Tuesday, May 20, 2014
I hiked to Hanging Lake for the first time last spring, but I didn’t really take any photos that day so I’ve wanted to return again and get some better photos. Diane ended up having Tuesday off from work and has wanted to hike Hanging Lake with me, so I took the day off from work to go. The only way I will even attempt to hike this trail is with an early start during the week. I won’t even try this popular and busy trail on a weekend! We arrived at the parking lot early in the morning to beat the crowds and were only the second vehicle there.
Diane is ready to start the hike.
Hanging Lake Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The moon above the steep walls of Glenwood Canyon.
Moon Above by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Early morning light above the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon as we hiked along the riverfront path to the beginning of the trail.
Glenwood Canyon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Since the creek was in the shade for part of our hike up to Hanging Lake, I stopped for a few photos of the waterfalls and cascades of Dead Horse Creek along the trail. We didn’t see too many people on the trail on our way up, but we did get passed by a few small groups while I was stopped taking photos.
Lower Dead Horse Creek by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
End of the Line by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Closeup by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Whitewater by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Flow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
From the Side by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Rushing Water by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Rushing by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Dead Horse Creek by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
When we reached the end of the trail we checked out the beautiful Hanging Lake and took the short side trip to Spouting Rock for a while, but we left as soon as it started to get busy. On our way back down the trail we passed a lot of people coming up. There was even a school bus full of kids in the parking lot ready to start the hike when we got back. I’m glad we had an early start and enjoyed a little bit of solitude on the trail!
The beautiful Hanging Lake. If you look all the way to the left on the large tree in the water you might notice two ducks that were hanging around the lake all morning.
Hanging Lake by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Bridal Veil Falls by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
We walked to an area behind the falls and found this little rainbow in the sunlight.
Bridal Veil Falls Rainbow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
The sun blocked by Spouting Rock.
Sunlight Through Spouting Rock by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
This photos was taken from behind and under Spouting Rock. It was impossible to keep myself and camera dry under here!
Behind the Falls by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
A couple more views of Bridal Veil Falls before we hiked back down.
Twin Reflection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
One Waterfall by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
After the hike, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for a delicious burger from GRIND and then walked around downtown for a little while. On our way back home we made a quick stop at Rifle Falls State Park to visit yet another waterfall. It was a very nice way to spend a weekday off from work.
The light wasn’t great for photos of these falls, but I did manage to catch a nice rainbow at the base of the falls in this photo.
Rifle Falls Rainbow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Behind by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
I have a Canon 23I. How are you getting the water pictures. I love how they turn out and am just learning to use my camera. What speed should I use?
Cindy, you will need to use a low shutter speed to blur the moving water. Use a tripod to hold your camera still and possibly a neutral density filter to slow down the shutter speed. It’s best to shoot moving water when it’s all in the shade to get this effect…overcast days work well. Hope this information helps.