Hanging Lake Trail to reopen June 2
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (June 1, 2023) – A combination of lower water flows and some
key trail repairs is allowing the White River National Forest to reopen the Hanging Lake Trail
June 2. Reservations are needed to hike Hanging Lake and are available at
www.visitglenwood.com.

“We believe the water flows coming down Deadhorse Canyon have peaked, but hikers will still need to
be prepared to encounter some water on the trail,” said Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne
Veldhuis.

With spring run-off continuing along the Hanging Lake Trail and throughout the White River
National Forest, hikers are urged to be alert for the potential of falling rocks and other debris, and to
be extremely careful around flowing water.

Earlier this month the White River National Forest announced planned improvements to the Hanging
Lake Trail to better accommodate high water and debris flows, including reengineering six of the
trail’s seven bridges and relocating two bridges to provide better stream clearance. That work will
begin this fall.

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.

“This spring certainly highlights the need for a longer-term trail redesign,” Veldhuis said.

The redesign 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.

Two weeks ago, the Forest Service closed the trail because of the large amount of water running down
the canyon and trail. At the beginning of May, a mudslide and running water blocked access to the
Hanging Lake Trailhead for two weeks.

“While we certainly have had challenges getting to Hanging Lake this spring, the lake itself has been
unaffected and is as beautiful as ever,” Veldhuis said.

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