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| Emerald Lake |
The area does not have the same density or expanse of lakes as Grand County or Grand Mesa, but what it lacks in water acreage it makes up for in scenery. The three lakes featured below all make for a great afternoon (or morning) to complement a half-day of mountain biking or hiking in the Crested Butte area.
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| Vicinity Map |
Lake Irwin
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| Lake Irwin |
Lake Irwin Info: [key]
Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 1
Non-motorized
Use: High
Fee: None for day use
Access: 2WD Dirt
Full elev = 10345;
Lake Irwin is probably the most popular SUP location near Crested Butte. Many people renting paddleboards from town bring them to Lake Irwin and the area can be fairly busy on summer weekends. At the west end of the lake is a large conglomerate ramp that dips down to the water and makes for a nice place to sit near the shore when not on the water. Lake Irwin is the trailhead for the Scarp Ridge hiking trail and the beginning of the Dyke Trail singletrack, so there are plenty of options to fill out a day. There is also a campground here.
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| Lake Irwin |
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| Lake Irwin |
Emerald Lake
Tiny Emerald Lake sits in a green, protected alcove just below Schofield Pass on the east side. The road is rough 2WD that is not easily passable for low clearance vehicles. This area can see a lot of visitation from campers and mountain bikers climbing up to the 401, but far fewer people actually go on the water. The approach road may be blocked by snowfields or avalanche debris well into July. Inquire locally about conditions or check the trail conditions page (Gothic Area) on the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association site.
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| Emerald Lake |
Emerald Lake Info: [key]
Scenery: 5
Shoreline Interest: 1
Non-motorized
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: None
Access: High Clearance 2WD Dirt
Full elev = 10465;
Shoreline Interest: 1
Non-motorized
Use: Moderate-high
Fee: None
Access: High Clearance 2WD Dirt
Full elev = 10465;
Lost Lake Slough
Slightly further from the town, Lost Lake Slough is in the West Elk Mountains on the west side of Kebler Pass. From Crested Butte, the Lost Lake area is about 16 miles west of Crested Butte on Kebler Pass Road (CR 12; gravel), then about 2 miles south on Lost Lake Road (CR 706; gravel but rough in spots). There is a developed campground at the end of the road and several dispersed, primitive sites along roads 706 and 12. The area sees heightened use in July and August, but visitation drops in September. However, dry years may see the lake draw down to a large bog by the fall. The photos here, however, are mid-september and the lake is full.
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| Lost Lake Slough |
Lost Lake Slough Info: [key]
Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 2
Non-motorized
Use: Moderate
Fee: $4 or as posted
Access: Rough Gravel
Full elev = 9625; best when full,
Shoreline Interest: 2
Non-motorized
Use: Moderate
Fee: $4 or as posted
Access: Rough Gravel
Full elev = 9625; best when full,
There are actually two lakes here that contain the name "Lost." The vehicle-accessible lake at the campground is Lost Lake Slough. Lost Lake (proper) is actually about a half mile south. Lost Lake is smaller and accessible by trail. A third lake--Dollar Lake--is about 0.8 miles southeast. A pleasant 2.8 mile hiking loop links all three lakes and complements an afternoon or morning on the water at Lost Lake Slough.
The Colorado playground that is Crested Butte has plenty of incentive to bring (or rent) a stand-up paddleboard. Abiding to the character of the region, all of these lakes have spectacular locations with colorful surroundings. Whats more, they all offer a pleasant complement to a half day on the trail or in the saddle. Wherever you decide to go, have fun (always easy in CB) and be safe!
Classic Crested Butte (just add mountain bike)
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| Trail 401 |
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