Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A very popular spot outside of Crested Butte for locals and visitors alike, Lake Irwin is a beautiful place to camp or spend the day. Just a short drive up the Kebler Pass Road, which is spectacular with color in September, the small lake offers great recreation options. The Ruby Mountain Range lies to the west and the views from any point on the lake shore are spectacular. Mid-July is generally best for wildflowers, which can be abundant.

There is a campground here with some sites right near the lake and others with a lake view. There is a small picnic area near the lake outlet and a lot of beach real estate for swimming and fishing. The loop trail around the lake is flat and easy with great views of the surrounding mountains. And, of course, the lake offers a tranquil place for paddling kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful scenery. Nice lake. Great campground. Scenic loop trail.

Cons

Popular. Rough access road.

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Vault toilet
Potable water
Picnic tables
Near lake or river
Wildflowers
Big vistas
Waterfalls
Fishing

Location

Nearby Adventures

Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sawatch Range + Elk Mountains, Colorado

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