Hanging Lake (Part Une)

This post is the first of a two part series that was supposed to be just a one part post, until Nature had her say on it.

I had a day trip to the mountains last Wednesday. I just love the beautiful Colorado scenery this new job brings me to, though I don't usually have time to explore cities since I'm in and out for work appointments, or am totally exhausted from the workday. But on Wednesday I had a bit of time between appointments and pulled off the interstate to attempt the Hanging Lake hike in Glenwood Springs.

Now, let me tell you a bit about this hike. Andy and I considered giving it a whirl years ago when we were in Glenwood. We knew nothing about it other than where to exit for the trail. We weren't quite prepared for a hike in our slip-on shoes and clothes for driving and beer tasting, but thought "Sure, why not - we're COLORADANS now". As we were walking to the trail head, we passed a Japanese family who had just finished, or at least attempted, the hike. The father turned to his family and said "I am exhausted; I NEED A CAFFEINATED WATER" and that was the end of that for Andy and me! Back to the car we went saying that we just didn't have enough time, yea that's it, we're in a hurry Ella and everything...

After a couple more years in Colorado and a few more hikes under my belt I thought I was ready for the hike. You will soon learn, that was not true. As I pulled in to the parking lot and slipped my snow boots on to complete my hiking outfit that included my work dress, cardigan, scarf, and tights, I was feeling pretty good about making time for a hike. The first 1/4 mile or so was a beautiful, uphill hike partly on a dirt trail and partly climbing on rocks.

The next 1/4 mile was on packed snow and ice covering the rocks. AKA, it was Breanna flailing and sliding around, falling to the ground, trying to please not rip her tights before her next appointment. I wish I had a video to show you all. No, I don't; I was so frustrated. I gave myself a little over an hour to complete the hike, which I thought was reasonable for a two mile hike. Yea, no. I made it to the 1/2 mile mark and had to turn around in order to make it to my appointment on time.

Clearly, despite the challenging terrain and continuous threats to the integrity of my tights, it was a stunningly beautiful hike through the canyon in Glennwood Springs.

So Hanging Lake (Part Une). Look for Hanging Lake (Part Deux) this spring. Andy and I are heading back through Glenwood the end of April, and we're going to successfully conquer the hike and see this hanging lake!

-Breanna