Lake Irwin, Crested Butte - Gunnison National Forest

Couple of days ago we decided to do a casual hike around Lake Irwin which is located just west of Crested Butte, in the Gunnison National Forest.  A campground is also located at the lake and even though motorized watercraft are not allowed on the lake, it was very heavily used by kayakers, canoeists, paddle boarders, fishing folks, and swimmers.  There is a large rock at the edge of the lake and the kids were having a great time jumping off of it into the water.  Not sure of the temperature of the water, had to be cold since the lake is made up of snow melt from the mountains above it.

First look at the lake once we parked car

We needed to drive into Crested Butte again to catch the route to take us over Kebler Pass and to Lake Irwin, also known as Lake Brennand.  So, so many people in town, amazing.  After about a 30 minute drive up out of the town and along the Kebler Pass Road, we found the cut-off to the lake and continued on.  Lots of folks heading there to play.

Well defined path around lake

Many ducks (this is one), kayaks, small sailboats dotted the shoreline, waiting

The walk was beautiful.  We just not be flat-landers anymore, getting used to the elevation Were at 10,510 feet).  Saw some lovely homes tucked up back from the water, we thought they were summer homes only.  A huge lodge sits way above the lake, the lodge is open all year.  Hunting and snowmobiling and cross country skiing is the norm for the winter months.

Had to cross small streams to continue around

Wildflowers were in abundance, amazing no mosquitos or bugs to deal with, just had a please stroll.  Stopped on the other side of the lake to have a lunch, continued on and was blessed with a pretty little waterfall that we had no idea was in the plans to view. Nice day in the mountains of Colorado.

Lots and lots of wildflowers

Our lunch spot, very serene

Bonus!

Lodge is so tucked up in the mountain, can barely see it 

Lots of kids yelling and screaming when they were jumping in

On our way home, only in Colorado!  Cows running along roadway
while cowboys on horses and ATVs run after them.