November 28, 2024 ā¢ 15 mins
Look at the pictures and get more details š here
Picture this: a turquoise lake cradled by lush greenery, perched on a cliff that promises both adventure and awe.Ā
That's the magic of Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs, Colorado!
I'm Alexandra, your host on Ticket Before You Kick It. Together with my adventurous mom, we'll guide you through the moderately challenging hike with its steep ascent and descent.Ā
We'll share our personal tips for making the journey unforgettable, from the necessity of sturdy hiking boots to the thrill of Sprouting Rock's perfect photo opportunity.Ā
This isn't just another hikeāit's a bucket-list experience that demands your presence.
With stories, accommodation suggestions, and an invitation for you to share your own experiences, this episode is packed with everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip, whether you're seeking the thrill of the hike or the serenity of the hot springs.Ā
Join us for a journey that promises both relaxation and adventure in one iconic destinationš¦š
Let's Go Adventuring:
https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/
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@TheBucketListMermaid (YouTube)
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Get in Touch:
alexandra@thebucketlistmermaid.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alexandra (00:00):
Repeat with me you need to do Hanging Lake, do it,
cross it off your bucket list.
Hello there, adventurers, andwelcome to Ticket Before you
Kick it, your go-to podcast foreverything hiking, adventure and
exploring the great outdoors onyour adventure bucket list.
I'm your host, alexandra, andtoday we are diving into one of
Colorado's most breathtakingnatural wonders, and that is
(00:21):
Hanging Lake, right here inbeautiful Glenwood Springs.
So whether you're a seasonedhiker or you're just looking for
your next bucket listdestination, stick around,
because this episode will bepacked with tips, stories and
everything you need to knowabout this iconic hike.
Now I am joined here with mymother.
She's our most common guest onthis podcast.
Pam (00:38):
That's because I'm your favorite.
Alexandra (00:40):
Because she travels with me in this RV full time and
we've hiked a lot this summerwe have.
However, hanging Lake is suchan iconic Colorado hike I've
even heard Everybody's heard ofit.
I've heard of Hanging Lakesince I was little, so anyway,
first, let's talk about whatHanging Lake actually is.
Now, just imagine this aturquoise lake suspended on the
(01:03):
edge of a cliff, surrounded bylush greenery and fed just by a
ton of cascading waterfalls.
Sounds like something out of afairy tale, right?
Well, that's exactly whatyou'll find here.
It's located just 10 miles eastof Glenwood Springs, and this
hike is as rewarding as it ismoderately challenging, and it
just offers jaw-dropping viewsand a truly unique experience.
(01:25):
But before you lace up yourhiking boots, let's just talk
about what makes Hanging Lake sospecial and what you need to
know before you go.
Pam (01:32):
My favorite part of this hike is that there is a river
that you just follow the wholeway up.
Yeah, so everywhere you hike,every step you take, you hear
water, you see little waterfalls.
It's shaded, which is kind ofnice so, which probably makes
this one of the most popularhikes.
Alexandra (01:48):
Yeah, to have access to a waterfall.
I mean, normally you would hiketo a river or hike to a lake
and it's so nice because withthis hike, what makes it so
special is that, yeah, the riveris just kind of there the whole
time and there's justwaterfalls everywhere, and
there's these bridges that youcross and there's waterfalls
above flowing underneath you inthe bridge to the waterfall
(02:10):
below, and it's just stunning.
It's so unique and it is amust-do hike if you love
waterfalls.
Now let's talk logistics.
It is about a 1.2 mile up,about 1.2 mile down.
I think I clocked us at about2.8, but we did explore a little
bit more and the elevation gainfor this one is over a thousand
(02:33):
feet.
So, if you want a visual, it'spretty much like taking a stair
stepper up for one to threehours.
Be realistic, because it isquite challenging and steep
compared to other hikes.
There's not really any flatsections, would you agree?
Pam (02:50):
Yes, so I was.
I was sore, you know, and my myknee was squawking a little bit
, but it was worth it.
Just take it slow.
The stupid thing I did which Idon't know why I did this is I
didn't bring enough water, so Ikept mooching off of Alex's
water and I would just hold thewater in my mouth.
Alexandra (03:08):
Because you're just going up a bunch of rocky stairs
and just endless rocky stairsand bridges by waterfalls.
Bring a camel back.
So once you reach it, there iskind of a tough section right
before you hit the actualwaterfalls, remember, then
there's like that cliff rightthere, oh yeah, yeah.
So you kind of go up theselittle rock faces and then
you'll have a beautiful photoopportunity, as if you haven't
(03:30):
had enough photo opportunitieson this hike.
But you go and it's just theentire canyon and it's just
beautiful beautiful.
Pam (03:38):
Oh yeah, Everyone should do this hike.
It's really not difficult.
You know, it's not one of thoseyou need equipment for.
You know, just bring a Campbellback and just take it slow.
But it is worth it, Absolutelyworth it.
Alexandra (03:49):
Yeah, well then, let's, let's transition to that.
What would you recommend tobring on this hike?
Water, water, yeah, she saidwater.
So I would just good set ofhiking boots um definitely bring
poles, I think the poles wouldbe useful for going down because
, keep in mind, yeah, you mightbe going up a stair stepper, aka
(04:10):
a bunch of rocky steps, forhowever long it takes you to
ascend over a thousand feet andover a mile so it was just nice
stability.
Pam (04:17):
I mean, I had my knee replaced and so it was just
comforting knowing that theywere there and it was easy, when
walking on rocks, to use them.
Actually, I used them up anddown.
Alexandra (04:27):
Well, no, well, that's what I was going to say
is I was like you you might begoing up, but you still have to
come down those stairs.
Definitely needed them on theway down the poles I think would
be useful the most for goingdown, just for stability, cause
(04:48):
you know your legs are a littletired and you're up there just
relaxing and then you have to goback down.
This is the beauty of hikingwhat comes up must come down.
Oh, I hate that rule.
So I would recommend bringingsnacks, maybe a camelback, some
good sturdy hiking shoes, somepoles headband.
Pam (05:00):
We went in the middle of summer so it was a little bit
sweaty.
Alexandra (05:03):
Headband.
I do have a guide to HangingLake, as with everything, and I
also have a YouTube video onHanging Lake.
So if you want to see thepictures of these waterfalls and
everything, I will link boththe YouTube video and the guide
in the show notes so that youcan check that out.
And another thing that ifsomebody hasn't told you, you
need to know is that when youget to Hanging Lake, right
(05:26):
before you get to the actuallake part, there is a sign for
sprouting rock.
It's a little bit more of ahike but it is 100% worth it.
There's literally twowaterfalls that are cascading
just down.
Do you remember sprouting?
Yes, it was such a littlesurprise.
Be sure you do it Morewaterfalls, so those ones are
more high and powerful.
(05:46):
And then, once you get to theactual hanging lake, that's more
like a lake with that green,turquoise water.
It's really, really green andturquoise.
It is green.
Is it the algae?
Is it the?
I know that they have dissolvedcarbonate which is deposited on
the shores that flows from thewaterfalls and unfortunately,
because of this, you can't swimin it, just because all the body
(06:07):
lotions, the oils and even ourskin cells can stop the
deposition of this mineral.
So it was kind of disappointing, especially because I'm a
mermaid and this would be soepic to do in a mermaid tail.
However, I'm happy to preserveHanging Lake.
Now let's talk about anotherpoint that needs to be talked
about, and that is the permits.
Normally the summer time is thebest time to get a permit.
(06:31):
I'm gonna be honest I've neveractually found a way to get a
winter permit.
I know you can, but every timeI've looked it's just been super
confusing.
So somebody else can tell mehow to get a winter permit for
Hanging Lake, but that seems sosketchy.
You would need crampons andpoles and a pickaxe, and so just
go in summer.
The peak summer season is about, from May to the end of
September and you need to getthis permit as soon as you can
(06:54):
because, as I said, it's verypopular.
And when we went, we actuallyhad a lot of disappointment
because they were doingrestorations on Hanging Lake
during the weekdays, so wecouldn't even get a permit
during the weekday, it was justfor the weekend.
Obviously, this is going tochange as they restore the trail
.
I think it was due to the firesthat happened in Glenwood.
Pam (07:12):
Probably.
Alexandra (07:13):
Keep this in mind, because our entire family
actually came up to visit us inthe RV and couldn't get a permit
, because we didn't realize.
You know, we thought it wasjust normal, business as usual.
You could get a permit any day,but nope, it was just on
weekends and we could not takethem to Hanging Lake.
Which was really, reallydisappointing.
But there is also next year asfar as best time to hike this in
(07:36):
the morning, because of tworeasons.
One, if you are hiking in theheat of summer, colorado's hot
in the summer and although it isshaded, it's still hot.
And also something magicalhappens in the afternoon and
that is thunderstorms inColorado.
Pam (07:51):
Ah, yes.
Alexandra (07:52):
And so when we were actually there, they told us
that they were on severethunderstorm watch and they said
you guys will probably be donein time, but just know that
there's a guy that actually runsup the trail and as he's
running up the trail, he soundsthe alarm.
And wherever you are when thatalarm is sounded, you have to
(08:13):
turn around, and I've done thisseveral times and I've never had
that happen where they'veactually given us a thunderstorm
warning.
Luckily we were fine.
We didn't hit any thunderstorms, but yeah.
Pam (08:24):
So just start in the morning, avoid all that fun
storms.
But yeah, so just start in themorning.
Alexandra (08:28):
Avoid all that fun.
Yes, avoid all that fun.
So you might just ask also howto prep for a hanging lake and,
honestly, I would suggest doingthe stair stepper.
I know that I made a joke aboutthat, but I feel like that
would really strengthen yourquads.
The only other thing is thatit's like doing a stair stepper
at high elevation, so keep thatin mind.
(08:48):
There were a couple peoplestruggling.
However, I think for myColorado natives, compared to a
14er or something like that forthose of you who don't know,
that is a mountain that is above14,000 feet Us Colorado locals
really love conquering them.
So, compared to a 14er, this issuper easy.
This is very very easy.
I did this hike with a bunch offit Colorado locals and I don't
(09:10):
think they even broke a sweat.
However, if you are not used tothe altitude, you could be
totally physically fit and anathlete, but altitude is a nasty
beast sometimes and it hits allof us, sometimes even us locals
.
So just be careful.
If you do start to get altitudesickness, stop where you are,
rest, descend, call for help ifyou need, drink plenty of fluids
(09:32):
.
It's really something that youshouldn't mess with and it can
cause a lot of issues.
She's funny.
My uncle's, her brother, um,his friend, was a rescue person
for high altitude rescues and hesaid it happens all the time.
Pam (09:44):
Oh yeah don't meet the rescue staff, just take it easy.
Drink a lot of water, maybeacclimate for a day or two
before you try anythingstrenuous, but it's worth it.
Alexandra (09:55):
It's totally worth it .
Now, really quickly, let's talkabout the parking situation.
I'm pretty sure this is whythey actually have the permits
is because parking is a littleweird.
We got lucky we had the truckthe big, huge truck and we did
fit into a parking spot.
However, it was just a littletight.
So if you do have a smaller carwith you, I would opt to bring
that.
When I went the first time, wehad a truck and they made her
(10:18):
parallel park the truck Ew, ew.
And then let's just quick talkabout what to do after you hike
Hanging Lake, because if you arenot familiar with Glenwood
Springs, again I have a bucketlist for Glenwood Springs of all
the things to do.
Glenwood Springs is one of myfavorite towns but there's
something in Glenwood Springsthat would be perfect to do
after a hike, and that is thespas and the hot springs.
(10:39):
It's called Glenwood Springsfor a reason.
Pam (10:43):
Yes, not only is it gorgeous, the downtown shops
could not be cuter, and it's allabout Iron Mountain.
Alexandra (10:51):
Oh yeah, Talk about Iron Mountain.
This is our favorite hotsprings in Glenwood.
Pam (10:54):
Maybe Colorado.
It's fantastic.
So it is just a series ofdifferent hot spring, hot tubby
kind of like things and each oneis at a different temperature,
which makes it very fun.
And it's right on a river soyou can see the mountains, great
to go at sunset and you canjust see what temperature your
body likes the most.
(11:15):
And they did just open anadults only section this summer,
this past summer, so we havenot done that one yet, but
Glenwoods it's worth it.
So hanging leg in the hotsprings If you don't want to get
wet, but you still want to feelthat heat.
Alexandra (11:31):
There are vapor caves also, and it's actually one of
the only naturally occurringvapor caves in North America and
it's the Yampa Vapor Cave.
So again, I'll link it in allof the show notes and everything
for you to go to.
But there's a lot of relaxationthat you can do.
So you might push yourselfphysically during Hanging Lake,
but at least you also have waysto rejuvenate your body
(11:53):
afterwards.
And also, I just looked up andmy Apple Watch actually said
that I climbed an equivalent of74 flights of stairs on this
hike.
Pam (12:04):
Ah, that's probably why I was sore this hike 74.
Alexandra (12:11):
That's probably why I was sore.
That's probably why you need ahot springs afterwards.
But yes, all the views inGlenwood, the views are
beautiful.
You actually drive throughGlenwood Canyon to get to
Hanging Lake.
Pam (12:17):
Oh, Glenwood Canyon and.
Alexandra (12:18):
Glenwood Canyon's one of my favorite drives in
Colorado, so you will be in forsuch a treat if you enjoy this
hike.
Now, quickly, before we wrap upthis episode, let's just talk
about getting here.
This is about a two and a halfhour drive from Denver.
It's about a three hour andeight minute drive away from
Denver International Airport.
I think it would qualify as aday hike.
(12:40):
However, I would probablyrecommend that you stay in
Glenwood for at least a day,because I think it would be a
little tricky to do this anddrive six hours to Denver.
If you are coming from Denver,it can be found directly from
I-70, exit 125.
Very easy.
Literally says Hanging Lake,directly on there.
And if you do needrecommendations for where to
(13:02):
stay in Glenwood we've literallygone here year round and stayed
so many places I think myfavorite place that I've stayed
is Hotel Colorado, absolutely.
Like presidents and mobsters andeverything has stayed here.
And, funny story, we actuallystayed there one time with my
rabbit, like my bunny was justlike hopping around and we were
in this old hotel watching ahorror movie, because my mom
loves horror movies and I lovemy mom.
(13:24):
So, other than that, I do havean entire guide on the Glenwood
Springs KOA, which is kind oflike 20 minutes away from
Glenwood Springs.
But if you do have an RV or youwant to tent camp, you can also
check that out on the shownotes.
But this is one that you doneed to look at the show notes,
because you need to see thepictures of this and I guarantee
(13:46):
you they will inspire you toadd this to your bucket list.
Pam (13:49):
Absolutely, if you see these pictures.
Alexandra (13:50):
I did get a few mermaid pictures there, not in
the water but just on a rock bythe water and by these
waterfalls, and they did notdisappoint.
Pam (13:58):
They did not.
Alexandra (13:59):
It was.
It was an epic mermaid locationfor me, the bucket list mermaid
.
I'm called the bucket listmermaid for a reason.
You can use your imagination.
So last question for you, mom,Is hanging leg worth?
Pam (14:10):
it.
Oh, absolutely, the fat mamagives it a thumbs up.
It was a little bit interestingfor me to do with my knees.
Alexandra (14:19):
We also had sciatica.
Pam (14:20):
Oh, that's right, yeah, sciatica.
Alexandra (14:23):
Wow, getting old socks.
She did this with a knee painand sciatica, so if that gives
you some inspiration, Worth it.
To do it, worth it.
Pam (14:31):
Absolutely worth it Bring water.
Alexandra (14:33):
Bring water, Even though it's a little crowded at
some times.
At least the permits help withthat Still worth it.
If you are an avid hiker and youlove waterfalls, this is a
non-negotiable.
You need to do this hike.
Repeat with me.
You need to do Hanging Lake.
Do it Cross it off your bucketlist?
So what are your thoughts?
Would you do Hanging Lake?
(14:54):
Would you actually add this toyour bucket list?
Definitely make sure to headover to my website,
thebucketlistmermaidcom, or onsocial media at
thebucketlistmermaid, and tellme your thoughts.
If you do end up checking thisoff of your bucket list, I want
to see your pictures.
I'm an aesthetic photographer,traveler.
I love the pictures, so pleasesend me your pictures of Hanging
Lake.
I want to see them and I wantto congratulate you on doing
(15:17):
such a short but strenuous hike.
If you did like this podcastand you found this information
helpful from these quirkyColorado hiking locals,
definitely just make sure tosubscribe on your favorite
podcasting platform or head overto thebucketlistmermaidcom and
find more adventures there.
Thank you guys, so much forlistening and we will see you
next time on Ticket.
Before you Kick it.
Repeat with me you need to do Hanging Lake, do it,
cross it off your bucket list.
Hello there, adventurers, andwelcome to Ticket Before you
Kick it, your go-to podcast foreverything hiking, adventure and
exploring the great outdoors onyour adventure bucket list.
I'm your host, alexandra, andtoday we are diving into one of
Colorado's most breathtakingnatural wonders, and that is
(00:21):
Hanging Lake, right here inbeautiful Glenwood Springs.
So whether you're a seasonedhiker or you're just looking for
your next bucket listdestination, stick around,
because this episode will bepacked with tips, stories and
everything you need to knowabout this iconic hike.
Now I am joined here with mymother.
She's our most common guest onthis podcast.
Pam (00:38):
That's because I'm your favorite.
Alexandra (00:40):
Because she travels with me in this RV full time and
we've hiked a lot this summerwe have.
However, hanging Lake is suchan iconic Colorado hike I've
even heard Everybody's heard ofit.
I've heard of Hanging Lakesince I was little, so anyway,
first, let's talk about whatHanging Lake actually is.
Now, just imagine this aturquoise lake suspended on the
(01:03):
edge of a cliff, surrounded bylush greenery and fed just by a
ton of cascading waterfalls.
Sounds like something out of afairy tale, right?
Well, that's exactly whatyou'll find here.
It's located just 10 miles eastof Glenwood Springs, and this
hike is as rewarding as it ismoderately challenging, and it
just offers jaw-dropping viewsand a truly unique experience.
(01:25):
But before you lace up yourhiking boots, let's just talk
about what makes Hanging Lake sospecial and what you need to
know before you go.
Pam (01:32):
My favorite part of this hike is that there is a river
that you just follow the wholeway up.
Yeah, so everywhere you hike,every step you take, you hear
water, you see little waterfalls.
It's shaded, which is kind ofnice so, which probably makes
this one of the most popularhikes.
Alexandra (01:48):
Yeah, to have access to a waterfall.
I mean, normally you would hiketo a river or hike to a lake
and it's so nice because withthis hike, what makes it so
special is that, yeah, the riveris just kind of there the whole
time and there's justwaterfalls everywhere, and
there's these bridges that youcross and there's waterfalls
above flowing underneath you inthe bridge to the waterfall
(02:10):
below, and it's just stunning.
It's so unique and it is amust-do hike if you love
waterfalls.
Now let's talk logistics.
It is about a 1.2 mile up,about 1.2 mile down.
I think I clocked us at about2.8, but we did explore a little
bit more and the elevation gainfor this one is over a thousand
(02:33):
feet.
So, if you want a visual, it'spretty much like taking a stair
stepper up for one to threehours.
Be realistic, because it isquite challenging and steep
compared to other hikes.
There's not really any flatsections, would you agree?
Pam (02:50):
Yes, so I was.
I was sore, you know, and my myknee was squawking a little bit
, but it was worth it.
Just take it slow.
The stupid thing I did which Idon't know why I did this is I
didn't bring enough water, so Ikept mooching off of Alex's
water and I would just hold thewater in my mouth.
Alexandra (03:08):
Because you're just going up a bunch of rocky stairs
and just endless rocky stairsand bridges by waterfalls.
Bring a camel back.
So once you reach it, there iskind of a tough section right
before you hit the actualwaterfalls, remember, then
there's like that cliff rightthere, oh yeah, yeah.
So you kind of go up theselittle rock faces and then
you'll have a beautiful photoopportunity, as if you haven't
(03:30):
had enough photo opportunitieson this hike.
But you go and it's just theentire canyon and it's just
beautiful beautiful.
Pam (03:38):
Oh yeah, Everyone should do this hike.
It's really not difficult.
You know, it's not one of thoseyou need equipment for.
You know, just bring a Campbellback and just take it slow.
But it is worth it, Absolutelyworth it.
Alexandra (03:49):
Yeah, well then, let's, let's transition to that.
What would you recommend tobring on this hike?
Water, water, yeah, she saidwater.
So I would just good set ofhiking boots um definitely bring
poles, I think the poles wouldbe useful for going down because
, keep in mind, yeah, you mightbe going up a stair stepper, aka
(04:10):
a bunch of rocky steps, forhowever long it takes you to
ascend over a thousand feet andover a mile so it was just nice
stability.
Pam (04:17):
I mean, I had my knee replaced and so it was just
comforting knowing that theywere there and it was easy, when
walking on rocks, to use them.
Actually, I used them up anddown.
Alexandra (04:27):
Well, no, well, that's what I was going to say
is I was like you you might begoing up, but you still have to
come down those stairs.
Definitely needed them on theway down the poles I think would
be useful the most for goingdown, just for stability, cause
(04:48):
you know your legs are a littletired and you're up there just
relaxing and then you have to goback down.
This is the beauty of hikingwhat comes up must come down.
Oh, I hate that rule.
So I would recommend bringingsnacks, maybe a camelback, some
good sturdy hiking shoes, somepoles headband.
Pam (05:00):
We went in the middle of summer so it was a little bit
sweaty.
Alexandra (05:03):
Headband.
I do have a guide to HangingLake, as with everything, and I
also have a YouTube video onHanging Lake.
So if you want to see thepictures of these waterfalls and
everything, I will link boththe YouTube video and the guide
in the show notes so that youcan check that out.
And another thing that ifsomebody hasn't told you, you
need to know is that when youget to Hanging Lake, right
(05:26):
before you get to the actuallake part, there is a sign for
sprouting rock.
It's a little bit more of ahike but it is 100% worth it.
There's literally twowaterfalls that are cascading
just down.
Do you remember sprouting?
Yes, it was such a littlesurprise.
Be sure you do it Morewaterfalls, so those ones are
more high and powerful.
(05:46):
And then, once you get to theactual hanging lake, that's more
like a lake with that green,turquoise water.
It's really, really green andturquoise.
It is green.
Is it the algae?
Is it the?
I know that they have dissolvedcarbonate which is deposited on
the shores that flows from thewaterfalls and unfortunately,
because of this, you can't swimin it, just because all the body
(06:07):
lotions, the oils and even ourskin cells can stop the
deposition of this mineral.
So it was kind of disappointing, especially because I'm a
mermaid and this would be soepic to do in a mermaid tail.
However, I'm happy to preserveHanging Lake.
Now let's talk about anotherpoint that needs to be talked
about, and that is the permits.
Normally the summer time is thebest time to get a permit.
(06:31):
I'm gonna be honest I've neveractually found a way to get a
winter permit.
I know you can, but every timeI've looked it's just been super
confusing.
So somebody else can tell mehow to get a winter permit for
Hanging Lake, but that seems sosketchy.
You would need crampons andpoles and a pickaxe, and so just
go in summer.
The peak summer season is about, from May to the end of
September and you need to getthis permit as soon as you can
(06:54):
because, as I said, it's verypopular.
And when we went, we actuallyhad a lot of disappointment
because they were doingrestorations on Hanging Lake
during the weekdays, so wecouldn't even get a permit
during the weekday, it was justfor the weekend.
Obviously, this is going tochange as they restore the trail
.
I think it was due to the firesthat happened in Glenwood.
Pam (07:12):
Probably.
Alexandra (07:13):
Keep this in mind, because our entire family
actually came up to visit us inthe RV and couldn't get a permit
, because we didn't realize.
You know, we thought it wasjust normal, business as usual.
You could get a permit any day,but nope, it was just on
weekends and we could not takethem to Hanging Lake.
Which was really, reallydisappointing.
But there is also next year asfar as best time to hike this in
(07:36):
the morning, because of tworeasons.
One, if you are hiking in theheat of summer, colorado's hot
in the summer and although it isshaded, it's still hot.
And also something magicalhappens in the afternoon and
that is thunderstorms inColorado.
Pam (07:51):
Ah, yes.
Alexandra (07:52):
And so when we were actually there, they told us
that they were on severethunderstorm watch and they said
you guys will probably be donein time, but just know that
there's a guy that actually runsup the trail and as he's
running up the trail, he soundsthe alarm.
And wherever you are when thatalarm is sounded, you have to
(08:13):
turn around, and I've done thisseveral times and I've never had
that happen where they'veactually given us a thunderstorm
warning.
Luckily we were fine.
We didn't hit any thunderstorms, but yeah.
Pam (08:24):
So just start in the morning, avoid all that fun
storms.
But yeah, so just start in themorning.
Alexandra (08:28):
Avoid all that fun.
Yes, avoid all that fun.
So you might just ask also howto prep for a hanging lake and,
honestly, I would suggest doingthe stair stepper.
I know that I made a joke aboutthat, but I feel like that
would really strengthen yourquads.
The only other thing is thatit's like doing a stair stepper
at high elevation, so keep thatin mind.
(08:48):
There were a couple peoplestruggling.
However, I think for myColorado natives, compared to a
14er or something like that forthose of you who don't know,
that is a mountain that is above14,000 feet Us Colorado locals
really love conquering them.
So, compared to a 14er, this issuper easy.
This is very very easy.
I did this hike with a bunch offit Colorado locals and I don't
(09:10):
think they even broke a sweat.
However, if you are not used tothe altitude, you could be
totally physically fit and anathlete, but altitude is a nasty
beast sometimes and it hits allof us, sometimes even us locals
.
So just be careful.
If you do start to get altitudesickness, stop where you are,
rest, descend, call for help ifyou need, drink plenty of fluids
(09:32):
.
It's really something that youshouldn't mess with and it can
cause a lot of issues.
She's funny.
My uncle's, her brother, um,his friend, was a rescue person
for high altitude rescues and hesaid it happens all the time.
Pam (09:44):
Oh yeah don't meet the rescue staff, just take it easy.
Drink a lot of water, maybeacclimate for a day or two
before you try anythingstrenuous, but it's worth it.
Alexandra (09:55):
It's totally worth it .
Now, really quickly, let's talkabout the parking situation.
I'm pretty sure this is whythey actually have the permits
is because parking is a littleweird.
We got lucky we had the truckthe big, huge truck and we did
fit into a parking spot.
However, it was just a littletight.
So if you do have a smaller carwith you, I would opt to bring
that.
When I went the first time, wehad a truck and they made her
(10:18):
parallel park the truck Ew, ew.
And then let's just quick talkabout what to do after you hike
Hanging Lake, because if you arenot familiar with Glenwood
Springs, again I have a bucketlist for Glenwood Springs of all
the things to do.
Glenwood Springs is one of myfavorite towns but there's
something in Glenwood Springsthat would be perfect to do
after a hike, and that is thespas and the hot springs.
(10:39):
It's called Glenwood Springsfor a reason.
Pam (10:43):
Yes, not only is it gorgeous, the downtown shops
could not be cuter, and it's allabout Iron Mountain.
Alexandra (10:51):
Oh yeah, Talk about Iron Mountain.
This is our favorite hotsprings in Glenwood.
Pam (10:54):
Maybe Colorado.
It's fantastic.
So it is just a series ofdifferent hot spring, hot tubby
kind of like things and each oneis at a different temperature,
which makes it very fun.
And it's right on a river soyou can see the mountains, great
to go at sunset and you canjust see what temperature your
body likes the most.
(11:15):
And they did just open anadults only section this summer,
this past summer, so we havenot done that one yet, but
Glenwoods it's worth it.
So hanging leg in the hotsprings If you don't want to get
wet, but you still want to feelthat heat.
Alexandra (11:31):
There are vapor caves also, and it's actually one of
the only naturally occurringvapor caves in North America and
it's the Yampa Vapor Cave.
So again, I'll link it in allof the show notes and everything
for you to go to.
But there's a lot of relaxationthat you can do.
So you might push yourselfphysically during Hanging Lake,
but at least you also have waysto rejuvenate your body
(11:53):
afterwards.
And also, I just looked up andmy Apple Watch actually said
that I climbed an equivalent of74 flights of stairs on this
hike.
Pam (12:04):
Ah, that's probably why I was sore this hike 74.
Alexandra (12:11):
That's probably why I was sore.
That's probably why you need ahot springs afterwards.
But yes, all the views inGlenwood, the views are
beautiful.
You actually drive throughGlenwood Canyon to get to
Hanging Lake.
Pam (12:17):
Oh, Glenwood Canyon and.
Alexandra (12:18):
Glenwood Canyon's one of my favorite drives in
Colorado, so you will be in forsuch a treat if you enjoy this
hike.
Now, quickly, before we wrap upthis episode, let's just talk
about getting here.
This is about a two and a halfhour drive from Denver.
It's about a three hour andeight minute drive away from
Denver International Airport.
I think it would qualify as aday hike.
(12:40):
However, I would probablyrecommend that you stay in
Glenwood for at least a day,because I think it would be a
little tricky to do this anddrive six hours to Denver.
If you are coming from Denver,it can be found directly from
I-70, exit 125.
Very easy.
Literally says Hanging Lake,directly on there.
And if you do needrecommendations for where to
(13:02):
stay in Glenwood we've literallygone here year round and stayed
so many places I think myfavorite place that I've stayed
is Hotel Colorado, absolutely.
Like presidents and mobsters andeverything has stayed here.
And, funny story, we actuallystayed there one time with my
rabbit, like my bunny was justlike hopping around and we were
in this old hotel watching ahorror movie, because my mom
loves horror movies and I lovemy mom.
(13:24):
So, other than that, I do havean entire guide on the Glenwood
Springs KOA, which is kind oflike 20 minutes away from
Glenwood Springs.
But if you do have an RV or youwant to tent camp, you can also
check that out on the shownotes.
But this is one that you doneed to look at the show notes,
because you need to see thepictures of this and I guarantee
(13:46):
you they will inspire you toadd this to your bucket list.
Pam (13:49):
Absolutely, if you see these pictures.
Alexandra (13:50):
I did get a few mermaid pictures there, not in
the water but just on a rock bythe water and by these
waterfalls, and they did notdisappoint.
Pam (13:58):
They did not.
Alexandra (13:59):
It was.
It was an epic mermaid locationfor me, the bucket list mermaid
.
I'm called the bucket listmermaid for a reason.
You can use your imagination.
So last question for you, mom,Is hanging leg worth?
Pam (14:10):
it.
Oh, absolutely, the fat mamagives it a thumbs up.
It was a little bit interestingfor me to do with my knees.
Alexandra (14:19):
We also had sciatica.
Pam (14:20):
Oh, that's right, yeah, sciatica.
Alexandra (14:23):
Wow, getting old socks.
She did this with a knee painand sciatica, so if that gives
you some inspiration, Worth it.
To do it, worth it.
Pam (14:31):
Absolutely worth it Bring water.
Alexandra (14:33):
Bring water, Even though it's a little crowded at
some times.
At least the permits help withthat Still worth it.
If you are an avid hiker and youlove waterfalls, this is a
non-negotiable.
You need to do this hike.
Repeat with me.
You need to do Hanging Lake.
Do it Cross it off your bucketlist?
So what are your thoughts?
Would you do Hanging Lake?
(14:54):
Would you actually add this toyour bucket list?
Definitely make sure to headover to my website,
thebucketlistmermaidcom, or onsocial media at
thebucketlistmermaid, and tellme your thoughts.
If you do end up checking thisoff of your bucket list, I want
to see your pictures.
I'm an aesthetic photographer,traveler.
I love the pictures, so pleasesend me your pictures of Hanging
Lake.
I want to see them and I wantto congratulate you on doing
(15:17):
such a short but strenuous hike.
If you did like this podcastand you found this information
helpful from these quirkyColorado hiking locals,
definitely just make sure tosubscribe on your favorite
podcasting platform or head overto thebucketlistmermaidcom and
find more adventures there.
Thank you guys, so much forlistening and we will see you
next time on Ticket.
Before you Kick it.
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