Hike along the Colorado River to the Hanging Lake

The Hanging Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Colorado for obvious reasons (it's gorgeous) and, even better you'd think: it's only a 2.4 mile round trip! 

Also, it's a combo hike! You work hard to get to the top, but there are two gorgeous waterfalls waiting for you: the Hanging Lake and the Spouting Rock.

You and hundreds of other people think exactly like that.

And the parking lot for the Hanging Lake is super tiny, so more realistically you'll be parking in one of the neighbor Rest Areas. Suddenly your 2.4 mile hike becomes a 9.2 mile round trip. Is that bad? Absolutely not!

In fact, we choose to do it that way because there's more to the area than the waterfalls. Walking along the Colorado River and into the Glenwood Canyon is stunning, and you will have tons of great pictures opportunities before you even get to the Hanging Lake trailhead. 

A bigger bonus, for us at least that like less crowds and more nature, is that most of your hike you'll be by yourself. 

Once you get to the Hanging lake trail there's no other way though: it's so gorgeous, popular and short distance, that you'll see from kids to elderly and all levels of experience hiking up, on a very narrow and steep trail, so expect to "wait in line".

It's possible that if you leave it to early spring or late fall you'll get less and less people, but watch for the weather, especially if it's snowy. With the trail average grade of 15% you don't want to be caught in slippery conditions.

Ok. So how should you do it then?

The Hanging Lake trailhead is out of US-70 Exit 125, but if you are up for the long tour, you'll park at the Bair Ranch Rest Area, out of exit 129 (There is a plan C if you don't find parking: Grizzly creek Rest Area at Exit 121).

From there you'll walk along the paved path of the Colorado River for about 1h (a little over 3 miles) until you get to the Hanging Lake trailhead. From there up to the first waterfall is an easy 1.2 mile and hard 1000ft of elevation change. 

Take your time and rest along the way. Make sure to drink a lot of water too: don't forget the altitude! You are at 7000ft. 

There are benches all over and the charming Dead Horse creek to make a good excuse for a break. 

Once you get close, it gets so steep there'll be rails to assist you on the climb. Use them!

You'll reach first the Hanging lake, but I for sure recommend you go straight to the Spouting Rock. It's just a couple hundred yards more and you'll be refreshed by the waterfall spray! (No, you can't swim or get in the water at any time. It's a fragile ecosystem and we want to keep it nice and pretty!).

After you feel refreshed, it's time to be amazed! Go back down to the Hanging lake and get your camera ready. The only way this place could be any better would be if it had any hammock hanging opportunities. Unfortunately it doesn't, but you can still sit down on the benches around it and stare at nature's awesomeness. 

Watch your food and backpacks: the chipmunks are definitely not afraid. And don't forget to NOT feed them: that's bad, no matter how much you want that cute instagram picture.

On the way down most people are sad because they left the best behind them... but you know you still have a gorgeous canyon and river all the way back to your car.

Two last tips, I promise:

Hiking poles! They are your knees best friends and will make you whole trip faster, safer and more enjoyable. If you have it, be sure to bring it.

And if you are not really into the idea of walking 9 miles, bring your bike! The paved path along the Colorado River is perfect for a nice ride, no matter how specialized your bike is, and lots of people lock their bikes at the Hanging lake trailhead. Just another way to do it.

Hope you like it!