Glenwood Springs is a spa town in the Rocky Mountains set by the upper reaches of the Colorado river. The river charts an interesting course in this area cutting a deep canyon through the mountains. Interstate 70 runs through the town and up the canyon in a very scenic drive which not surprisingly made for quite an engineering and environmental challenge when built according to the now ubiquitous (and very interesting) information boards at the various highway pullouts.
While we didn't luxuriate in the spa waters during our day in town we did enjoy a short out and back hike to the very scenic Hanging Lake. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of many hikers driving to the trailhead, during peak season (apparently October is still peak season) you pay for a bus ride to and from town to the trailhead. This made the walk a bit costly but it was worth it.
Setting out from the bus it was ridiculously, bone chillingly cold. Like under minus 10 cold. Thankfully there was no wind but exposed hands became numb very quickly which was a challenge for photography.
Most of the walk is a climb up a steep valley with the path crossing the stream several times. The woods were thick in the valley and the stream was very icy. The further we climbed, the thicker the snow lay on the ground.
Reaching Hanging Lake it was as pretty as promised. The water was a deep green blue colour and very clear. Not surprisingly with the brutal cold we could see icicles everywhere.
Continuing to the end of the trail above Hanging Lake we found a very interesting waterfall emerging from the rock.
We walked back down the hill to catch the school bus home. Thankfully things had warmed up a bit. Enough for Sam to enjoy a large post lunch ice cream at any rate.
While we didn't luxuriate in the spa waters during our day in town we did enjoy a short out and back hike to the very scenic Hanging Lake. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of many hikers driving to the trailhead, during peak season (apparently October is still peak season) you pay for a bus ride to and from town to the trailhead. This made the walk a bit costly but it was worth it.
Setting out from the bus it was ridiculously, bone chillingly cold. Like under minus 10 cold. Thankfully there was no wind but exposed hands became numb very quickly which was a challenge for photography.
Most of the walk is a climb up a steep valley with the path crossing the stream several times. The woods were thick in the valley and the stream was very icy. The further we climbed, the thicker the snow lay on the ground.
Reaching Hanging Lake it was as pretty as promised. The water was a deep green blue colour and very clear. Not surprisingly with the brutal cold we could see icicles everywhere.
We walked back down the hill to catch the school bus home. Thankfully things had warmed up a bit. Enough for Sam to enjoy a large post lunch ice cream at any rate.
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