fees vary by season. On February 22, 2019, The Forest Service and the City of Glenwood Springs announced that H2O Ventures (Glenwood Springs, Colorado) was awarded the contract for the Hanging Lake Shuttle service, set to launch on May 1, 2019. The Hanging Lake parking area in Glenwood Canyon will be closed to personal vehicles during the peak season, May 1 to October 31, when the shuttle service is in operation. Those wishing to bike to the trailhead and hike to Hanging Lake still need to secure a reservation in advance. The entire hike is approximately 2.4 miles round trip, and 2 hours of hiking time. Behind the lake, hikers will discover Spouting Rock, a much larger waterfall that flows from a set of holes in the limestone cliffs of Dead Horse Canyon. Hanging Lake receives over 131,000 visitors per year. Winter Access During the winter, the Hanging Lake Trail is icy, snow-packed, and slippery. The use of winter traction devices is required (e.g. ice cleats, micro-spikes, mini crampons) as well as hiking poles. Cold temperatures also necessitate appropriate clothing, food, water, equipment, and winter survival gear. Hiking the trail may take longer due to winter conditions. Restricted Activities The travertine lake is extremely sensitive, therefore dogs, drones, fishing, and swimming (or bodily contact with water at Hanging Lake) are strictly prohibited. Do not harass, feed, or disturb wild animals, particularly during winter when they are conserving energy to stay alive. During winter, visitors are strongly warned to stay off the frozen lake (whether partially or fully frozen) because it is extremely dangerous to walk on the ice. Even during winter, walking off-trail is not permitted. Parking at Hanging Lake parking area is only allowed Nov. 1 - April 30 with a reservation. Parking is not allowed along entrance or exit ramps of I-70 at any time. Fragile ecosystem Because of the high amount of traffic, Hanging Lake faces the threats of ecological destruction. Litter from visitors, and the effects of wading and swimming by humans and dogs (dogs and swimming are both prohibited), are having a significant impact on the peculiar ecosystem of the lake. See also List of lakes in Colorado Glenwood Canyon References External links A great video of Hanging Lake in late spring of 2013 Hanging Lake Hiking Guide Lakes of Colorado Protected areas of Garfield County, Colorado National Natural Landmarks in Colorado White River National