A 70 is fine. Not a "drop everything and go today" score, not a "stay home" score. It's a "you can do this, but go in knowing what you're getting into" score. For Hanging Lake in mid-April, that's accurate.
Here's what the score is accounting for: the trail is technically open, conditions are generally manageable, and the destination is worth it. But there's still a reasonable chance you hit ice on the upper switchbacks, the permit system requires advance planning, and honestly if you're on the fence about this weekend versus two or three weeks from now — wait. May will give you a cleaner experience.
That said, let's talk about what a 70 here actually looks like.
The Permit Situation
Hanging Lake requires a permit. This is not optional, it's not a formality, and rangers enforce it at the trailhead. You book through Recreation.gov. The permits go by time slot — you select an arrival window and you're expected to start your hike in that window.
Book as far in advance as you can. This trail has been heavily managed since 2019 precisely because it was getting loved to death. Peak season slots fill up days or weeks out. Mid-April is shoulder season so you have a better shot at last-minute availability than you would in July, but don't assume you can show up without one.
The permit also covers parking at the Hanging Lake Trailhead. There's no drive-up parking here — you need either the permit parking or you use the shuttle from the Glenwood Springs rest area. Check your permit confirmation for which option applies to your booking.
What 70/100 Means on the Ground
The lower portion of the trail — the first mile or so of steep rocky switchbacks — should be in reasonable shape. Dry or slightly damp rock, nothing technical.
The upper section is where it gets real. As you gain elevation and approach the lake, you're in a shaded canyon drainage that holds snow and ice longer than the exposed lower trail. In mid-April after a normal Colorado winter, expect patchy ice on the steeper switchbacks. It doesn't make the trail impassable but it makes traction devices worth considering — Microspikes are a legitimate call this week. At minimum, check conditions from recent permit-holders before you go. The Recreation.gov listing sometimes has comments, and the Hanging Lake permit page on the White River National Forest site occasionally posts updates.
The lake itself will be gorgeous. The tufa formations and the turquoise water don't care what month it is.
The Trail Reality
2.8 miles round trip sounds short. It is not a short hike. You gain over 1,000 feet in 1.4 miles — that's an average grade of roughly 14 percent, with sections significantly steeper. It's a relentless rocky climb the whole way up. Most people are slower than they expect and more worked than they planned for.
I've done this trail more times than I can count and I still feel it in my legs the next day. Kelly likes it for the destination, not the approach. The approach is a grind. Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours round trip if you're in decent shape and moving at a purposeful pace. Add time if conditions are icy.
At the top: the lake sits in a natural bowl, fed by a waterfall coming over the back lip. The water is impossibly clear. The boardwalk around the perimeter keeps foot traffic off the fragile tufa formations. Stay on the boardwalk — the rules exist because previous visitors damaged features that took thousands of years to form.
About the Dogs
Mark and Hank are not going on this hike. Dogs are not permitted on the Hanging Lake Trail. This is a firm rule, not a suggestion. The rangers check permits at the trailhead and they will turn you around. Save yourself the drive and leave them home.
Should You Go This Weekend?
If you've already got a permit, yes. Bring traction devices, check recent conditions, go early in your arrival window so you're not dealing with midday crowds on a narrow trail. The lake is worth it even in iffy shoulder-season conditions.
If you don't have a permit yet and are deciding whether to book for this weekend or in a few weeks: book for early May. Not because this weekend is bad, but because it'll be straightforwardly better by then. The ice risk drops, the snowmelt through the canyon is still running strong for waterfall volume, and the crowds haven't fully arrived yet. That's the sweet spot.
Hanging Lake isn't going anywhere. Time it right.
📍 Live conditions for Hanging Lake →