Lake Irwin

We know cooling off in an alpine lake is one of the best parts of summer in the mountains. There are three large reservoirs, four rivers and multiple alpine lakes in the Gunnison Valley. Explore other ways to enjoy the water in the Gunnison Valley while Lake Irwin is closed.

With over 90 miles of shoreline, Blue Mesa is Colorado’s largest lake. It has four boat ramps, multiple beaches, and several picnic and day use areas. Water activities at Blue Mesa include motorboating, sailboating, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Hiking, gravel biking, birdwatching and horseback riding are also ways to enjoy Blue Mesa.

Located in Taylor Park, Taylor Reservoir has stunning views to enjoy while playing in the lake. Motorboating, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing are all available at Taylor Reservoir. There is one marina, which also has a small store that sells necessities and offers boat and gear rentals. Taylor Park is also one of Colorado’s most popular spots for off-roading. 

Emerald Lake is about 30 minutes from Crested Butte on the route to Schofield Pass. It’s unique because it offers an alpine lake experience that you can drive to, as long as you have 4WD. Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding are all favorite activities at Emerald Lake. 

Learn more about these lakes, lake hikes, the rivers and more ways to enjoy the water in the Gunnison Valley with our Lakes Guide. 

The nearby town of Irwin sprang up after silver was discovered in the area in the late 1870s. A true boomtown, it briefly grew into a bustling mining camp of thousands of residents. In its heyday, Irwin had a newspaper, hundreds of buildings, a post office, a bank, a theatre, a weekly newspaper, five daily stages from Gunnison to Irwin in the summer and even fire hydrants. Named for prospector Dick Irwin, the town declined as the mines closed and was largely abandoned by the 1920s. Today, a few cabins that are used seasonally remain in the Irwin townsite.

Forest Queen Mine in Irwin, Colorado. Courtesy of Denver Public Library. 

Lake Irwin offers different things to do and different scenery depending on the time of year.

Summer is the best time of year for enjoying the lake. It’s easy to drive to, so you can load up the car with a paddleboard, kayak or fishing gear. Wildflowers are on display, and days are warm and sunny. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains, so check the weather and wrap up your adventures before the weather turns.  

Fall brings fewer people and crisp, cool weather. The hiking and biking trails in the area burst with gold, red, and orange as the aspens change. Lake Irwin is also an easy stop while driving Kebler Pass. This scenic drive has some of the best leaf peeping in the state.

Kebler Pass is home to a massive aspen grove and is a relatively easy drive. Drive it from Crested Butte to Paonia or check out the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway for breathtaking fall views.

Lake Irwin is closed during Crested Butte’s snowy winter and spring and is not accessible by standard vehicles. Snowmobilers and backcountry skiers can take advantage of the snowy terrain. Snowmobilers must stay on National Forest land and not venture into wilderness areas. Take care to stay off private property as well.

Lake Irwin makes an easy addition to a larger Crested Butte adventure. Crested Butte is just a short drive away for restaurants, shops, galleries and places to stay. The town of Gunnison is about 36 miles south of Lake Irwin. For a bigger hiking adventure, trails in the surrounding Elk Mountains lead into higher alpine terrain, including routes toward Scarp Ridge and other scenic backcountry destinations.

One of the best mountain bike trails close to Lake Irwin is Dyke Trail. This 5.2-mile trail starts right at the lake and is rated challenging. It’s known for breathtaking fall colors, technical descents and challenging climbs.

Check out Gunnison for biking at Hartman Rocks, shopping and dining on Main Street, hiking in Curecanti National Recreation Area, and more. If you want to check out more old mining areas, explore these hikes to Colorado’s abandoned mining camps. Find more lakes to visit in the Gunnison Valley on our lakes guide. Always check current road and trail conditions before heading out and be mindful of private property in the Irwin area.

Q: Where is Lake Irwin?
A: Lake Irwin is located about nine miles west of Crested Butte in the Gunnison National Forest, along Kebler Pass Road. The lake sits at approximately 10,200 feet in elevation and is surrounded by the Ruby Mountains, spruce and fir forests, and high-alpine meadows.

Q: What can you do at Lake Irwin?
A: Lake Irwin is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, picnicking and camping. The calm lake is well suited to canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, while nearby trails provide opportunities to explore the surrounding high country. In winter, the area becomes a destination for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing when conditions allow.

Q: Can you fish at Lake Irwin?
A: Yes. Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Irwin, which is known for its trout fishing. Be sure to have a valid Colorado fishing license and check current regulations before fishing.

Q: Can you swim in Lake Irwin?
A: Swimming is possible, but the water is cold even during summer. Lake Irwin is a high-elevation alpine lake, so visitors should use caution and be aware that conditions can change quickly.

Q: Can you camp at Lake Irwin?
A: Lake Irwin Campground is a developed Forest Service campground located beside the lake. The campground has historically offered 32 campsites, along with picnic tables, fire rings and other basic amenities. However, the campground closes on September 8, 2026, for a major reconstruction project and is not expected to reopen until 2028.

Q: Is Lake Irwin closing in 2026?
A: The Lake Irwin Campground will close on September 8, 2026, its regular seasonal closing date. It will remain closed during reconstruction. The day-use area will remain open for the remainder of the 2026 season, although visitors may encounter temporary closures or restricted areas as construction work begins.

Q: Why is Lake Irwin being closed?
A: The Lake Irwin campground and day use area were originally developed decades ago, and many of the facilities have reached the end of their useful life. The U.S. Forest Service is undertaking a full reconstruction to improve safety, accessibility and the visitor experience while updating the area for current recreation needs.

Q: What improvements are planned at Lake Irwin?
A: The reconstruction will include expanded parking and camping capacity. Roads, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, and kiosks will also be rebuilt or updated. The project is expected to continue through 2027, with a grand reopening planned for June 2028.

Q: Will Lake Irwin be accessible during the 2027 season?
A: No. A full public closure is planned for the 2027 recreation season, including National Forest System Road 826, which provides access to the Lake Irwin area. Visitors should check current Forest Service information before planning a trip, as access details may change.

Q: When will Lake Irwin reopen?
A: The current plan calls for Lake Irwin to reopen June 2028, following the completion of the campground and day-use area reconstruction. Visitors should check with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests for the latest construction schedule and access information before traveling.

Q: Can I visit Lake Irwin in winter?
A: Winter access and recreation are different from summer. Snow closes the roads to regular vehicle traffic, and the area is used for activities such as snowmobiling and backcountry skiing when conditions permit. Winter visitors should check current road, trail and avalanche conditions and be prepared for remote, high-elevation winter travel.