Hanging lake, in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado.

Forest Service approves Hanging Lake Trail improvements

U.S. FOREST SERVICE PRESS RELEASE
May 19, 2023

The White River National Forest approved a number of improvements to the Hanging Lake Trail to help ensure its long-term sustainability.

A combination of trail improvements and ecological restoration will begin this fall to make the 1.2-mile Hanging Lake Trail more sustainable, safe and resilient. The project will be funded through Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program, the National Forest Foundation, City of Glenwood Springs, and the USDA Forest Service.

“This work would not be possible without the support of our partners,” said White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams. “These repairs and improvements will ensure that we continue to provide a world-class visitor experience at this iconic Colorado location for decades to come.”

The trail and associated bridges suffered significant damage following the 2021 debris flows in Glenwood Canyon. While a temporary trail was opened in 2022, more extensive repairs are needed for long-term sustainability.

The approved project includes reengineering six of the trail’s seven bridges to better accommodate high water and debris flows. Two of the bridges would also be slightly relocated to crossing locations that provide better stream clearance.

Improvements press release