Hiking In Glenwood Springs

The Roaring Fork Valley is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges which makes hiking in Glenwood Springs is a very popular activity. There are hiking trails in every direction so it can be challenging to pick out which treks will be best for your group. Here are a few of our favorite hikes in Glenwood Springs. These hikes will get you out of the car and headed toward the summit.

Hanging Lake

Hanging Lake is located on a geological fault line in the remarkable Glenwood Canyon. This is a hike in The Rockies you’ll never forget. The trailhead is a few miles east of Glenwood Springs and is about two miles.

Don’t let this short distance fool you. During the two miles, you’ll ascend more than 1,000 feet. That’s no cake walk if you’re from lower elevation. Fortunately, the Hanging Lake trail is impeccably maintained with many benches and scenic overlook for resting along the way.

At the summit, a cool, spectacular turquoise lake greets weary hikers. Swimming in Hanging Lake is strictly prohibited (and far too cold!). Reservations are needed to hike Hanging Lake in order to protect the natural resource and maintenance of the trail.

Red Mountain Trail

Red Mountain Trail is a great hike for those who like to take long walks. While the trail is not a difficult hike, it is more than five miles to the top. Red Mountain Trail is on a private road and perfect for adventurers who didn’t pack heavy duty hiking boots. The trail winds through switchbacks across the mountain boasting spectacular views of Glenwood Springs. This is a great trail for mountain bikers as well, with more rugged trails leading off of the main, gravel one.

If you grew up in Glenwood Springs you have early memories of a lit cross high on Red Mountain. The cross glowed over the city during the night. None of us knew exactly how it got up there or plugged it in every night. But it was always comforting having that iconic symbol greet you when the sun went down. Though it’s probably not as nostalgic to our visitors, it marks the summit of this next trail.

Storm King Mountain Trail

Storm King Mountain Trail is a memorial to the tragedy that occurred on Storm King Mountain in July of 1994. Just west of Glenwood Springs in South Canyon, a great wildfire spread rapidly across the mountain. The fire took the lives of 14 firefighters. Though it’s a melancholy memory for many people in Glenwood Springs, volunteers and BLM keep up this trail in memory of those who gave their lives to protect this beautiful little town. The hike up Storm King Mountain pays homage to the heroes’ courage and educates visitors about wildfires in the Glenwood Springs area, and how the natural habitat recovers. This hike is not as steep as Hanging Lake, but you’ll still gain quite a bit of altitude over the four mile trail.  It is also, for the most part, unshaded, and can get quite hot in the summer. Pack some snacks and water for the trek as the trailhead is a couple miles from the city and not near any shops.