A Trip to Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake

To celebrate my birthday, I was fortunate enough to have not one, but four friends come to Breckenridge to help me celebrate. It's been a year full of adventure, excitement, travel, and the unknown. From Breck we took a road trip to Glenwood Springs and a pit stop at Hanging Lake.

Hanging Lake Trail

Hanging Lake is a very popular hike just off Interstate 70. It's about 3.2 miles with a moderate level of difficulty. It's only open between March and October before the snow hits. We have hardly gotten any snow in Colorado this year, so we were lucky enough that the trail was still open.

The entire climb up to Hanging Lake is very rocky and pretty steep. My gluteus maximus definitely got a work out. I was worried for the safety of my life when we got to the last bit. It was so steep and just a sketchy looking railing to save me from falling to my death.

But the hard work, sweat, and mild heart attack was well worth the view at the top. Hanging Lake is known to be a geological wonder. The trees and earth are suspended on the edge of a massive cliff with a clear, turquoise colored lake in front of it. It's a breathtaking view.

Unfortunately, no swimming and there is very limited parking so make sure to get there early!

Glenwood Springs Hot Springs

After getting sweaty from our hike, our gal pal group made our way to the city of Glenwood Springs to take a dip in the hot springs. As we walked up to the pools, you can smell the hint of sulfur in the air. I saw a very small, disgusting pool with algae and other unmentionables floating in it. Sarcastically, I pointed to it and said, "Well, looks like they forgot to clean it today."

After paying our entrance fee and changing into our swimsuits, Brittney goes, "Wait, I thought we were getting into that tiny, disgusting pool? I've been trying to talk myself into this for the past 10 minutes. I'm so relieved." I just about died laughing.

The hot springs are basically multiple GIANT hot tubs. I wouldn't say the classiest, or cleanliest, joint, but it was an experience. The smaller and hotter pool was heated to about 104F (40C) and the larger less hot pool was at about 90F (32C).

It was funny trying to run outside in the frigid air to plunge ourselves into the warm waters. The best part of the hot springs had to be the view.

After soaking ourselves until reaching a new level of pruniness, we braved the cold air to change and hit the road back to Breckenridge.

Just a few more photos...