Purchase one hiking permit per hiker and self-park at the Hanging Lake Rest Area (I70 Exit 125), hike to Hanging Lake from there. Pack it in, pack it out. The Hanging Lake trail is a backcountry hike. People without a permit will be asked to turn around and come back with a permit. Reservations cannot be cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours of your departure day. Reservations beginning April 1. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — More than 6,000 people have reserved permits to visit the popular Hanging Lake area in northwestern Colorado this year. Routing directions and more information about construction in Glenwood Canyon can be found here. The Hanging Lake Partners realize that the COVID-19 situation is highly dynamic and safety measures can change frequently. The hike to Hanging Lake is a moderate to difficult hike up into a narrow drainage for 1.2 miles with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. There remains some question about when they may be able to resume come springtime, depending on the rockslide danger. The implementation of the permit system, environmental education and interpretation program will help visitors play an active role in protecting the ecological health of Hanging Lake, improve the visitor experience and support the local tourism economy. The Hanging Lake Partners realize that the COVID-19 situation is highly dynamic and that safety measures may be revised. Are there restroom facilities at Hanging Lake? A bubble bath is no treat for fish. For questions about existing reservations please contact: [email protected] or call 970-384-6309. Keep your voice and music soft so all can enjoy the peace of Colorado. According to the City of Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake Rest Area and Hanging Lake Trail will be closed through April 11 and hiking permits will be suspended in accordance with the statewide stay-at-home order. Find your way to less-visited and off-peak destinations to minimize down time and maximize your connection with special places. The Hiking Experience: Orderly but Uniquely Remote. 970-384-6309. Treat all living things with respect. Program: zCBS4 News Evening Categories: News, Local News, KCNCTV. Are there special rates for children, seniors and military? The Hanging Lake trail reopened to hikers on June 1st with smaller daily capacity to allow for social distancing. Only hiking permit holders will be allowed to park at the rest area. The permit cost is $12/per person. Some areas of the trail were also burned, as was a large portion of Glenwood Canyon. Reservations cannot be cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours of your departure day. The sale of the additional permits started on June 29, 2020. Over the years the popularity of the area has increased leading to vegetation and trail damage and overcrowding. The trail will have marked passing points to ensure social distancing when passing slower hikers within the hiking group. Fewer permits per day mean less budget to cover these costs. A straightforward online reservation … We understand that visitors have concerns about their reservations. Keep it pristine for everyone to enjoy. I don’t want to hike to Hanging Lake, but I do want to utilize the Glenwood Canyon bike path, do I need a reservation? Permits, caps and fees proposed to balance record crowds and protect Hanging Lake Plan would limit visitors to 615 per day, close parking lot in summer Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Whenever you choose to go, making reservations to hike Hanging Lake is easy to do online. The White River National Forest is working with a number of stakeholders including the Colorado Department of Transportation on short and long-term mitigation measures. To change or reschedule your reservation please call 970-384-6309! Public safety continues to be the priority, and there is a long-term risk of post-fire flooding and debris flow. Hikers can choose between two options which include either self-drive and park in the Hanging Lake rest area or bike/hike through Glenwood Canyon to the trailhead. Parking attendants will assist those guests who self-park. For donations the beyond the reservation cost please check out the Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliances: The overall goal of this management Plan is to create and implement a management system for the Hanging Lake Area that is sustainable and achieves these goals: Can I bring my emotional support animal (ESA) on the trail? Please Note: While there are currently no shuttle operations, there are new costs associated with the COVID-19 safety measures. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — More than 6,000 people have reserved permits to visit the popular Hanging Lake area in northwestern Colorado this year. Permits cost $12/person and hikers must take shuttle to trail. Hanging Lake Trail Permit System Seems To Be Working. If they do so, 100% of their permit feel will go towards the Hanging Lake restoration fund. Purchase a hiking permit and hike/bike through Glenwood Canyon to the Hanging Lake trailhead. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Hanging Lake was formed by a geological fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above. Any of our 750 different species of wildflowers will live forever in a photo. Building structures or campsites on public land isn’t cool. Always check for local fire restrictions. Can I cancel or reschedule my reservation? This temporary Hanging Lake hiking plan aims to allow hikers to enjoy the National Natural Landmark while social distancing and ensuring the highest possible safety for visitors and employees. The temporary Hanging Lake trail management plan can accommodate a maximum of. Walking off the trail and short cutting switchbacks is not permitted. All rights reserved |. For current travel times in the Glenwood Canyon, please call or text 970-618-5379. All hikers will require a permit. No, you will not need a reservation if you are not hiking to Hanging Lake. The partnership allows for the City and the Forest Service to cost share and to cooperatively develop, plan, and implement projects that are mutually beneficial to the Hanging Lake area and provide local residents, as well as the American public, with high quality recreation experiences and excellent customer service. In accordance with FAA safety and Forest Service guidelines, drones should not be flown in the Hanging Lake area. A shuttle will begin taking hikers to the trailhead starting May 1 and officials plan to stagger groups throughout the day. A trail supervisor will help coordinate the safe passing of groups. More than 6,000 sign up for Hanging Lake visit…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window). Simple, affordable and socially distanced, snowshoeing gets hot, 7 places around the country where the slopes are less skied, Hanging Lake shuttle prices announced; mark your calendar for April if you want to reserve a spot. To change or reschedule your reservation before 48 hours of your departure day please email [email protected] call 970-384-6309 and have your reservation number ready! © 2020 - Visit Glenwood Springs. Please scroll to next FAQ section for questions about the temporary social distancing plan at Hanging Lake starting June 1, 2020. One main passing point will be designated at around mid-way of the trail to allow for the safe passing of the previous hiking group/time slot on their way downhill and the following hiking group on their way uphill. Hanging Lake a Colorado Wonder! Yes, bikers/hikers need a reservation and can bike to the trailhead and hike to the lake, year-round at any time. Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark, was formed by a geologic fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above. Please note that the Hanging Lake call center has been inundated with the volume of calls, please be patient as the staff is trying to work through this difficult situation. A PERMIT IS REQUIREDHANGING LAKE T0 HIKE HANGING LAKE. While the shuttle system proved itself as an ideal solution to manage Hanging Lake visitation during the 2019 peak season, some temporary changes and significant adjustments needed to be made to allow for social distancing due to the COVID-19 crisis. Trail supervisors will help facilitate order and safety on the trail. Or pick it up to leave a place better than you found it. In accordance with the Colorado Governor’s Executive Order and the US Forest Service directives, access to Hanging Lake Rest Area and Hanging Lake Trail is currently closed. These include flaggers and traffic holds at the Westbound I-70 on-ramp when leaving the Hanging Lake Rest Area (mile point 125). Fees pay for the reservation service, visitor information, staffing in the parking lot, trail supervisors, sanitization of touch-areas and restrooms, conservation and interpretation services during your visit. TEMPORARY SOCIAL DISTANCING PERMIT SYSTEM STARTING JUNE 1st: The initial social distancing plan included 128 permits per day, spaced out in 8 small groups. In addition, there are miles of trails throughout the White River National Forest that do not have restrictions on pets that may be a better fit for your needs. It is not adorable to feed wild animals. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires. Please be prepared for winter trail conditions of snow and ice. With 39,000 marked trails and 13,000 designated campsites, there’s no need to venture beyond. – White River National Forest Service. With the rise in hikers over the years, the area was getting damaged and something had to be done to protect this natural wonder in the Glenwood Springs area as well as the falls. The lake edge is built up from dissolved carbonates which are deposited on the shore as the water flows over. Sponsored By. Learn about and respect the spaces we all own, share and sing about. Program: zCBS4 News Evening Categories: News, Local News, KCNCTV. In May 2016, only six days saw fewer than 615 visitors. We are committed to answer all questions & concerns! Fees pay for the reservation service, visitor information, trail supervisors, sanitization of touch-areas and restrooms, conservation and interpretation services during your visit. It features waterfalls, a turquoise lake with travertine deposits and a hanging garden plant community. Answer 1 of 10: People have been loving Hanging Lake to death. Hanging Lake Trail will reopen June 1 with new social distancing rules after its closure due to COVID-19 precautions. This social distancing hiking plan allows for a maximum of 240 people per day in comparison to the original US Forest Service management plan, which allows for 615 visitors per day. Motorists must follow detour signs and flagger direction. The city of Glenwood Springs and the U.S. Forest Service in February announced formal plans for the Hanging Lake shuttle and permit system that grew out of a multi-year effort to develop a management plan for the area. A few extra strides on the path will protect plants and the homes of the true locals. What are the rules for parking in the Hanging Lake Rest Area? Water flows into the lake over Bridal Veil Falls. Hanging Lake is a Colorado treasure and a rare example of a travertine geological formation located in the heart of Glenwood Canyon on the White River National Forest. A special management plan is required for this situation, as the steep and narrow path doesn’t allow for safe passing of hikers on most sections of the trail. Please call for special requests and Babies under two years of age. Please make sure to check out our FAQs before calling or emailing: No, dogs and/or other pets are not allowed on the Hanging Lake Trail or at the Hanging Lake Welcome Center. Restroom facilities and drinking water is not available along the trail or at the lake; please pack water and snacks with you and remember to pack it out and Leave No Trace! In 2017 184,000 individuals hiked the trail, way too many for the fragile ecosystem and the limited parking area. The Forest Service won’t know for a while what long-term impacts will be because the health of Hanging Lake is directly tied to hydrology of the area. Silence your cell phone before stepping into nature and speak softly without using the speaker function. While the lake is open year-round, those visiting in the off-peak season of Nov. 1 to April 30 still need to obtain a permit for $10 per person. Snap away, but only with a camera. This land really is your land. Officials have become concerned about the number of people visiting in recent years. Preserved with care. Stay back from the pack. No reopening date has been announced at this time. This increase represents 40% of the total regular (non COVID-19) capacity of 615. Wash yourself, your dog or whatever else needs cleaning at least 200 feet from waterways, and use biodegradable soap. What’s the reason & goal of the social distancing safety measures at Hanging Lake? Hanging Lake is reached by a short but steep hike from the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. At this time, the hiking, permit & social distancing information below is irrelevant as the Hanging Lake Trail is closed due to the Grizzly Creek Fire. Listen to nature. We will post the latest reopening information on this page as soon as it becomes available! It is important that hikers are prepared for elevation, strenuous climbs, and rocky conditions. How do I hike Hanging Lake following the new Social Distancing and Safety Precautions? However, the Forest Service will be working with experts on mitigation efforts to try to protect the area. (c) @lcammarataphoto shared with #VisitGlenwood Save the Date Now Will any of the revenue collected directly benefit Hanging Lake? The shuttle and permit system culminates a six-year planning effort to address overcrowding and overuse issues at Hanging Lake, including violation of rules such as no dogs on the trail and at the lake, no swimming and no walking out onto the fallen log that lies across part of the lake. Reservations for a permit will cost $12 per person with the shuttle running from May 1 to Oct. 31, starting at 6:45 a.m. until 8 p.m. This is to allow traffic to safely enter the head-to-head detour. Hanging Lake in Colorado has been a very popular hike for decades. If visitors wish to donate to the Hanging Lake trail restoration fund, all they have to do is to not cancel their reservation. Colorado is beautiful all on its own. Be advised that there is no cell service on the trail. Sponsored By. Enjoyed for generations. The Post Independent reports that … ESAs are not recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore are not allowed in areas that do not allow dogs, including the Hanging Lake trail. The goal of the temporary social distancing plan for Hanging Lake is to allow the public to access the site while ensuring the safety of visitors and employees. !Permits to hike Hanging Lake have been suspended through May 31, 2020! 802 Grand Avenue Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Where do I go to make a reservation to visit Hanging Lake? Always put cigarettes out completely and don’t leave your butts behind. Most days were over 1,000. Do I need a reservation to bike to the trailhead to visit Hanging Lake? July is particularly popular but officials say there are still plenty of opportunities to visit between May and October. Bring along reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit waste and stay hydrated in our dry climate. On December 30, the…. Why have models of Colorado’s coronavirus trajectory been off? The goal of the temporary social distancing plan for Hanging Lake is to allow the public to access the site while ensuring the safety of visitors and employees. Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them. All the way to a trashcan. While this temporary plan asks for a more orderly managed hiking experience with extra safety measures such as, designated passing zones, it also allows for an even more remote hiking experience than the usual system. Those wishing to bike or hike to the trailhead via the Glenwood Canyon bike path must still reserve a permit. It also covers maintenance, additional staffing and communications. Aside from the crystal-clear waters of Hanging Lake, visitors can visit Sprouting Rock, a waterfall that pours through holes in limestone cliffs. Reservations for a permit to visit Hanging Lake will cost $12 per person, which includes the shuttle to and from the trailhead. Updates & Details on the Hanging Lake Social Distancing Plan. A management plan was put in place in 2018 to protect this natural wonder into the future. Skiing during a pandemic: Is this the worst year of skiing — or the best? By sticking to these areas and camping at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, you’re helping natural areas stay natural. Even though shortcuts can be tempting, please don’t take them. Although your animal may serve critical functions for you, ESAs, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA. Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. The Post Independent reports that the system is new this year, part of a plan to minimize the effects of hikers visiting the scenic area. More than 6,000 sign up for Hanging Lake visit permits, Colorado gym owners increase capacities amid confusion over new Level Orange status. Hanging Lake closes, hiking permits suspended for extended period. A look back on 2020 — ‘Hanging Lake miracle ... and reservation-based permit visits to Hanging Lake were suspended and remained so through year’s end. From June to August 2016, Hanging Lake had far more than 615 visitors each day, according to the Forest Service’s count. Hanging Lake is open year-round and visitors during the off-peak season (Nov. 1 – April 30) still need a permit, which costs $10. Learn more about the temporary social distancing plan introduced on June 1st: HERE Learn more about the temporary social distancing plan introduced on June 1st: HERE. Because of its uniqueness, the area was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19. Be considerate when passing others on the trails and yield to the uphill hiker and biker – they need the momentum. Photo by Victoria Carodine Adventure Does Hanging Lake’s New Permit System Work? CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Hanging Lake Permits Go On Sale April 1. 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