Hanging Valley Lake Trail

The feel

The trail leaves the South Fork Eagle River trail about half a mile past the bridge, unmarked, and climbs steeply at first before it levels out over the lip of the valley. Behind you the Eagle River Valley and South Fork Eagle River spread out below. Ahead, Hurdygurdy dominates the hanging valley.

A lake sits on a tundra plateau with a waterfall flowing down to the valley floor, and small tarns dot the valley, which makes good camping. At the far end is the Hanging Valley Tarn in a secluded cirque, with wildflowers, alpine mosses and Arctic ground squirrels. Gulls, harlequin ducks and Barrow's goldeneye stop at the lake.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 10.1 miles total, with 2001 ft of gain and a high point of 3961 ft. The route is steep at first, then levels out through the valley. The trail can fade as you crest the ridge after the bridge; at the next intersection, take the branch that heads straight up. At the plateau lake, use the left side of the moraine to reach the top, because the sides are steep with scree.

Time

About 5.5 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

Very popular. On a busy summer weekend with nice weather, cars overflow the lot and line the road.

Parking

Take the Eagle River Loop/Hiland Road exit off the Glenn Highway, follow Hiland Road, turn right on South Creek Road, then right on West River Drive. The parking area is on the left, and the trail begins at its back left corner.

Dogs

Allowed. Carry water for a dog.

Hazards

The first stretch is across private property until the bridge, so stay on the trail. The scree on the moraine sides is steep.

Bathrooms and water

No water sources except boggy ground between the bridge and the trailhead, so bring your own.

Season and access

June to September.

Mingo says

Go between June and September and aim for a weekday. A nice summer weekend fills the lot and spills cars along the road.

Before you go

• Pack all the water you need, and carry water for a dog if one is coming.
• Stay on the trail across the private property before the bridge.
• Watch for the fork after the ridge crest and take the branch heading straight up.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.