GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — The Hanging Lake shuttle service, with a fee of $12 per person, will launch on May 1, the city of Glenwood Springs announced Friday morning.
The new reservation and shuttle system will provide a visitor experience that also focuses on protecting the fragile Hanging Lake ecosystem and supporting local tourism.
“After years of planning and substantial interest and support from the community, I couldn’t be happier to be reaching this major milestone for Hanging Lake,” said Aaron Mayville, Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger. “The shared stewardship between the Forest Service, the city of Glenwood Springs and H2O Ventures will improve the visitor experience and the ecological health of the trail and the lake.”
The Forest Service and the city said H2O Ventures was awarded the contract for the shuttle service.
The price for a peak-season reservation is now $12 per person. It was previously free. This new price includes parking and access to the welcome center. The funds from the reservation supports visitors’ experience with 5 percent of overall revenue going back toward the stewardship and operations of the lake.
People can purchase reservations online at www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake or in-person at the Hanging Lake Welcome Center at 110 Wulfsohn Road in Glenwood Springs. The welcome center opens May 1.
The reservation system is scheduled to go live on April 1.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Forest Service and to award H2O Ventures the contract for the Hanging Lake Shuttle service. This is an exciting collaboration that will help protect and maintain the natural beauty of Hanging Lake while still allowing visitors and locals the opportunity to experience this popular attraction,” said Mayor Mike Gamba.
The Hanging Lake parking area in Glenwood Canyon will be closed to personal vehicles during the peak season, from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Those who want to bike or hike to the lake still need to secure a reservation in advance.
During the off-peak season, which runs from Nov. 1 to April 30, visitors will still need to make a reservation through the system for $10. Visitors can drive their own vehicles and park at Hanging Lake during this time.
For more information, visit www.visitglenwood.com/hanginglake or call 970-384-6309.