Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hanging Lake: A Turquoise Basin Perched in Glenwood Canyon

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, United States

By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published Wed, Mar 18, 2026 · Updated Fri, Aug 28, 2026

Why it’s cool

This glacially formed lake features rare travertine deposits and vibrant turquoise water, appearing to hang precariously from the sheer walls of Glenwood Canyon.

Southwest Scenic

Waterfalls flow over mossy cliffs into the turquoise waters of Hanging Lake, surrounded by a dense evergreen forest.

High above the Colorado River, tucked into the vertical folds of Glenwood Canyon, lies a geological marvel that defies the arid surroundings. Hanging Lake is a rare example of a travertine-formed basin, where mineral deposits have built a fragile rim around waters so clear they reveal every trout swimming in the depths.

This emerald-hued sanctuary, once a private homestead found by a gold prospector, has been a protected public treasure for over a century.

Why It Stands Out

The lake's striking "Paris Green" color comes from its unique chemistry and glacial history. Other sites with unique mineral colors include the Fly Geyser.

Unlike typical alpine lakes, this one appears suspended on the canyon side, held in place by delicate travertine edges formed by dissolved limestone. Just a short walk beyond the main shoreline, the scenery continues at Spouting Rock, where a waterfall bursts directly through holes in the solid canyon wall.

Despite the scars of a 2020 wildfire visible along the approach, the lake itself remains a pristine oasis of vibrant color and ancient geology.

Before You Go

Reaching this fragile ecosystem requires a steep 1.2-mile trek that climbs roughly 1,000 feet along Dead Horse Creek. Because the site is so popular and ecologically sensitive, a permit system is in place; reservations cost $12 (dropping to $10 in winter) and should be booked well in advance.

Access is strictly controlled via I-70: you can only enter the parking area from the eastbound lanes. If you are traveling westbound, you must continue to exit 121 and double back.

Note that swimming, fishing, and bringing dogs are all strictly prohibited to protect the travertine and water quality. Similar protections are found at the Morning Glory Pool.

Parking lots often reach capacity before 8:30 AM during the summer, so early arrival is essential.

Questions worth answering

How do we get to the parking area without getting turned around?

The lot is only accessible from the eastbound lanes of I-70. If you're heading west, you'll need to use exit 121 to turn back around before you can enter.

What makes the water look like that?

The basin is a travertine-formed wonder with a specific chemical makeup and glacial past. These factors create a deep green shade that looks like it's clinging to the canyon walls.

Are there any rules we should know before starting the hike?

Leave your fishing gear and dogs at home, and don't plan on swimming. This is a fragile environment where mineral edges hold the water in place, so we keep human and pet impact to zero.

Is it true we need a reservation to see the lake?

You'll need to secure a permit for 12 dollars, though the price drops to 10 dollars during the winter season. Our own editorial from there notes that booking early is the only way to ensure a spot at this popular site.

Visit Snapshot

Permits are required for all hikers and must be reserved online. Access the trailhead via I-70 Eastbound only; there is no westbound access to the parking lot.

The hike is short but strenuous with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. No pets, swimming, or fishing allowed.

Location

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Know before you go

The lake can be reached via a trailhead located near I-70 at the bottom of the canyon. Be aware!

You cannot reach the Hanging Lake parking lots from westbound I-70. You will need to head to exit 121, go underneath the interstate, then double back and take the exit from the eastbound lanes.

Similarly, there is no entrance to eastbound I-70 from the trailhead. The trailhead is right off the interstate and it is a short hike (1.2 miles).

If you are visiting during the summer months, both parking lots are usually full before 8:30 AM. You cannot park on the I-70 ramps, and it is frowned upon to sit around idling while waiting for a spot to open up - you will block traffic and emergency access should it be needed.

RVs and trailers are not allowed. You can, however, park at the exit for Grizzly Creek.

This path follows along the Colorado River and will eventually get you to the Hanging Lake Trailhead. It does, however, add an additional 4 miles (round-trip) to your hike.

The trail follows Dead Horse Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, and ascends some 1,000 feet. No dogs are allowed on the trailhead or left behind in cars.

No fishing or swimming is allowed at the lake. This is now a permitted site, you must have a $12 permit to enter at the trailhead at a designated time, and unless it's the off-season you should plan on getting your permit ahead of time.

Update as of May 2021: There was a horrible forest fire in this area in 2020. The lake trail just opened back up in May 2021, and luckily the area around the lake (and the lake itself) is fine, but expect to see a ton of fire damage as you hike.

Update January 2024: Hanging Lake is open to the public. However, due to its popularity, a $12 per hiker reservation is required ($10 in winter).

Tickets can be redeemed anytime during the day of the reservation, and are available here .

Editorial source

Hanging Lake

1,000 feet up the steep walls of Glenwood Canyon there hides away a basin full of water the color of Paris Green, waterfalls roaring near the fragile shoreline of travertine, the bottom of the lake fully visible through crystal clear waters. Discovered by a gold hunting prospector, Hanging Lake was a private homestead and family retreat until falling into the hands of Glenwood Springs in 1910.

Protected by the White River Forest Service, this is a popular stop for those willing to take a short but steep hike to see the trout-filled, glacially formed watery haven seemingly suspended from the side of the canyon. Just a few hundred yards behind Hanging Lake is yet another waterfall, Spouting Rock, which jets through holes in the canyon walls.

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