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

Out of season · 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

39°F

⛅ Overcast

💨 3 mph

🌧️ 0%

☀️ UV 1

Fri

⛅

55°

33°

1%

Sat

🌨️

39°

34°

50%

Sun

🌫️

45°

33°

7%

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