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CDOT Rest Area: Hanging Lake,Glenwood Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 254 Google reviews · Running trail in Glenwood Springs, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from CDOT Rest Area: Hanging Lake,Glenwood Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with beautiful views and a waterfall, as well as a public restroom.
What runners say about CDOT Rest Area: Hanging Lake,Glenwood Canyon
“Would definitely recommend to anyone, but please, clean up after yourself, leave the kids at home, and leave nothing but footprints.”
“The climb is well shaded (after a point) and follows a gorgeous stream with multiple small waterfalls every few feet.”
The hike was a lot longer than we expected and it gets pretty extreme near the top, definitely more than we bargained for. We saw plenty of children and a few older folks but it wasn't exactly a fun time for them; it was a workout.
This hike is intense, but so worth the effort. The hike up is full of rock steps, narrow walkways, and seven bridges. No dogs allowed so those who like to take their furry kids along won't be able to on this one.
Only accessible when driving eastbound. If you can find a parking spot to hike to Hanging Lake, consider yourself lucky! Like so many Colorado locations, it's simply beautiful and well worth the time and effort. Parking attendants are sometimes stationed there to help control crowds and helps prevent illegal parking.
Hanging lake is truly stunning! However parking is difficult so expect to wait to park as there aren't too many spots and lots of people. The hike is about 2 miles uphill but isn't too strenuous so it's still possible with little hiking experience.
Trail conditions & character
“The views all along the path are breathtaking, it's like Narnia mixed with bridge to tarabitha smashed into a pretty little package.”
“There was a line for the parking lot with a half hour wait and we were constantly picking up plastic bottles other people had thrown down.”
“If you are deathly afraid of heights, stick close to the walls of the cliff you have to climb up to get to the lake.”
“No dogs allowed so those who like to take their furry kids along won't be able to on this one.”
“A great challenging trail all up a rocky path.”
Plan your run at CDOT Rest Area: Hanging Lake,Glenwood Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 719-562-5568
Running trails near Glenwood Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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