Hanging Lake

I recently had the opportunity to hike to Hanging Lake, and I must say it's one of the most amazing hikes in Colorado! The trail is moderate with a 1000ft elevation gain over just 1.2 miles, making it accessible for most hikers. One of the highlights of this hike is the stunning waterfalls that you encounter along the way. The sound of rushing water and the beauty of these falls will keep your eyes busy and provide the perfect backdrop for your journey. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a reservation for this hike, which costs $12. This reservation system helps preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensures that it's not overcrowded. The real gem at the end of the trail is, of course, Hanging Lake itself. Its crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations make it a sight to behold. But don't stop there! After Hanging Lake, there's a quick 5-minute hike to another waterfall, and trust me, it's absolutely worth visiting. The entire experience is a nature lover's dream. Overall, if you're in Colorado and looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, make sure to put Hanging Lake on your list. It's a hike that combines natural beauty, a bit of a challenge, and the reward of discovering these magnificent waterfalls.

An excellent place for a moderately challenging hike, with a 1000-foot elevation gain. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to ascend and 1 hour to descend. This trail is suitable for young kids too. It offers a beautiful path, and the hike's climax is truly impressive. Always stay in the track. It's definitely worth the visit. Remember to make a prior appointment and purchase a ticket. Hiking shoes & pole and enough water and snack bar are recommended.

You’ll need a permit/reservation for this hike. Reserve on the website and it’s $12/pp. It’s more convenient to get there if you’re heading East so just be mindful that there isn’t an exit for it going west. Once you exit, it’ll take you directly to the entrance where they check for your reservation. The reservation was for 3 hours which is more than enough time to do the hike and enjoy everything between the trailhead and hanging lake. The hike is 1.2 miles one way with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re doing it during the summer. Definitely wear a hat and sunscreen. Trail is mostly covered but lots of spots where it’s not and it was HOT! We saw Hanging Lake first then hiked up another 200 yards to see the big waterfall! It’s amazing, and a definite must! Photos can’t capture the beauty in its entirety.

One of the best hikes in Colorado! Moderate to hard in difficulty, but nothing really technical. Just a LOT of elevation increase in a short amount of time. Taking it slowly, you can expect to reach Hanging Lake in about 1.5-2 hours, depending on how many stops you take. Be sure to go the extra 200 yards up to Spouting Rock for close-up waterfall pictures.

A MUST SEE! This was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and well worth the difficult hike. Make sure you’re prepared with correct footwear that will support climbing up rocks and uneven paths. Make sure you get a permit in order to enter the Trail. They do check your permit in the parking lot and then there is another person at the beginning of the trail now the trail is very steep in some parts and part of it. You’re just basically walking on big rocks that they try to make it to stairs. Our family did bring some oxygen which did help since we were not used to the altitude. There are seven bridges that you cross once you get to the top it is a magnificent view one like you’ve never seen. After you take in Hanging Lake walk up to the waterfalls where you can go behind a big waterfall. It was very heavy because of all the snow melt when we were there in June if you have hiking poles, definitely bring them as they will help you going back down the trail. Use the restroom before you get on the trail near the parking lot.

Spent the morning hiking up to Hanging Lake and then Spouting Rock. We made our reservation in advance and opted to go early to avoid heavier traffic later. The hike was about 1.2 miles up with over 1000 feet of elevation gain. Although it wasn’t overly hard, it will be difficult for some to do this. There are multiple areas to sit down and rest if needed and an AED machine at about the 3/4 mile area. There are some areas where you will have to navigate through some rocky uneven spots and also some switchbacks that have some rocky areas. We observed elderly and young kids, with all ages in between, doing the hike. If you go up to the lake, make sure you go the extra 200 yards to see the Spouting Rock! The scenery, and wildlife, is absolutely amazing and is well worth the hike. We will do it again!

I recently had the opportunity to hike to Hanging Lake, and I must say it's one of the most amazing hikes in Colorado! The trail is moderate with a 1000ft elevation gain over just 1.2 miles, making it accessible for most hikers. One of the highlights of this hike is the stunning waterfalls that you encounter along the way. The sound of rushing water and the beauty of these falls will keep your eyes busy and provide the perfect backdrop for your journey. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a reservation for this hike, which costs $12. This reservation system helps preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensures that it's not overcrowded. The real gem at the end of the trail is, of course, Hanging Lake itself. Its crystal-clear waters and unique geological formations make it a sight to behold. But don't stop there! After Hanging Lake, there's a quick 5-minute hike to another waterfall, and trust me, it's absolutely worth visiting. The entire experience is a nature lover's dream. Overall, if you're in Colorado and looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, make sure to put Hanging Lake on your list. It's a hike that combines natural beauty, a bit of a challenge, and the reward of discovering these magnificent waterfalls.

An excellent place for a moderately challenging hike, with a 1000-foot elevation gain. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to ascend and 1 hour to descend. This trail is suitable for young kids too. It offers a beautiful path, and the hike's climax is truly impressive. Always stay in the track. It's definitely worth the visit. Remember to make a prior appointment and purchase a ticket. Hiking shoes & pole and enough water and snack bar are recommended.