Quick Picks
Must-do: Hanging Lake (permit required). Best no-permit option: Grizzly Creek Trail. Easy walk: Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. Challenge: Doc Holliday's Grave to Red Mountain. Tip: Morning hikes avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Glenwood Canyon and the surrounding mountains offer hiking from easy riverside walks to challenging climbs. Hanging Lake gets the attention—and deserves it—but several other trails provide excellent hiking without the permit requirement.
The key is finishing before afternoon thunderstorms roll in. Start early, especially in summer, and plan to be off exposed trails by early afternoon.
Hanging Lake
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 1,000 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Colorado's most famous short hike. A turquoise lake perched on a cliff, fed by waterfalls over travertine formations. It's worth the permit hassle. See the complete Hanging Lake guide for permit information and trail details.
Grizzly Creek Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 1,400 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
The best alternative when Hanging Lake permits are unavailable. The trail follows Grizzly Creek through a narrow canyon, climbing steadily to a waterfall. Less dramatic than Hanging Lake but still beautiful, and no permit needed.
The trailhead is in Glenwood Canyon at the Grizzly Creek rest area. Easy access from I-70.
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path
Distance: Up to 16 miles one way | Elevation gain: Minimal | Difficulty: Easy
Paved path running the length of Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River. Perfect for walking, running, or biking. Multiple access points let you choose your distance. Stunning canyon scenery without the effort of a mountain trail.
Start from No Name rest area and go as far as you like. The path connects to the Hanging Lake trailhead if you have a permit.
Doc Holliday's Grave Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip to grave, 4+ miles to continue | Elevation gain: 400-1,000 ft | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start at Linwood Cemetery and climb to the memorial for the famous gunslinger who died in Glenwood Springs in 1887. The views over town are worth the climb. Continue past the grave for more challenging terrain toward Red Mountain.
Boy Scout Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip | Elevation gain: 1,200 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
Popular local trail climbing from town to views of the Roaring Fork Valley. Steep in places but well-maintained. Good morning workout with hot springs reward afterward.
Hiking Tips
Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost daily in summer. Plan to be off exposed trails by 1-2pm.
Bring water. Glenwood Springs sits at 5,700 feet—lower than many Colorado towns—but you're still at altitude. Hydrate before, during, and after.
Check conditions. The 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire affected some trails. Most have reopened, but conditions vary. Check local ranger stations or trail apps for current status.
Finish at the hot springs. A soak in the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain is the perfect post-hike recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Hanging Lake permits are sold out?
Grizzly Creek Trail is the best alternative—similar effort, still beautiful, no permit needed. Check for last-minute Hanging Lake cancellations too.
Are dogs allowed?
Not on Hanging Lake. Other trails vary—check specific trail regulations. The Glenwood Canyon path allows leashed dogs.
Best hike for families?
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path for easy walking. Doc Holliday's Grave is short and interesting for kids who like history. Hanging Lake is doable for older kids who can handle the steep climb.
When is hiking season?
May through October for most trails. Higher elevation trails may have snow into June. Fall colors peak in late September.