Hanging Lake Rest Area in Glenwood Springs, CO

Hanging Lake Rest Area in Glenwood Springs, CO

The Hanging Lake Rest area is one of four rest areas along the Glenwood Springs section of the I-70. You can only reach the rest area from the eastbound lane of the interstate however once you are there you can relax and enjoy the visitor facilities. The car park is hard standing and so you should have no trouble getting in and out of the rest area even in bad or wet weather.

Once at the Hanging Lake rest area you will find public restrooms, handicap access, a scenic picnic area, a drinking water fountain, a pay telephone and access to both the Hanging Lake trail and the river. The area is well known for its friendly wildlife and the fishing is reputed to be the best in the region and in fact many people stop at the rest area just for the fishing!

The rest area is also the starting point of the Hanging Lake hiking trail that climbs into the mountains up to Hanging Lake. The hike is classed as a moderate 2.5 mile round-trip hike however many people have said that it becomes quite difficult and steep towards the end and so it may not be suitable for beginners. Once at the Hanging Lake however the scenery easily makes up for the exertion of the hike there. You can walk under the crystal clear waterfalls and explore the small caves behind them before making the considerably easier hike back down to the rest area.