Hanging Lake 
PHOTO TOURS / SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Hanging Lake is an amazing and unique location for photography in Colorado.  Hands down it is the most "lush" location that I know of in Colorado.  It's like a small rain forest eco-system trapped in the Rocky Mountains.  Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, and perched on a cliff side, it is a unique ecosystem composed of springs and unusual geologic features that support uncommon hanging gardens and special bird communities. In the summer, black swifts can be seen patrolling the sky for insects high above  

Hanging Lake.  In the evening, adults return to their moss-bound nests to feed their young.

This emerald green lake is bordered with a long line of waterfalls.  The cliff walls are adorned with moss, ferns, flowers and greenery of all types.  Seriously, this is not the normal dry Colorado environment we're used to.   

The hike to the lake and falls is just over one mile, but it's a steep mile (gaining more than 1,000 vertical feet).  Along the path runs a small cascading crick which provides us with lots of colorful mossy photographs along the way.  Since water is moving everywhere we go you will absolutely want to bring a neutral density filter and a tripod on this trek.  Without these two pieces of equipment you can't produce the elongated "brush stroke" look produced by the moving water using long exposures.

During the summer months we will also be able to capture plenty of amazing flowers and insects along side the lake.  Be sure to bring your macro lens.  And in the winter months the water's will freeze allowing us to capture frozen waterfalls and icy cliff sides.  It's a sight you won't likely see anywhere else.

Above the Hanging Lake waterfalls is yet another waterfall called Spout Rock.  While not as attractive as the Hanging Lake falls, this waterfall is easily accessed from behind and allows you to play in the fall or just get a great family photo behind the fall.