Hanging Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hanging Lake |
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 Hanging Lake
Location in Colorado
Hanging Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Glenwood Canyon, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 39°36′06″N 107°11′31″W / 39.60165°N 107.191997°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 7,323 ft (2,232 m) |
| Designated: | June 2011 |
Hanging Lake is a beautiful lake located in the state of Colorado, USA. You can find it in Glenwood Canyon, about 7 miles (11 km) east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It's a very popular spot for tourists and hikers.
To reach the lake, you follow a trail that starts near I-70. The path goes along Dead Horse Creek, which flows into the Colorado River. The trail climbs about 1,000 feet (300 m) over 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to get to the lake.
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The Story of Hanging Lake
Long ago, people told stories about how Hanging Lake was found. One tale says a man was looking for gold in the canyon. He found a dead horse at the start of a gulch, which might be why it's called Dead Horse Gulch.
When he followed the gulch up the steep hillside, he came around the back of the lake. This is how he first saw the small, bowl-shaped lake hanging onto the cliffs below.
For many years, the area was a private family retreat. Then, in 1910, the town of Glenwood Springs bought it. After that, it became a public place for visitors.
In the 1940s, there was even a small resort and cafe there. But this changed when construction for Interstate-70 began in 1968.
In 1972, the trail and the lake became part of the White River National Forest. Since then, it has become a very popular place to visit. In 2011, the lake was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a special place recognized for its unique natural features.
How Hanging Lake Was Formed
The edges of Hanging Lake are made of a special rock called travertine. This rock forms when dissolved limestone from the area's rocks and logs builds up in layers. Dead Horse Creek flows through these limestone layers, helping to create the travertine.
Hanging Lake sits on a fault line. It was created when a large piece of the valley floor, about an acre and a half, broke off and dropped down. This created the shallow basin where the lake now sits.
The beautiful turquoise colors of the lake come from tiny bits of carbonate minerals. These minerals have dissolved in the water, giving the lake its amazing look.
Visiting Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is one of the most popular hiking spots in Colorado. To help protect the lake and manage visitors, you now need a paid permit to hike there. This rule started on May 1, 2019. The cost of the permit changes depending on the time of year.
During the busiest time, from May 1 to October 31, you cannot drive your own car to the Hanging Lake parking area. Instead, you need to use a shuttle service. If you want to bike to the trailhead, you still need to reserve your spot ahead of time.
The entire hike is about 3.2 miles round trip and usually takes about two hours. Behind the lake, you'll find Spouting Rock. This is a larger waterfall that flows out of holes in the limestone cliffs of Dead Horse Canyon.
Hanging Lake gets more than 131,000 visitors every year!
Hiking in Winter
During winter, the Hanging Lake Trail can be very icy, snowy, and slippery. It's important to use special gear like ice cleats or micro-spikes to help you walk safely. Hiking poles are also very helpful.
Because it's cold, you need to wear warm clothes and bring enough food, water, and other survival gear. The hike might take longer in winter conditions.
Rules for Protecting the Lake
Hanging Lake's travertine is very delicate and easily damaged. Because of this, there are strict rules to protect the lake and its unique ecosystem.
You are not allowed to bring dogs, fly drones, fish, or swim in the lake. You also cannot touch the water. These rules help keep the lake clean and healthy.
It's also important not to bother or feed wild animals. This is especially true in winter when they need to save their energy to survive. In winter, never walk on the frozen lake, even if it looks solid. It is extremely dangerous.
Walking off the marked trail is not allowed at any time of year. Parking at the Hanging Lake area is only allowed from November 1 to April 30 with a reservation. You should never park along the entrance or exit ramps of I-70.
Protecting a Fragile Place
Because so many people visit, Hanging Lake faces challenges. Litter left by visitors and the effects of people and dogs (even though they are not allowed) can harm the lake's special ecosystem. Following the rules helps keep this amazing natural wonder safe for everyone to enjoy.
