Extensive reconstruction underway for Hanging Lake Trail, hiker accessibility to be limited

The iconic Hanging Lake Trail will receive a significant transformation this summer. A $4.5 million project set to begin Friday will kick off to rebuild and fortify the trail against the effects of natural disasters such as wildfires and mudslides.

On Thursday, Glenwood Springs Mayor Ingrid Wussow, as well as members from Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the National Forest Foundation and the White River National Forest, highlighted the reconstruction project that will lay the foundation for “100 years” of hiking continuity. 

The need for reconstruction became critical after the Grizzly Creek Fire in 2020 devastated over 32,000 acres, including areas surrounding the trail. The fire severely compromised the region’s natural drainage systems, increasing susceptibility to erosion. The situation worsened in July 2021, when heavy rains triggered massive debris flows in the fire-damaged terrain, heavily damaging the trail infrastructure including several bridges.

In response to these challenges, the upcoming project will replace all seven bridges along the trail. Two of these will be relocated to provide better stream management and reduce future risks from high water and debris. A new boardwalk at Spouting Rock Waterfall is also part of the plan, designed to prevent erosion by keeping visitors on a defined path, thereby protecting the surrounding environment.

“This project here today to restore access to one of the most iconic landscapes in Colorado, Hanging Lake, is a testament to what partnerships can do when we all work together.” National Forest Foundation Chief Conservation Officer Marcus Selig said during the reconstruction kick-off on Thursday. “We’re building a complex trail through a burned landscape, and we’re trying to make it last for 100 years. That is not an easy task.”

Hanging Lake has not only been challenged by natural events. In the 2010s, the trail saw a significant increase in visitors, leading to overcrowding and environmental degradation. This prompted the introduction of a reservation system in 2019, managed in partnership with the city of Glenwood Springs, which effectively reduced these impacts by controlling access.

Great Outdoors Colorado Executive Director Jackie Miller emphasized the broader implications of the reconstruction.

“Following the Grizzly Creek Fire, I know we were all devastated by the impacts of this iconic trail, and we’re honored to support its reconstruction and sustainability into the future,” Miller said. “We know the importance of this trail to the economic vitality and resilience of this community, making this trail effort and restoration effort all the more critical.”

The trail will remain open intermittently throughout the summer, closing only as needed for the bridge reconstructions, with full completion expected by fall. This schedule aims to minimize disruption during the peak tourist season, balancing visitor access with safety and construction requirements.

Leanne Vedhuis, district ranger of the Eagle-Holy Cross District of the White River National Forest, shared her perspective on the project’s significance.

“Hanging Lake is truly a one of a kind gem that is treasured throughout the state, the nation and internationally as well,” Vedhuis said. “We have been on a journey with Hanging Lake over the past few years, and today marks what is hopefully the homestretch of our journey, and highlights our story of conquering challenges.”

As part of the reconstruction, the trail will also see improvements in its overall structure, including regrading, rock work, and the addition of new steps to enhance the hiking experience while maintaining its natural rugged beauty. 

“Our goal is to preserve the essence of what makes Hanging Lake special while ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all visitors,” White River National Forest Program Coordinator Emily Kasyon said. 

Reflecting on the community’s resilience and the symbolic importance of the lake, Glenwood Springs Mayor Ingrid Wussow shared the importance of the renowned lake and trail, and its meaning to the Glenwood Springs community.

“When we all found out that Hanging Lake had survived the Grizzly Creek Fire, it was a salve on a scarred community,” Wussow said. “We had just gone through a very traumatic event, and yet to see that the lake had survived, it gave us hope.”

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of October, according to Kasyon.