A suspended turquoise lake in Glenwood Canyon, formed by a delicate travertine dam and fed by waterfalls pouring through limestone cliffs.
Hanging Lake clings to the sheer cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, a geological anomaly suspended above the Colorado River. Formed along a dramatic fault line where a section of the valley floor sheared and dropped, the lake is cradled by a fragile rim of travertine. This natural dam was built over millennia as Dead Horse Creek carried dissolved calcium carbonate from the Mississippian-aged Leadville Formation. As the mineral-rich water spilled over fallen logs and mosses, the limestone precipitated out of solution, encasing the organic matter in stone and slowly raising the lake's delicate, shelf-like edges. The water itself is an intense, clear turquoise, colored by dissolved carbonate minerals that reflect the Rocky Mountain sky.
The trail to this National Natural Landmark underwent a massive $4.5 million restoration project to rebuild its infrastructure following severe damage from the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire and subsequent debris flows. Reopened with newly engineered bridges, the path crosses Dead Horse Creek seven times, using bridges specifically designed to withstand future high-water events and mudslides. The hike is brief but demanding, climbing nearly 1,200 vertical feet in just over a mile. The ascent winds through a shaded canyon microclimate rich with ferns, mosses, and hanging-garden communities that thrive in the constant mist. At the top, a wooden boardwalk guides visitors around the perimeter of the pool, preventing foot traffic from eroding the fragile travertine shoreline.
Spouting Rock rises just above the main basin, where the waters of Dead Horse Creek burst directly through a fissure in the vertical limestone cliff face before tumbling down to feed the lake below. To protect this highly sensitive ecosystem, strict regulations are heavily enforced. Swimming, wading, and dipping hands or feet into the water are strictly prohibited, as body oils and skin products disrupt the delicate chemical balance that allows the travertine to grow. Walking on the iconic fallen log that stretches across the water is also forbidden, and pets are entirely banned from the trail. Access requires a pre-purchased permit, and visitors must self-drive and park at the Hanging Lake rest area or bike along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path.
Permits are required year-round and must be secured online before your visit. Note that the old shuttle system is no longer active: you must self-drive to the trailhead parking lot with your permit, or bike in via the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. Leave pets at home, as they are strictly prohibited on the trail and cannot be left in vehicles.