Hanging Lake

IntrepidXJ

ADVENTR
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
3,488
Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I hiked to Hanging Lake for the first time last spring, but I didn't really take any photos that day so I've wanted to return again and get some better photos. Diane ended up having Tuesday off from work and has wanted to hike Hanging Lake with me, so I took the day off from work to go. The only way I will even attempt to hike this trail is with an early start during the week. I won't even try this popular and busy trail on a weekend! We arrived at the parking lot early in the morning to beat the crowds and were only the second vehicle there.

Diane is ready to start the hike.


Hanging Lake Trail
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The moon above the steep walls of Glenwood Canyon.


Moon Above
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Early morning light above the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon as we hiked along the riverfront path to the beginning of the trail.


Glenwood Canyon
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Since the creek was in the shade for part of our hike up to Hanging Lake, I stopped for a few photos of the waterfalls and cascades of Dead Horse Creek along the trail. We didn't see too many people on the trail on our way up, but we did get passed by a few small groups while I was stopped taking photos.


Lower Dead Horse Creek
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


End of the Line
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Closeup
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Whitewater
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Flow
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


From the Side
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Rushing Water
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Rushing
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Dead Horse Creek
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

When we reached the end of the trail we checked out the beautiful Hanging Lake and took the short side trip to Spouting Rock for a while, but we left as soon as it started to get busy. On our way back down the trail we passed a lot of people coming up. There was even a school bus full of kids in the parking lot ready to start the hike when we got back. I'm glad we had an early start and enjoyed a little bit of solitude on the trail!

The beautiful Hanging Lake. If you look all the way to the left on the large tree in the water you might notice two ducks that were hanging around the lake all morning.


Hanging Lake
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Bridal Veil Falls
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

We walked to an area behind the falls and found this little rainbow in the sunlight.


Bridal Veil Falls Rainbow
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun blocked by Spouting Rock.


Sunlight Through Spouting Rock
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This photos was taken from behind and under Spouting Rock. It was impossible to keep myself and camera dry under here!


Behind the Falls
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A couple more views of Bridal Veil Falls before we hiked back down.


Twin Reflection
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


One Waterfall
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After the hike, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for a delicious burger from GRIND and then walked around downtown for a little while. On our way back home we made a quick stop at Rifle Falls State Park to visit yet another waterfall. It was a very nice way to spend a weekday off from work.

The light wasn't great for photos of these falls, but I did manage to catch a nice rainbow at the base of the falls in this photo.


Rifle Falls Rainbow
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr


Behind
by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Hanging Lake Photo Gallery
>> The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

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My favorite is Moon Above. Rifle Falls with the rainbow is awesome too!
 
Having hiked this gem more than 30 years ago I really enjoyed this.

Loving all your work here I've seen I really hope you make it to Crestone t this year. Willow Creek and Lakes is my favorite Colorado hike. Several fabulous falls.

As always thanks for sharing man.
 
I was going to ask where all the Colorado snow went then I realized this was from the summer. Awesome photography as always. Can't wait for the summer.
 

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