Hiking to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Hiking to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Adventures
Dear Henry,
Today, we went for quite the climb, the kind that makes you question your choices halfway up, and it was absolutely worth it.
Just east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, tucked into the walls of Glenwood Canyon along I-70, is Hanging Lake: a place so improbable it almost looks staged. The lake clings to the side of a cliff, suspended above the canyon floor, fed by waterfalls that seem to appear from nowhere.
Hanging Lake exists because the landscape beneath it failed, quite literally. A massive geologic fault caused part of the valley wall to break away thousands of years ago. Unlike most mountain lakes that sit neatly in basins carved by glaciers, Hanging Lake was left stranded, perched on a fractured ledge of limestone and travertine. Mineral-rich water seeps through the rock, depositing delicate layers of travertine that build the lake’s rim and form its cascades. This process is still ongoing, which is why the ecosystem is so fragile and strictly protected.
The hike up reflects the drama of its geology. It’s steep almost from the first step, relentlessly climbing with little mercy. The final stretch, narrow stairs bolted into the rock, is equal parts thrilling and intimidating. Add summer heat, thin air, and the constant awareness of gravity, and it becomes a hike that demands respect.
But then you arrive.
The lake is impossibly clear, its turquoise color the result of light refracting through mineral deposits in the water. Small native fish drift beneath the surface. Water spills gently over mossy ledges, forming pools that look like something pulled from a myth rather than a fault line. Despite the crowds, and this is an understandably popular hike, Hanging Lake retains an almost reverent quiet. People speak softly here, as if instinctively aware they are standing inside something rare.
I’ve visited on a busy day, and photographing the lake without human interruption proved challenging. Still, even imperfect images can’t diminish the impact of the place itself. Hanging Lake is a reminder that beauty doesn’t always form gently; sometimes it comes from rupture, collapse, and time.
Parking was straightforward, but the hike is demanding. Bring far more water than you think you need, pace yourself, and give the landscape the patience it deserves.
It’s an extraordinary day hike, strenuous, humbling, and unforgettable.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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