Hanging Lake Trail Isn't Overcrowded, Hikers Say

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Surveys indicate that most hikers to a popular scenic Colorado lake say they don't think the trail is too crowded. The Post Independent reported Sunday that a survey conducted of 1,100 people after they hiked to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon shows that more than 95% did not think it was overcrowded.

May was the first month access to the site has been limited to 615 visitors per day under a management plan that aimed to reduce crowding and protect the ecosystem.

The Forest Service and Glenwood Springs contracted H2O Ventures to operate a shuttle and reservation system for the site.

Ken Murphy of H2O says the shuttle drops off no more than 44 people at the trailhead every 45 minutes, so the crowd spreads out as they hike.

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