Emerald Hanging Lake with thin waterfalls spilling over its travertine rim
Photo: Sayamindu Dasgupta · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Hanging Lake

Moderate

Glenwood Springs

Distance
3 mi
Gain
1,200 ft
High point
7,320 ft
Season
May–Oct

Best time of year

Peak season now · Best May–Oct, peak Jun–Sep

The trail is icy in winter.

Peak In season Out of season This month

Reservation required. Travertine lake on a cliff. One of CO's most famous hikes.

🎫 Permit required 🚫 No dogs

Trailhead weather

66°F

⛅ Overcast

💨 4 mph

🌧️ 1%

☀️ UV 6

Thu

🌧️

68°

47°

38%

Fri

🌧️

65°

48°

27%

Sat

71°

44°

1%

More photos · 3, by season where the date is known

Hanging Lake in mid October with fall color above the travertine falls

Fall · Oct 2025 Hanging Lake in mid October with fall color above the travertine falls

Photo: Andrew Kearns · CC BY 4.0 · cropped 1 / 3