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LakeQuality

A waterfall that gushes straight out of the cliff face about 200 feet above Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon; reached via a strenuous permit-required ~1.2-mile (one-way) climb plus a short spur.

Height
Not measured
Type
Horsetail
Access
Moderate Hike
Trail
2.6 mi out-and-back
Elevation gain
1,200 ft
Best season
Late spring to fall
Land manager
U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest)
Watercourse
Dead Horse Creek (East Fork)

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Frequently Asked Questions

No measured height is on record for Spouting Rock in the land-manager and survey sources this inventory draws on. We list it without a height rather than estimating one.

The Hanging Lake Trail (Spouting Rock spur) reaches it about 2.6 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 1,200 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Glenwood Springs. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest) for closures and current conditions.

Late spring to fall. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

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