we went to do this hike again this year and it was closed for renovations, if for nothing else it should be a safer hike for the future, those railing were pretty scary.
I went the day before they shut the trail down to fix I-70. There were only two other people on the trail; it was snowing the whole time. Gorgeous canyon and the lake at the top! I was also told to go on the trail that begins near the end of the Hanging Lake Trail. I can't remember the name of it, though... I didn't have the time to then, so I plan on doing it before long!
I went the day before they shut the trail down to fix I-70. There were only two other people on the trail; it was snowing the whole time. Gorgeous canyon and the lake at the top! I was also told to go on the trail that begins near the end of the Hanging Lake Trail. I can't remember the name of it, though... I didn't have the time to then, so I plan on doing it before long!
I bet it was beautiful in the snow! I'm sure it made the hike a tad more challenging though.
I work in the Glenwood Canyon, still haven't been up to the lake. The trail was closed this summer for a lot of renovation of the trail and boardwalk at the lake, they were using a helicopter to ferry materials up, so did not want hikers on the trail. I recommend not going on a major holiday, Labor Day, etc as the rest area parking is limited and can get exceptionally busy. If there is not parking you will be turned away by the park service. Do not park on the off ramp or block the bridge by the dam or you WILL be towed. Just trying to save you a headache.