Western Slope

Visiting Hanging Lake takes a reservation made ahead of time

Outdoors and wildfire Garfield County glenwood canyon white river national forest

Hanging Lake is a clear, blue-green pool that sits in a bowl of travertine rock high above Glenwood Canyon. It is one of the better known short hikes in Garfield County, and because so many people want to see it, the White River National Forest manages it carefully.

A paid reservation is required before visiting. There is no public shuttle to the trailhead, so most people drive and park there with a reservation tied to their vehicle. The rules for other ways in, such as getting dropped off, taking a taxi or rideshare, or riding a bicycle up the canyon path, have shifted over the years and come with their own conditions. Check the current access page before choosing one of those routes.

A few other rules trip people up. Pets are not permitted on the trail or at the lake, and they may not be left in a vehicle at the trailhead. Service animals are permitted; emotional-support animals are not. The trail itself is short but steep and rocky, climbing a lot in a little over a mile, and there is no drinking water along the way.

The canyon and the trail have also seen closures and rebuilding work after fire and flood, so the system and the season can change.

The White River National Forest’s Hanging Lake page is the place to confirm the current reservation system, fees, access options, and trail status as you plan a trip.

Sources

Official or primary sources used for this note. Local details can change, so confirm before acting.

Reviewed: July 28, 2026 U.S. Forest Service

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