If you live in Denver and have never been to Hanging Lake, what are you doing? Visiting Hanging Lake from Denver will be the best decision you make this summer and I am here to show you why. In this blog post we will unveil everything about Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Springs and more. It will serve as your ultimate guide on taking a trip from Denver to Hanging Lake.
Is Hanging Lake Worth the Hike From Denver?
Yes, Hanging Lake is definitely worth it. Despite the hike being moderately challenging, the beauty of the lake and its surroundings make the effort worthwhile. The crystal-clear waters, stunning waterfalls, and unique geological features create a picturesque and memorable experience for visitors. Hanging Lake is worth every single step and effort and is one of the best hikes in Colorado.
Is Hanging Lake A Difficult Hike?
The Hanging Lake hike is considered moderate by most standards. The distance is 3 miles. You will hike through higher elevations (1,000 feet), some rocky terrain and some steepness. If you’re in decent physical condition and comfortable with some incline and uneven terrain, it is a manageable hike.
What to Pack on Your Trip from Denver to Hanging Lake
Before we peel out of Denver, let’s make sure we’re prepped for anything the mountains throw our way. Pack layers – Colorado weather is notorious for its mood swings, so be ready for sunshine, brisk breezes, or even a sprinkle (hey, it adds to the adventure!).
Here’s my personal packing list for success:
- Comfortable hiking boots: You’ll be thanking your lucky stars for these on the Hanging Lake hike.
- Water: Stay hydrated, save the planet, high fives all around!
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: A must for any mountain adventure.
- Snacks: Gas station fare can be a budget and taste bud buster. Pack healthy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fruits to keep your energy levels up.
- Camera: Capture those postcard-worthy moments!
- Sense of adventure: This one’s free and essential.
Pro-Tip: Download offline maps or a GPS app. Mountain service can be spotty, and you don’t want to get lost in the wilderness searching for bars.
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Denver to Hanging Lake Weekend Itinerary
Fill up your backpacks with all the road trip snacks you can think of (my favorites) and hit the road to Hanging Lake. Start on I-70 and head west towards Glenwood Springs.
Do yourself a huge favor and leave as early as possible so you don’t get stuck in the weekend rush.
Day 1: Denver to Silverthorne
Mileage: 67 miles
Distance: 1 hour 10 minutes
Places to Stop between Denver and Silverthorne
Stop 1: Golden (30 minutes, 15 miles)
You have to make a quick stop at the charming town of Golden, known for its historic gold rush and rich past evident in its quaint shops. Because we were hungry, we took a mini stroll in Downtown Golden and grabbed ourselves a Con Panna Latte and Sojourner Breakfast sandwich at Humble House Cafe. It is the perfect breakfast spot to stop at as it is right on the way.
Stop 2: Idaho Springs (30 minutes, 24 miles)
The stretch between Idaho Springs and the next stop Silverthorne is where the real magic begins. The highway winds its way through towering mountains, lush valleys, and quaint mountain towns. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep grazing on the slopes – a truly majestic sight
While in Idaho Springs stretch and stroll down the main street lined with quaint shops and historic buildings. It is also a great road stop to pick up your favorite snacks from the grocery store.
Pro-Tip : Download the PeakFinder app to identify the mountain peaks you encounter. It adds a whole new dimension to the scenic drive.
**Foodie Find Alert in Idaho Springs**
If hunger pangs start to set in, go to Beau Jos in Idaho Springs for some delicious gourmet pizza. The “Rocky Mountain High ” with roasted chicken, caramelized onions, and green chiles was the perfect fuel for the journey ahead.
Stop 3: Georgetown Overlook Pullout ( 15 minutes, 14 miles)
Back on I-70, prepare yourself to stop for a breathtaking vista. Georgetown Overlook Rest Area, is an unassuming rest area offers a stunning vista of Clear Creek and the Georgetown railroad line below. It’s not fancy, but the panoramic view is a great way to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and ease into the mountain scenery. There’s a gravel path leading to a visitor sign, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
Stop 4: Silverthorne (25 minutes, 25 miles)
If your schedule allows, take a detour to Silverthorne, a charming town with a lively waterfront.
While here have yourself a dinner picnic at Sapphire Point Lookout where you can get free VIP views of the Rocky Mountains. There are picnic tables available.
Places to Eat in Silverthorne
For dinner, head to Mercado La Perla and order takeout for a picnic – When we are craving authentic Mexican food this is where we go. It is super traditional Mexican food that will more than satisfy those cravings.
Places to Stay in Silverthorne
We decided to stay in a cozy cabin, in Silverthorne that night, the crackling fireplace providing a welcome respite from the crisp mountain air.
Day 2: Exploring Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs
The crown turquiose jewel of this trip – Hanging Lake – was there for me on Day 2 of the trip from Denver to Hanging Lake.
| Distance: 3.1 | Time: 2 hours | Elevation Gain: 1,187ft | |||
| Route Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Rating: 🌟4.9 | |||
| Lake with vibrant green/blue waters✅ Panoramic Views of Canyon and Waterfalls ✅ | |||||
| Highlights: 11/10 scenery, Bald Eagle Sightings, Lake with vibrant green waters | |||||
Hanging Lake Trail , located in Glenwood Canyon near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a stunning natural wonder renowned for its crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations. Located in the White River National Forest, seeing Hanging Lake is so worth it.
Our Experience on the Hanging Lake Trail
The hike to Hanging Lake was a challenging but rewarding experience, spanning approximately 1.5 miles each way. The well-maintained trail winds through a dense aspen forest, offering glimpses of the cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape.
The trail ascends steeply through rugged terrain, featuring several switchbacks and rocky sections. And are treated with breathtaking views of the canyon and waterfalls along the way.
This is for the tourists (like me!). You MUST get a reservation in advance; otherwise, they will not allow you to enter. It’s $12 per person to enter and you have a 3-hour window to stay there. You can arrive 15 minutes early or late from your reserved time slot. Screenshot the reservation, you may not get a confirmation email and you may not get service at the trailhead.
Hanging Lake was absolutely beautiful and do not forget to hike up the waterfall spur trail. It’s also worth your effort. We spent a good hour at Hanging Lake, simply marveling at its beauty. We took photos, breathed in the crisp mountain air, and listened to the serenity of the cascading water. All in all, hiking the Hanging Lake Trail took us 4 hours.
Pro-Tip : While we beat the crowds, the lake is largely shadowed until after 11 AM so you will need to wait that long before descending if you want to get the best photos (where the colors really pop). Don’t miss the small secondary hike (5 minutes) above the lake to its spurting rock source.
Related Reads: Hiking the Lake Haiyaha Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
Things to Do After Hanging Lake Trail
Visiting Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs, a charming mountain town nestled just 11 miles from Hanging Lake, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration to unwind after your adventure.
After conquering the hike, we descended back to the charming mountain town of Glenwood Springs. Tt was the perfect stop to unwind, get some food and soak in the hot springs.
Glenwood Springs wouldn’t be “Glenwood Springs” without its world-famous hot springs. After a day on the trail, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a steaming pool of mineral-rich water. Here are my top picks:
- The Historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool: This iconic landmark boasts the world’s largest outdoor hot spring pool, perfect for a classic soaking experience. Plus, the iconic red brick building adds to the historic charm.
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs: For a more intimate and natural setting, head to Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Nestled along the Colorado River, these cascading pools offer stunning views and a variety of temperatures to suit your preference.
Pro Tip: Pack a swimsuit and a towel, and don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. It gets really hot and you can quickly get dehydrated.
Places to Eat in Glenwood Springs
After we soaked in the hot springs, our appetite was roaring. So make those dinner reservations in advance, or eat dinner before the hot springs. Something about the hot springs made us ravenous. We are always craving juicy burgers wherever we go and definitely post hike. So we went to The Pullman for delicious comfort food. Think juicy burgers, creative salads, and mouthwatering mac and cheese – perfect for refueling after our hike.
Here are some of our other recommendations:
- Slope & Hatch: Unique tacos with a twist. Made with locally sourced ingredients, crafting unique dishes that are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’re always in for a surprise.
- Italian Underground Restaurant: Craving a taste of Italy? Nicolette’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with homemade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian entrees.
Places to Stay In Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget. Here are a couple of suggestions based on my experience:
- Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge: For a luxurious stay steps away from the iconic hot springs pool, this historic lodge offers comfortable rooms, exceptional service, and stunning mountain views.
- Airbnbs in Glenwood Springs
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to taking a trip from Denver to Hanging Lake, the crown jewel. And I hope it inspires you to make that road trip and make stops along the way because it is about they journey!
