Lake Irwin, a beautiful, mountain-ringed lake, is a popular family destination adjoining the once-thriving town of Irwin. (Now a ghost town except for a few modern homes.)  From Gunnison, travel north on Ohio Creek Road (CR 730) to Kepler Pass Road
Continued north to USFS Road 826 and drive 1.5 miles to lake.  In the year 1870, Richard Irwin (for whom the camp of Irwin in Gunnison County was named) discovered a lode near Rosita Springs. Earlier finds had been made but were never developed. The "good-looking float" Irwin found in June wasn't as easily found in the feet-deep snow drifts barring his way when he returned on a stormy December night. The vein was located and specimens sent to the Denver Mint. The rush began.

This trail is do able in almost any 2wd car and does not require high ground clearance.  Lake Irwin is at N38°38.942' Latitude and W106°20.638' Longitude with an elevation of 10,510 ft.  

Lake Irwin is stocked regularly with rainbow trout there are also brook trout in the lake.  Flies I have had success with at this lake include, black ants, griffen gnats, copper johns, or any other small fly.  Hardware that works well there would include blue fox spinners, kastmasters, and thomas bouyants.  Salmon eggs and night crawlers are the baits of choice.

This list is intended as a guide only and no responsibility is taken for any incident arising from mis-information. The ultimate responsibility as to whether the trail is safe to travel, within the capabilities of yourself and your vehicle, or indeed open at all, is taken by YOU.

To view more pictures of the trails, mines, and lakes check out our Lake Irwin Gallery.