Thom02099 wrote:4runnerguy wrote:
I'm sure a few of you here have had the pleasure of hiking to Hanging Lake, right off I-70 about nine miles east of Glenwood Springs. As of May 1st, they have initiated a reservation system for the hike, due to the extreme overuse of the area.
No longer will you be able to park at the trailhead. Instead, there will be a shuttle system that will pick you up in town and drop you at the trailhead, then return you to your car three hours later. Cost is $12 per person. Even if you ride a bike up to the trailhead, you still need a reservation to hike the trail.
Info here: Hanging Lake reservations
I'm sure it will greatly reduce the impact of overuse, but unfortunately, if one isn't aware of the system, visiting Hanging Lake might be tough.
BTW, it is one of the most beautiful lakes you will ever see. It is a fairly strenuous hike, gaining 1000' in 1.2 miles, so make sure you have appropriate footwear and water with you. Do take the short side trail up to Spouting Rock.
...AND...according to T H I S R E P O R T - 9News Denver there have already been over 6000 reservations made to date (more than 6180 in fact), meaning that certain dates will likely be impossible to get a reservation.
Hope the reservation system helps. It was impossible to find a parking place at 8:30AM during a mid week visit a few years ago. More photos of the lake & trail here.
