The rebuilding of Colorado’s iconic Hanging Lake trail after wildfire and devastating floods is complete. Nearly three years of reconstruction transformed one of the state’s most famous hiking destinations into a more resilient trail designed to withstand future natural disasters while preserving the experience that has made it a bucket list destination for visitors from around the world.
Hanging Lake Trail Reopens After Years of Reconstruction
One of Colorado’s most popular hiking trails is welcoming visitors again after a massive restoration effort that followed the destruction caused by the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire and the flooding that followed.
Located in Glenwood Canyon within White River National Forest, the 1.2 mile Hanging Lake Trail reopened in June after an extensive rebuild led by the U.S. Forest Service and a coalition of public agencies, nonprofits, and local partners. The trail leads to Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark famous for its turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and Bridal Veil Falls.
The project was driven by a simple goal of restoring access to one of Colorado’s most treasured natural attractions while ensuring it can better withstand future floods.
Fire and Floods Left the Trail in Ruins
The Grizzly Creek Fire burned more than 30000 acres in 2020, stripping vegetation from the steep canyon walls above the trail. Without that protective cover, heavy rain triggered destructive mudslides and debris flows that washed away bridges, buried sections of trail, and caused extensive damage.
According to White River National Forest Eagle Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis, the flooding ultimately caused more damage than the wildfire itself.
The closure also had major economic consequences for Glenwood Springs. Before the disasters, Hanging Lake attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year and generated millions of dollars for businesses throughout the region. City leaders said the prolonged closure was felt across hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation companies that depend on tourism.
A Massive Partnership Brought the Trail Back
Rebuilding Hanging Lake required far more than federal disaster funding. The U.S. Forest Service partnered with the National Forest Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the City of Glenwood Springs, private donors, volunteer organizations, and additional local supporters to complete the project.
The National Forest Foundation coordinated funding and construction while grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife helped close the financial gap. Great Outdoors Colorado, which is funded through Colorado Lottery proceeds, has invested more than $1.7 billion in conservation and recreation projects across all 64 Colorado counties since its creation in 1992.
Project leaders said the collaboration made it possible to tackle a reconstruction effort that no single organization could have completed alone.
Built to Last for the Next Century
Rather than simply replacing what had been destroyed, engineers redesigned the trail to improve its long term durability while maintaining the scenic experience visitors expect.
The completed project includes seven new bridges, more than 1000 hand built stone steps, a larger trailhead, an elevated boardwalk near Hanging Lake, and improvements to the popular Spouting Rock area. Because of the narrow canyon walls, bridge sections had to be flown into place by helicopter instead of transported by traditional construction equipment.
Crews also adapted their plans as runoff and flooding continued during construction, modifying bridge designs after observing how high water moved through the canyon.
Forest Service officials say the rebuilt infrastructure was designed with the goal of lasting for the next 100 years while continuing to provide safe access to one of Colorado’s most recognizable hiking destinations.
For project leaders who spent years working on the trail, the greatest reward has been watching visitors once again experience the moment they first catch sight of Hanging Lake’s vibrant green water. After years of closures, construction, and setbacks, one of Colorado’s signature outdoor destinations is once again open for hikers to enjoy.