Hanging Lake Trail to reopen June 2

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (June 1, 2023) – A combination of lower water flows and some key trail repairs is allowing the White River National Forest to reopen the Hanging Lake Trail June 2. Reservations are needed to hike Hanging Lake and are available at www.visitglenwood.com.

“We believe the water flows coming down Deadhorse Canyon have peaked, but hikers will still need to be prepared to encounter some water on the trail,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis.

With spring run-off continuing along the Hanging Lake Trail and throughout the White River National Forest, hikers are urged to be alert for the potential of falling rocks and other debris, and to be extremely careful around flowing water.

Earlier this month the White River National Forest announced planned improvements to the Hanging Lake Trail to better accommodate high water and debris flows, including reengineering six of the trail’s seven bridges and relocating two bridges to provide better stream clearance. That work will begin this fall.

The trail and associated bridges suffered significant damage following the 2021 debris flows in Glenwood Canyon. While a temporary trail was opened in 2022, more extensive repairs are needed for long-term sustainability.

“This spring certainly highlights the need for a longer-term trail redesign,” Veldhuis said.

The redesign project will be funded through Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program, the National Forest Foundation, City of Glenwood Springs, and the USDA Forest Service.

Two weeks ago, the Forest Service closed the trail because of the large amount of water running down the canyon and trail. At the beginning of May, a mudslide and running water blocked access to the Hanging Lake Trailhead for two weeks.

“While we certainly have had challenges getting to Hanging Lake this spring, the lake itself has been unaffected and is as beautiful as ever,” Veldhuis said.