Trail to Hanging Lake to reopen June 25
The trail to Hanging Lake will open June 25, with the reservation system opening at 10 a.m. May 23 at http://www.visitglenwood.com.
“We are thrilled that the temporary trail work is going well and that guests will soon be able to schedule their summer hike reservations,” said Lisa Langer, Visit Glenwood Springs director of tourism, in a statement. “Hanging Lake Trail is a bucket list hike for recreators both domestic and international, and we welcome responsible use of this beloved attraction.”
The 1-mile trail has been closed since July when mudslides and debris from the burn scars produced by the Grizzly Creek Fire destroyed bridges and made the trail unsafe and not navigable.
The National Forest Foundation plans to inject $3 million into improving the trail, which “exemplifies our mission to inspire meaningful connections to our National Forests via collaborative restoration and recreation projects. We’re so grateful to the White River National Forest, city of Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Canyon Restoration Alliance, Glenwood Springs Chamber Foundation, and the visitors who donated canceled reservation fees for their financial support of the trail repairs currently underway,” said Jamie Werner, White River National Forest stewardship coordinator with the National Forest Foundation.
As well, the trail’s design phase and permanent trail reconstruction will begin some time in the summer. That expense is funded by a $2.82 million community impact grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, according to Werener.
“Hanging Lake is a community treasure, and we are so grateful that area residents and guests will be able access it this summer so soon after last year’s debris flows,” said Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes in a statement. “We heard from across the state how important Hanging Lake is to Colorado. We look forward to welcoming back visitors who can’t wait to hike up the temporary trail to see this awe-inspiring natural landmark.”
Visitors to Hanging Lake should be aware of the increased chance of flooding and debris flow in areas that have been impacted by last year’s wildfire that resulted in. The trail may be closed with short notice depending on weather conditions following Colorado Department of Transportation protocol. The latest trail status will be posted at http://www.visitglenwood.com.
