Hanging Lake
Aliases: Deadhorse Canyon
Hanging Lake is a true gem, sitting suspended in a 500-foot bowl on the steep east wall of Deadhorse Canyon, a side drainage of Glenwood Canyon. Three waterfalls feed the lake, providing stunning picture-postcard scenery and hosting a dozen pairs of nesting Black Swifts, which arrive after Memorial Day and leave a couple of weeks after Labor Day. The swifts rarely visit their nests during the day; dawn and dusk are the best times to see them. Mineral deposits in the water give the lake its tropical green color as viewed from the wooden boardwalk that rims the lake. Dippers also are resident in the wet spray and near the falls. White-throated Swifts nest in the steep dry cliffs to the east and southeast of the lake. Watch also for Clark’s Nutcracker, Tree and Violet-green Swallows, Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Canyon Wren, and Golden Eagle. The hike in to the lake is a steep 1.5 miles along a very popular hiking trail.
Restrictions: At times the trailhead parking fills up
County: Garfield
Directions: Hanging lake can only be accessed by vehicle from the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 at exit 125. Westbound travelers must exit at Grizzly Creek (Exit 121) and follow the signs east to exit 125. The trail is also accessed by the bike and recreation trial that runs through Glenwood Canyon.
Alternate Directions: Hanging Lake can only be accessed from the eastbound lanes of I-70 at exit 125. Westbound travelers must exit at exit 121 and return east to exit 125. Follow signs from the exit to the trailhead.
Habitat: Mixed-Conifer Forest, Lowland Riparian, Pond, Cliff Face
Dates of Access: Closed during the winter months
Hours: Any
Ownership: USFS
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Limited parking by the trailhead
Lodging: None
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None
Delorme: 36 D1
ROC: 68 B2
Latitude: 39.600985
Longitude: -107.190975