Living in Colorado

If you want to hike the hugely popular Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Canyon this summer, you might want to put this date on your calendar right now: April 1.

That’s when a new reservation system will go into effect as the U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the city of Glenwood Springs, seeks to manage impact on the fragile Hanging Lake ecosystem. The peak season cost will be $12 and will include shuttle service from Glenwood Springs. The Hanging Lake parking lot will be closed to personal vehicles during peak season (May 1-Oct. 31). Cyclists who ride to the Hanging Lake trailhead still must register.

Shuttles will run from the Hanging Lake Welcome Center, which will open May 1 in Glenwood Springs with free parking. In off-peak season (Nov. 1-April 30), reservations will cost $10 and the Hanging Lake parking lot will be open to the public.

Starting April 1, reservations may be made online at visitglenwood.com/hanginglake. Reservations also may be made at the Hanging Lake Welcome Center after it opens.

The management plan was devised by the Forest Service and the City of Glenwood Springs in response to damage that has been done to the Hanging Lake area in recent years due to huge crowds and visitors who didn’t follow rules that were already in place. The goal is to diminish impact and preserve the spot for future generations while also supporting tourism in the Glenwood area.

The Hanging Lake Welcome Center will be located at 110 Wulfsohn Road in Glenwood. More information is available online or by calling the Hanging Lake information line (970-384-6309).

Thanks to our friends at The Know for the heads up!