After lunch we decided that we would go to Hanging Lake….a short drive out of Glenwood Springs going toward Denver.
The trail to Hanging Lake is plainly marked with a nice walking path to the trail head. We met many, many, many people either going up the 1.2 mile trail or coming back.
This is something I have always wanted to do, but we just never have. My parents did it when they were about my age, Momma was 63 and Daddy 66, they delighted in seeing this incredible natural wonder.
Several of Kelly’s friends had walked up to the lake so making the decision to go was easy.
If you are EVER in the Glenwood Springs Canyon area I HIGHLY recommend you stop, walk to the top and visit this amazing lake. The hike is free. You will not be alone as there are lots of people going up and coming down.
I took way too many photos so I’m going to only give you a tiny idea of the grandeur of this place.
There are 7 bridges and several water falls.
The two oldest grandchildren ran all the way up and all the way down. Tally walked both ways by herself, never once crying or asking to be carried.
We more than enjoyed the waterfalls
Some small and some large.
There are sign markers letting you know how far you have traveled
The closer you get to the lake the flora changes and you start to see ferns…which are rare in our part of the world.
Then suddenly you are there!
A magical world, making one think of fairies and elves and unicorns.
The water is so clear you can see the fish.
Not many people get to walk under a waterfall…but maybe, just maybe, if you are lucky you get too.
Back at the real world we were met with cars and roads and well, reality.
I encourage everyone to walk this short distance of 1.2 miles at least once in their life.
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 
Beautiful place!!!!
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Magical is just the word to describe this lovely place.
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Oh, that is really beautiful! Almost like a pretty, hidden rain forest with the ferns and all. I saw the fishes!! 🙂 Thanks for taking us along on this walk, Linda.
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That is one of my top two favorite places ever. We went in the winter, and the trail is not so nice at all then, but boy…when you reach the top it is breathtaking! The waterfall freezes into a huge Christmas tree shaped tower of ice. Thanks for the pictures!
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I’ve never taken the time(what a mistake) and actually haven’t seen pictures either so this is a treat.
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Your pictures make me want more!! That is a wonderful place to see and to learn about the different ecosystems. Awesome!! Thanks for sharing
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Very cool! Thanks for sharing! Those little hide-away places are such treasures.
Can folks swim in the lake?
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Wow, spectacular! thanks for taking us along!
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What a beautiful and refreshing place! So glad you finally went there, I’d be there a LOT!
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That is somewhere I want to go! Last time we were in Glenwood Springs, that trail was closed … hopefully we will be able to go before this winter! Thanks for sharing the pictures — gorgeous!
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Fantastic Linda! Such pristine virgin country and so well preserved. The sign was a great idea
for us to read. Not too sure that I nowdays would walk under the waterfall, the thought of a large branch or log coming down would make me baulk, but no doubt in my younger days, I would have been doing it – ha ha!
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane.Australia)
Weather report: 8.45am Tuesday 31st July.
Brilliant sunshine and in the middle of our winter, warmer than London in the middle of their
summer for the Olympics! Strange indeed.
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Linda, That is awesome… If you had have showed me the fern picture, I would not have believed that it was in CO….Amazing!!!! George and I would LOVE that hike…So glad you all went…. Lots of fun I’m sure.
Hugs,
Betsy
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Looks like a great place to give you a break from some pretty arid conditions.
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I have truly enjoyed this trip. I’d love to have hiked in there.
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It looks well worth the trip. I could almost hear the water splashing down the creek. It’s good to see the water so clear and the plants so healthy.
The only time I’ve been near Glenwood Springs was just after the big fire near Storm King mountain that took four firefighters’ lives. The hills were still scorched and smoking when we went through. Amazing how nature heals itself if given a chance. There are still a lot of burned trees standing in Yellowstone Park but it’s gradually filling in with new growth.
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The world is full of wonders…
Thanks for sharing a little magic today!
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Gorgeous scenery. We’ll likely never get there, so thanks for sharing it with us. :o)
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I’ve been to the Hanging Lake! We hiked up there many years ago while on our honeymoon.
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Awesome pictures!
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This goes on my must visit list! Andin the meantime, I will ask the Colorado kids if they know about it.
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Very nice Linda. Isn’t it true that a lotta nice places just can’t be seen from the road? A bit of trivia– Glenwood Springs is where Doc Holiday is buried.
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What a [pretty place! Thanks for sharing..it would be worth the walk for sure:)
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