Hanging Lake | Glenwood Springs

Information

Landmark: Hanging Lake
City: Glenwood Springs
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, USA Colorado, North America

Hanging Lake is a geological formation located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA. It is a travertine lake fed by waterfalls.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is approximately 1,200 feet (370 m) above the Colorado River. It is characterized by its clear, turquoise water. The lakebed is composed of travertine deposits, creating a shelf-like formation. Several small waterfalls cascade into the lake from the surrounding cliffs. Vegetation around the lake includes Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen trees.

Location & Access Logistics

Hanging Lake is situated 7 miles east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, off Interstate 70 at Exit 125. The trailhead is located at the Sprouting Rock Picnic Area. Access to the lake requires a permit, which can be obtained online through the City of Glenwood Springs website. Parking is available at the trailhead, with capacity limitations. A shuttle service operates during peak season from a designated parking area in Glenwood Springs to the trailhead. The hike to the lake is approximately 1.2 miles one way, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Hanging Lake was formed approximately 5,000 years ago. The lake is a result of geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone by acidic water, leading to the deposition of travertine. This process created the unique shelf on which the lake rests. The lake is a fragile ecosystem and is protected under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography of the lake and surrounding waterfalls. Observation of the unique geological formations. Hiking the trail to the lake. Swimming is prohibited to preserve the delicate travertine formations.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the trailhead. Limited shade is present along the hiking trail. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent on the trail and at the lake. No food vendors are located at the trailhead or at the lake.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning to early afternoon when sunlight illuminates the lake. The best months for visiting are typically from late May through October, depending on snowpack and trail conditions. Access may be restricted during winter months due to ice and snow. High tide is not applicable as it is a spring-fed lake.

Facts & Legends

A local legend suggests that the lake was formed by the tears of a Native American princess mourning her lost love. Scientifically, the lake's water chemistry, particularly its high pH and calcium carbonate saturation, is responsible for the ongoing deposition of travertine, which continues to shape the lake's edges.