Hanging Lake is one of the state’s most popular trails, largely because it’s easily accessible from Interstate 70. In past summers, more than 100,000 people have hiked it. The reason? At the top is a shimmering blue-green, 1.5-acre lake fed by two waterfalls. The lake, more than a mile up Deadhorse Creek canyon, was formed by a geological fault that caused the kale bed to drop away from the valley floor.

To get there: Take Interstate 25 north to C-470 exchange to Denver. Take C-470 west to Interstate 70. Go west on Interstate 70 into Glenwood Canyon. Access to Hanging Lake Trail requires west-bound motorists to drive past the trailhead (which isn’t visible from the highway, unless you know it’s there) to the Grizzly Creek exit. Exit at Grizzly Creek, then head back on the interstate eastbound to the Hanging Lake exit. Directions to the trailhead are well marked from the interstate.

Hike: The trail begins its ascent immediately, following Deadhorse Creek through oak brush, pinon pine and juniper, and entering a Douglas fir forest mixed with cottonwoods. Hikers cross the creek by bridge seven times. As the trail rises, it affords beautiful backward views of the canyon. The trail is well maintained but is heavily used on summer weekends. Kids can make the hike; younger ones might need help. At the top, a short offshoot from the trail goes to Spouting Rock.

Details: No dogs or bikes. The paved first half-mile from the parking lot is handicapped accessible; the rest of the trail isn’t. No fishing, swimming or wading in the lake. Stay on the boardwalk at the top of the trail; the lake shore is fragile. Picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead.

Trip Log: .5 mile from parking lot to the trailhead via the paved Glenwood Canyon Trail, then 1.2 miles to the lake. Elevation gain 1,100 feet.