Hanging Lake Trail, near Glenwood Springs, is one of Colorado’s most iconic hikes. The hikes goes to Hanging Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, and Spouting Rock, which are stunning year-round. They take on a new kind of beauty in winter though. Hanging Lake is transformed into a frozen alpine scene, with partially frozen waterfalls contrasting with the lake’s green waters. With fewer visitors, timed entry permits are easier to get, and you can enjoy a more tranquil experience. The hike is decidedly more challenging in winter than in summer, especially in snow packed or icy areas. Use this guide to plan your hike to Colorado’s iconic Hanging Lake in winter to enjoy the snowy landscape and stunning photography with fewer crowds.
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Pros and Cons of Visiting Hanging Lake in Winter?
Hanging Lake, as well as bridal veil falls and the hanging gardens, were formed from travertine deposits, creating a unique and beautiful destination year-round.
Pros of Visiting Hanging Lake in Winter
- Fewer Crowds: In summer, the trail can have hundreds of hikers a day. In winter, you may share the lake with just a handful of people.
- Frozen Waterfalls: The weather varies widely in Colorado, and Hanging Lake is no exception. When the lake and waterfalls freeze, you’ll be treated to views of the frozen falls. Even when it’s not fully frozen, there are typically frozen areas of the lake, falls, and Spouting Rock.
- Unique Photography: The snow and ice makes for unforgettable shots of this beautiful green lake, hanging gardens, and falls.
Cons of Visiting Hanging Lake in Winter
- Challenging Conditions: Snow and ice make the steep portion of the trail more strenuous. It’s also potentially hazardous without the right equipment.
- Gear Required: Unlike in summer, it’s important to be prepared with winter hiking gear, such as microspikes and trekking poles for safety.
- Cold Weather: Temperatures can be quite chilly and at times, you’ll find icy winds in Glenwood Canyon.
Hiking Hanging Lake in Winter
Hanging Lake Trail Basics
- Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip (5 km)
- Elevation gain: 1,187 ft. (362 m)
- Difficulty level: Moderate (in Winter, the snow and ice can make this Challenging)
- Pets: not allowed
- Trailhead Location: Just off I-70 at the Hanging Lake exit (permits are required year-round)
- Trail Map: Hanging Lake Trail
In summer, the hike to Hanging Lake is moderate, but it becomes significantly more strenuous in winter due to snow and ice on the trail.
Pro Tip: micro-spikes to attach to your shoes are essential, and trekking poles are highly recommended, especially for the downhill. Allow extra time, as snow can slow down your hike.
Start of Your Hanging Lake Hike
Plan to arrive at the Hanging Lake parking area, in Glenwood Canyon, during your timed entry window. A park ranger will check your permit. There are restrooms at the parking area.
Pro Tip: Be sure to print or screenshot your ticket before arriving, since cell service is very spotty in the canyon.
While most people drive to the trailhead in winter, some opt to bike the 10.2 miles (16.3 km) on the Glenwood Canyon bike trail from Glenwood Springs. If you’re interested in biking, Hanging Lake Adventure Co-op rents bikes and e-bikes. Check the bike trail status before you head out.
Your walk starts on a flat, paved trail, for the first 0.2 miles or so (0.4 km). Take a sharp left turn at the Hanging Lake sign to head up a rocky trail towards the lake.
Enjoy the Benches and Overlooks on the Way Up
The hike up to Hanging Lake is not for everyone, especially in winter. The trail heads pretty much straight up on a mix of rock, dirt, and gravel until you reach Hanging Lake. In winter, the trail is often snow packed and spots can be very slick, especially in shady areas. We’ve hiked this numerous times in winter, and micro-spikes have been a game changer. While we often don’t need the spikes on the way up, we use both micro-spikes and trekking poles on the way down to keep from slipping.
Every time we’ve hiked this in winter, we’ve seen people hiking with sneakers or other shoes that have little to no tread. On the way down, they often hold one tree and then another to keep from sliding. This can make for a very miserable experience (and a dangerous one). Keep in mind that, even if hiking up seems easy, coming back down on packed snow and ice is incredibly challenging without traction.
With the right equipment, this can be such a fun hike. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, as well as a few overlooks that make this hike worthwhile. Don’t worry about how quickly you make it to the top, simply enjoy the experience.
Take in Bridal Veil Falls over Hanging Lake
Once you reach Hanging Lake, take a break and enjoy the views. Bridal Veil Falls, which spill into Hanging Lake, partially freeze in winter, creating a wonderful contrast of frozen waterfalls against the turquoise lake.
Keep in mind a few lake rules:
- No swimming or wading,
- No walking on the waterfalls or fallen logs,
- No fishing,
- Leave no trace (pack out what you pack in).
Pro Tip: Even in winter, you will likely work up a sweat hiking up to Hanging Lake. Wearing merino wool shirts and under layers is ideal. It also helps to bring a dry shirt to change into once you reach the falls, so that you don’t get cold on the trip back down.
Enjoy a Picnic or Snack at the Hanging Lake Viewing Platform
Hanging Lake is a great spot to enjoy a snack or a picnic lunch. You’ll find benches along the wooden walkway running around about half of the lake.
Leave No Trace: Protect the fragile ecosystem—don’t step on vegetation around the lake or throw anything into the water. Pack out what you bring in.
Visit Spouting Rock
After enjoying lunch and the view of the lake, walk a few hundred meters further up the trail until you reach Spouting Rock. This waterfall spouts from a rock face. As you can see from the photo below, the ground is covered with ice in the area around the falls in winter. Be cautious when walking around here.
Tips for Visiting Hanging Lake in Winter
Hanging Lake Entry Fees and Permits
A permit is required to hike to Hanging Lake in all seasons, including winter. Reserve well in advance through the official Glenwood Springs site. Permits are $12 per person in 2026 (prices subject to change), and they include a parking spot. The same permits are used even if you are biking vs driving to the trailhead.
What's the Weather Like at Hanging Lake in Winter?
A common saying about Colorado weather is that, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. Winter weather at Hanging Lake can vary widely, mixing sun, snow, and wind.
Average high temperatures at Hanging Lake in winter are 34°F (1 °C), with low temperatures averaging 10°F (-12 °C). Keep in mind the wind chill when planning your outing.
Check the forecast and be prepared for snow, wind, and freezing temperatures in Glenwood Canyon.
What to Wear and Bring to Hike Hanging Lake in Winter
- Dress in Layers: The temperatures can fluctuate widely. Insulated jackets, gloves, and hats are key, even if you don't need them on the hike up.
- Footwear Matters: Waterproof boots or trail shoes plus micro-spikes can make or break your experience on icy trails. The trail is steep and icy in places, and these are essential especially on the way down.
- Trekking Poles make a world of difference when the trails are snowy and icy. Most fold up easily to attached to your day pack when not in use.
- A lightweight backpack is essential for carrying your gear. Look for one with good support and multiple compartments for easy organization. We use and recommend the Osprey Sportlite 25 Hiking Backpack, which is super lightweight and the perfect size to fit your raincoat, water, lunch and snacks, first aid kit, and more.
- Bring water, electrolytes, snacks, and a headlamp in case you’re slower on the descent.
- See the full day hike checklist and winter hiking essentials guide for more recommendations on how to prepare for your hike.
How to Get to Hanging Lake
You will need a car to get to Hanging Lake, unless you take a tour shuttle from Glenwood Springs. The trailhead is located in Glenwood Canyon, about 10 miles east of Glenwood Springs along Interstate 70. In winter, always check road conditions for I-70 before you travel, as snowstorms can close sections of the highway.
| By Car | From Glenwood Springs, drive about 15 minutes east to the trailhead. From Denver, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive west (around 160 miles). Be prepared for winter driving in Colorado! Rent a car with DiscoverCars.com. |
| By Public Transport | Getting to Glenwood Springs by train and bus is easy (via Amtrak, Rocky Mountaineer, or Bustang). There is no public transport between Glenwood Springs and this hike. The best alternative is to bike or e-bike from Glenwood Springs. |
| Nearest Regional Airport | Eagle County Airport (35 min drive on average) Aspen Airport (54 min drive on average) |
| Nearest International Airport | Denver International Airport (2.5 hour drive on average) |
Winter Attractions Near Hanging Lake
In Glenwood Springs:
- Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs– Both of these hot springs are in Glenwood Springs and are perfect for soaking your sore muscles after your hike.
- The Yampa Vapor Caves are a fun alternative to the hot springs (or addition to them), where you can enjoy vapor steam caves and a spa experience.
- Sunlight Mountain Resort – A small, family-friendly ski area just outside Glenwood Springs, where you can avoid the crowds at some of the more well known ski resorts.
Outside of Glenwood Springs:
- Rifle Falls State Park – Another frozen waterfall wonder just 40 minutes west.
- Aspen Snowmass Ski Resorts - Roughly 45 minutes south of Glenwood Springs, enjoy incredible skiing.
- Colorado National Monument – Just outside of Grand Junction, about 1 hour 45 minutes west of Glenwood Springs, enjoy the towering red rock canyons, a lesser visited Colorado gem.
Where to Stay Near Hanging Lake in Winter
Glenwood Springs is the closest town to Hanging Lake, normally just 10-15 minutes from the trailhead. Here you'll find hot springs, skiing, hotels, restaurants, and more.
| Hotel Maxwell Anderson | Formerly "Hotel Denver," the hotel is located downtown yet just a 10 minute walk to the Glenwood Hot Springs |
| Hotel Colorado | a historic hotel with a convenient location to the hot springs. |
| Hotel Glenwood Springs | This clean and quiet hotel has a great indoor pool with waterslide for kids, located just under the gondola to the adventure park. |
Final Thoughts on Visiting Hanging Lake in Winter
Enjoy Hanging Lake in winter, with its frozen waterfalls and turquoise waters. With the right gear, preparation, and a timed entry permit, you can enjoy a peaceful hike to this iconic landmark.
You Might Also Enjoy
Read more Colorado posts.
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What to Do in Vail When You’re Not Skiing
Crafting the Perfect Winter Park Ski Vacation
What to Do in Crested Butte in Winter When You’re Not Skiing
Top Unique Places to Stay in Crested Butte
What to Do in Breckenridge in Winter When You’re Not Skiing
Best Unique Places to Stay in Breckenridge Colorado
Top Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter
Best Unique Places to Stay in Steamboat Springs
Top Things to Do in Steamboat Springs Other Than Skiing
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| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com, TakeWalks.com, Tinggly.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Busbud |
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"Carey" On Travels: Exploring the world, one journey at a time. Expert guidance, taking you off the beaten path and avoiding the crowds.
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This looks gorgeous but what is it like, will you need to walk over ice and will you need crampons? Love winter hiking but I am always a bit worried about falling and breaking a bone, so I will be the one skidding along very carefully with a pair of walking sticks.
For most of the winter, you will need crampons/micro-spikes and I’d suggest trekking sticks.
I would really love to return to Colorado in the winter. We were in the area last fall but didn’t make it to the Hanging Lake. At least we have a reason to go back in the future.
Hanging Lake is worth a visit most any time of year!
A summer hike might be easier but I really like the look of visiting on winter. Seeing frozen falls is always a treat, so beautiful, and with a little snow on the ground too. Take a flask of hot chocolate and it’s the perfect winter activity
Taking a flask of hot chocolate is a great idea!
Really in-depth guide! Thanks for sharing!
I have. ot seen a fully frozen waterfall so that would be neat, but not sure about hiking in the cold. I like cool weather, but not cold. but I would plan a winter trip to see snow, and cuddle up in a cabin with a fireplace. as always I love your writing.
Thank you for the feedback! Though you can get lucky and have some warm days in winter, it sounds like you might enjoy this hike more in summer or fall then.
The turquoise lake with the frozen waterfalls and the snow around looks so beautiful. Would love to do the hike to have that view. But with spikes, because I have no doubt in my mind that I would slip and fall.
Micro spikes (and trekking poles) make this much safer, helping to avoid falls.
The snow makes it look even more magical there! Even though it’s a harder hike I would love to visit in winter.
Thank you for the feedback!
I’ve never been to Colorado, but seeing hiking trails like this makes me want to add it to my list. This one looks amazing.
It is beautiful! Hope you have a chance to visit.
Micro-spikes are definitely a must for winter hiking. At Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills, I saw people in sneakers sliding (and falling) to get to the overlook that was pretty close to the start of the trailhead. The snow was so packed down from foot traffic that it was pure ice. It’s so important to be adequately prepared for a winter hike like this.
The micro-spikes make such a difference, I wish more people would use them.
Great post! I hadn’t considered hiking in Colorado in the winter. Thank you for giving me a new idea for my winter trip!
Thanks for the feedback! Hope you can try out this hike.