challenges along the way! Hubby feeling a little sweaty from all the hard work, Tiny log cabin along Hanging Lake trail, a good place to rest. Although we managed most of the Hanging Lake trail ok on the way up, coming down was a whole different story! Fortunately, the next exit wasn’t too far, and we we quickly managed to get turned around and make our way to the parking lot near the Hanging Lake trailhead. I lead the way, and hubby reluctantly followed. We parked near the Glenwood Springs Lodge, which is adjacent to the hot springs pool. In case you are not familiar, crampons are devices that attach to your shoes with metal spikes on the bottom. Read more. No one knows exactly how we got through this rail section, but we did, and then we saw the final challenge. Hanging lake trail in Colorado is a spectacular hike in winter and summer. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and … There are two main hot pools at Glenwood Springs. “Hanging Lake miracle”: Further assessments reveal no damage to trail infrastructure, lake By John Stroud. But at 53 and the wife 50, and hitting the treadmill often for years, we had no problems other than to stop and catch our breath a time or two. We can probably say this will be the most wonderful lake you’ll see in Colorado during winter. The hike from trailhead to Hanging Lake is about 1.2 miles with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. Hubby and I in from of Hanging Lake in Colorado. We couldn’t be too far from the end, Hanging Lake, the place we had heard so much about! March 9, 2020 at 6:00 a.m. We sent a reporter and photographer to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs to capture what a quiet winter hike is like on … Fresh new snow was sparkling on the nearby hills, reminding us to pack our skis and hit the slopes. Every bit worth it and look forward for a return trip. Handrails at the end of Hanging Lake trail. I knew, however, that hubby would not be agreeable to pulling over near the freeway, so I took my pictures through the car windshield. I assumed this was going to be an easy hike since it was sort of “touristy”. At times even hard. We had heard about it from a local in Glenwood Springs who said it was a MUST. Glenwood Springs, CO – Hard – 1.2 Miles – Snowshoe – Snow. At the top the lake was breathtaking with it's clarity and the falls behind the lake even more spectacular. As soon as I took a large bite of fresh clean snow, I felt rejuvenated. Cold temperatures also necessitate appropriate clothing, food, water, equipment, and winter survival gear. Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Hours RT. A little icy in spots. Seriously. To me the first half was the hardest contrary to what we had heard. The highway there is so squeezed between the walls of the canyon that for a short while, I-70 West is partially elevated above I-70 East. Wandering around the globe with my hubby and two kids is my passion and obsession. It turns out that due to the split highway, Hanging Lake is only accessible from eastbound I-70. Permits will be required year-round, visitors can reserve a permit at VisitGlenwood.com.During the peak season, from May 1st through October 31st, no parking is allowed in the Hanging Lake Rest Area off I-70. There are also plenty of people walking around the "Don't Touch the Water" signs to walk out onto the downed trees in the lake for pictures. Since the two pools are right next to each other, we didn’t have to walk far. While hiking this relatively flat trail along the Big Thompson River, look for beaver-cut aspen, frozen waterfalls on the cliffs, and the Arch Rocks. However, it is UNBELIEVABLY worth it when you get up to the top. And he was right. We could see some water still dripping down the icicles, creating ripples in the perfectly smooth surface of the lake. A comfort station with restrooms and water fountains is usually visitors’ first stop. It is wonderful... I am always counting the days until the next time we get to board a plane to somewhere! A bit treacherous and steep at times, but the view at the top is definitely worth it! Both the Hanging Lake trail and Glenwood Springs were located along I-70 west, and not all that far from Frisco. In winter, see Hanging Lake fully covered in snow, transformed into an exceptional landscape of dense icicles and frozen water. Since the Hanging Lake Trail is a steep 1.2-mile backcountry hike, visiting during the wintertime months is only recommended for the more experienced hiker, as the trail follows a narrow canyon that can be packed with both snow and ice. GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Hikers rejoice, Hanging Lake will reopen this year.The only question now is when. I guess this was the only way to fit them both there! BRING WATER! You can do this - even if you're not really a hiker! Final footbridge on the way back from Hanging Lake. To get to Hanging Lake take a trail along the Glenwood Canyon (north side of I-70). It turned out we were right, except at the time we didn’t have any idea what the end entailed! Cautious optimism surrounds the future of Hanging Lake, one of Colorado's most beloved natural destinations, which at one point last summer was … On the other side was Hanging Lake, literally hanging on the edge of the canyon. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, Recommended experiences in and around Glenwood Springs. Therefore, it is important to get there early, especially on weekends. Are you prepared? We arrived in Glenwood Springs, and headed straight for the famous hot spring pools. Hanging Lake is a beautiful place and a great hike any time of the year. Hanging Lake in the Winter Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars) Distance: 3.1 Miles RT. Not only did it taste wonderful, but it also helped cool us off. We did see the following: The trail is 1.2 miles long and rises 1020 feet in elevation. On one side was Glenwood Canyon in its entire glory. When we finally got back to the car, the sun was getting pretty low in the sky, so we made a plan to go to the nearby town of Glenwood Springs and stay there for the night. This was definitely not looking good for us! Needless to say, our sleek city boots only made things harder. Visit… Crampons and hiking poles are recommended! We opened the door, and ran! However it's short, incredible and the scenery up top is rewarding. We had heard of a beautiful place called Hanging Lake, which was very close to Glenwood Springs, a town famous for its hot springs pools. After about 10 minutes, the snow-covered trail suddenly became steep and narrow, very much as the sign had described. Hike Video: Hanging Lake in the Winter. The hike to Hanging Lake is beautiful. Plus, this time of year it is not hundreds of hikers marching in lock step as it so often is in summer. Hanging Lake is a great hike. and the bathrooms & vending machines are back at the parking lot. Somewhere along Hanging Lake trail on the way down. Meanwhile, I kept toasty warm under the surface, and the air on my face no longer felt numbing, but rather cool and refreshing. The assent is continual but the real beauty is along the way. The trail is beautiful and kept up and it takes only about an hour to get to the top. We had reached Glenwood Canyon, and at this point were driving on one of the most expensive sections of freeway per mile ever built in America! Highest Point: 7,327 ft. Total Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft. The trail up is SUPER short (10 minutes?) Subscribe to the blog and get a FREE USA National Park checklist! Hubby relaxing at the Underground Italian Restaurant. Incredible.We were SO glad we did this hike, and I was so proud of myself for making it up to the very top - it remains one of our favorite memories from our entire cross-country trip. Reservations: A permit is now required … The Hanging Lake Trail leads to two Waterfalls, one that you can walk behind, and to crystal blue waters of Hanging Lake. It is a lake in the middle of a mountain. This strategy however quickly caught up with us, and there we were, rubbing our sore quads and banged up shins. I grabbed the pole with one hand, and the rail with the other, then managed to pull myself to the top. Hubby and I walked over to the nearby sign to read some info about the Hanging Lake trail. Come along...It will be an adventure! Glenwood Springs Hot Pool…Here you can see the large pool Photo by Arina Habich. It dawned on me that with all that nice fresh snow, we really didn’t have to go thirsty. I was definitely panting, sweaty and had to stop & rest several times. Glenwood Canyon as seen from Hanging Lake. If you can, also go up around the falls to where the lake is, it only takes an extra 5 minutes or so. As we continued to slowly make our way towards Hanging Lake, things on the trail didn’t change too much. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just as I was trying to figure out where to hold on, and how to keep me and my trusty Nikon camera safe, I heard a friendly “Hello.” I looked up, and saw a man and a woman standing at the top of the steep stairs, waiting to come down.