Popular Glenwood Springs Hiking Trails
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 sits along a geological fault line in the stunning Glenwood Canyon, offering a hike in the Rockies you won’t soon forget. The trailhead is located just a few miles east of Glenwood Springs, with the hike spanning roughly two miles.
Don’t let the short distance fool you—over the course of the hike, you’ll gain more than 1,000 feet in elevation. That’s a challenging climb, especially for those coming from lower altitudes. Fortunately, the trail is well-maintained, with benches and scenic overlooks that provide plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with the sight of a breathtaking turquoise lake. Swimming is strictly prohibited—not only to preserve the delicate ecosystem, but also because the water is extremely cold. Reservations are required to hike Hanging Lake to help protect this natural treasure and support ongoing trail maintenance.
Red Mountain Trail
Hard work is rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range in the distance. Views to the north and west include Storm King Mountain.
Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers love the views and trail experiences available on Red Mountain. The Red Mountain Jeanne Golay Trail (aka Red Mt. Rd.) starts out as paved but quickly turns into a dirt road that is the easiest option for all users on the mountain, and is a good option for side by side social time with friends and family. The road climbs efficiently, but never too steeply, up above Glenwood Springs to a viewpoint next to “the cross” which is lit up seasonally at night. The road is named for famed local Jeanne Golay, who trained and raced on this road on her way to winning the National Road Cycling Championships in 1992, 1994, and 1995.
Storm King Mountain
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.
