Visiting Hanging Lake takes a reservation made ahead of time

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.

The first thing to know is that you cannot just pull off and walk up. Visiting takes a reservation made ahead of time, and there is a fee. 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 — 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, so do not count on any of them without checking the current rules first.

A few other rules trip people up. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and you cannot leave a pet in the car while you hike. 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.

Before you plan a trip, check the current reservation system, fees, access options, and trail status on the White River National Forest’s Hanging Lake page.