Three Hanging Lake trail closures set

The Hanging Lake Trail will be closed three times through the warm months to allow the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District to perform heavy trail maintenance.

The work will involve moving large rocks, painting the seven bridges and installing a barrier system to protect sensitive habitats along the trail.

The trail and the lake had record users last year, and the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Department of Transportation and other parties are working on improved management tactics to minimize damage to the sensitive lake and to the steep 1.2-mile trail. Hikers should know that dogs are not allowed on the trail and, once at the top, visitors must stay out of the water to preserve its pristine qualities.

The Colorado Department of Transportation will close exit 125 and its offramp, and the Forest Service will post staff at the trailhead during the closures.

Here are the planned closure dates:

• May 25 and 26: A trail crew will replace a foundation to one of the railing posts below the staircase climb.

• June 13 and 14: A Rocky Mountain Youth Corps crew will construct new rock steps to Spouting Rock, remove graffiti from and repaint bridges, and clear coat the resting benches along the trail.

• Sept. 10: Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers will host its annual Hanging Lake Trail work day.

For more information about the management of Hanging Lake, contact the Eagle-Holy Cross Office at 970-827-5715.