A stunning turquoise-green lake perched on a cliff edge above Glenwood Canyon, formed by a geological fault where the lake bottom dropped leaving the waterfall inlet. The lake is fed by Spouting Rock waterfall and is one of Colorado's most unique natural features. Permit required.
Hanging Lake, located in Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado approximately 9 miles east of Glenwood Springs, is among the most unusual geological features in the Rocky Mountain region. Unlike typical lakes formed by glacial erosion, stream damming, or volcanic activity, Hanging Lake formed when a geological fault caused the lake's bottom to drop away while the water source — a waterfall inlet — remained at its original elevation. The result is a perched, travertine-rimmed lake sitting on a cliff edge 1,000 feet above the floor of Glenwood Canyon, fed by Spouting Rock waterfall tumbling from an overhanging cliff at the lake's far end.
The lake's vivid turquoise-green color results from dissolved calcium carbonate precipitating as travertine along the lake bed and edges. The same mineral process builds the travertine ledges that form natural dams extending from the lake's rim, holding the lake level elevated above the surrounding terrain. The ecosystem is extremely fragile; swimming, wading, fishing, and feeding wildlife are prohibited to prevent disruption of the delicate mineral balance that maintains the lake's appearance.
Access requires mandatory permits during the restricted period from approximately May through November. Permits are issued through recreation.gov on a rolling advance-reservation basis and are released in windows several months before peak season. During the permit period, a mandatory shuttle operates from the designated staging area in Glenwood Canyon; private vehicles are not permitted to park at the trailhead.
The trail itself — 1.2 miles one way — follows Dead Horse Creek upward through a narrow canyon, gaining approximately 1,000 feet of elevation in a sustained climb over a relatively short distance. The path crosses the creek multiple times on wooden bridges and includes metal handrails on the steepest sections. The final approach to the lake emerges onto wooden boardwalks protecting the travertine from foot traffic. A secondary trail continues above the lake to Spouting Rock, where water emerges from what appears to be solid rock face under spring pressure — an unusual and photogenic feature. The total visit including shuttle, hike, lake time, and return typically runs 3 to 4 hours.
Good to know
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset; permits required all year
- Best time
- Morning
- Best for
- hikers, photographers, nature lovers
Location
Hanging Lake Trailhead, Glenwood Canyon, CO 81601
39.6009, -107.1905 View on map
Highlights
- Travertine-rimmed lake perched on a cliff edge above Glenwood Canyon — a geological formation found in very few places worldwide
- Vivid turquoise-green water from dissolved calcium carbonate deposits — swimming and wading prohibited to protect the ecosystem
- Spouting Rock waterfall feeding the lake — water emerging from an apparent solid rock face under spring pressure
- 1.2-mile trail gaining 1,000 feet through a narrow canyon with creek crossings and wooden boardwalks at the lake
- Mandatory permit system limiting daily visitors — one of Colorado's most tightly managed natural sites
Tips for visiting
- Permits must be booked at recreation.gov months in advance
- The 1.2-mile trail gains 1,000 feet - it is steep but worth it
- Swimming is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem
When to visit
Late May and early June bring the highest water volume at Spouting Rock from snowmelt, making the waterfall most dramatic. Morning permits provide the best light on the lake's turquoise water and avoid afternoon thunderstorm risk. Weekday permits in September are the easiest to secure and offer pleasant hiking temperatures with smaller crowds.
Accessibility
The Hanging Lake trail involves 1,000 feet of elevation gain on a steep, narrow path and is not accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations. The mandatory shuttle from the staging area is accessible. No alternative accessible route to the lake exists. The Glenwood Canyon trail running along the Colorado River at the base of the canyon is flat and paved, providing a scenically rewarding accessible alternative without the lake itself.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should permits be booked?
Hanging Lake permits for July and August routinely sell out within minutes of the booking windows opening on recreation.gov, which typically occurs several months before the visit date. Setting a reminder for when the specific date's window opens is the most reliable approach. Shoulder-season dates in May, June, and September are somewhat easier to secure but still require advance planning.
How strenuous is the hike?
The 1.2-mile one-way trail gains approximately 1,000 feet of elevation — a sustained, steep climb that most reasonably fit adults can complete in 45 to 75 minutes. The trail is well-maintained with wooden bridges and handrails but involves no technical scrambling. The descent takes less time but requires careful footing on the wet rock surfaces near the creek. Proper footwear with grip is important.
Is photography permitted at Hanging Lake?
Personal photography is permitted and the lake is one of Colorado's most photographed natural sites. Tripods and professional equipment are permitted for personal use. The wooden boardwalk around the lake edge provides multiple angles. The best light hits the lake in mid-morning when the sun is high enough to illuminate the turquoise water but before direct overhead light flattens the color.