After months of varied access and closures, reservations for Hanging Lake are set to open for purchase for dates starting July 1 on March 17 at 8 a.m.

Access to Hanging Lake has been limited since May 2024 while crews worked on trail reconstruction, bridge replacements, and other improvements. The work was to repair damage from the catastrophic debris flows of 2021 and improve the trails ability to handle future high water and debris. A temporary trail was completed in June 2022 while the larger reconstruction project was planned.

According to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), highlights of the project include replacing the trail’s seven bridge to accommodate high water better and constructing a boardwalk at Spouting Rock to reduce erosion and other impacts.

Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program, the National Forest Foundation, the City of Glenwood Spring, H2O Ventures, and the USDA Forest Service all helped fund the Hanging Lake reconstruction project.

Hanging Lake Trail is one of the most well-known trails in the state of Colorado, found off of a dedicated exit along I-70 near Glenwood Springs. About 1.5 miles each way, the trail is notably steep and can get slick thanks to the often lush nature of the area. It’s known for providing access to a stunning waterfall scene.

Book reservations for Hanging Lake here.