This morning we left to hike up the Hanging Lake Trail. Basically the trail ascends 1,000 feet over a 1.2 mile distance. This is the equivalent of about 100 stories in a tall building in any large city. While the hike to Hanging Lake is strenuous, it is also quite beautiful and well worth the effort. As the trail climbs along Dead Horse Creek, it passes a wonderful riparian plant community. In addition to such shady deciduous trees as box elders and cottonwoods, an interesting variety of undergrowth can be found at trail side. Perhaps most alluring are the many ferns that form along the stream bed. Their presence, along with moss-clad boulders, attest to the humid conditions of this ecological niche. Benches along most of the route provide nice rest spots from which to enjoy the canyon. Upon reaching 1.5-acre Hanging Lake, hikers are immediately rewarded with is secretive, Eden-like ambiance. Walled in by limestone cliffs and leafy cottonwoods, Hanging Lake resulted from the collection of water in a geologic fault. Because the lake's fragile shore has been built up from carbonate deposits, visitors are required to stay on the boardwalk that rings the south shore. Dropping into the north end of the lake is Bridal Veil Falls, a small but beautiful cascade of water. Of special interest are the schools of trout that teem in the lake's clear waters. Because of the fragile nature of this lake, both swimming and fishing are prohibited. Follow a short side trail just west of the lake to visit nearby Spouting Rock, a waterfall that has cut a passage through solid limestone.
I found myself resting many times on the way up, no matter how good and strong I seem to be getting, this one was taking me to task. I did make it though and thoroughly enjoyed the views at the top.
This is a shot of Chuck and the many small stream waterfalls that we saw on the way up to Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake in all its glory.
Behind the falls at Hanging Lake
There is also another interesting Falls called Spouting Rock just above Hanging Lake, This of course means climbing up another several hundred feet... After getting to Hanging Lake, what's another short climb?
Chuck at the spray at Spouting Rock
A shot of Hanging Lake from up above at Spouting Rock
Chuck at the Spouting Rock sign...just another few hundred feet up.
Here is a shot on the descent of Hanging Lake Trail, just to give an idea of how steep it really is.
Finally...lunch! Here is my nice cold beer! It's times like this I am glad Chuck doesn't care to drink.
Lunch...Shrimp and Ribs and some bodecious mashed potatoes! I ate it all up!
Chili's is serious about people parking too long in the "pick up only" section!
We did another 17 miles on the Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail after lunch, then on the way back we found this horse sticking his head out of the trailer that he was in.
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