camping outside Crested Butte

In honor of Owen's 5th birthday, we did a google search for "Mount Owen," which I remembered vaguely from some topo map. Sure enough, we found an honest-to-goodess "Mount Owen" in the Ruby Range west of Crested Butte. We also discovered nearby Lake Irwin campground. The website claimed it was "the prettiest campground in North America." We were skeptical, but left Thursday night after work and hoped for the best.

We rolled in around 11pm and lucked out with the one remaining campsite. It wasn't until we woke up that we realized we'd landed prime real estate: a lakefront view!

Too bad I was too exhausted and sick to wake up at the crack of dawn with the boys. That's what Daddies are for, right?

After breakfast we explored the lake.

Our second night we got bumped from our campsite, but in exchange for an outhouse, we got to plunk ourselves down in a Sound of Music situation. Who needs an outhouse when you have a shovel? We love dispersed camping. No leash for the dog, no neighbors blasting radios, more space and privacy. And check out that morning view!

the birthday boy

The next day, we hopped in the trusty Pathfinder and wandered over to Lost Lake. Looks like they have truly lost part of the lake this year, but we didn't mind the mud. "Can't go over it, can't go under it, we've got to go THROUGH IT!"

New day, new adventuring. This time we meandered north of Crested Butte on Gothic Road toward Schofield Pass. So glad we got the off-road package on the Pathfinder! 

Emerald Lake, beside Schofield Pass, at 10,700 feet

all that fresh air makes us hungry!

Just outside of the adorable town of Crested Butte. Have we mentioned that if it weren't 4+ hours from an international airport (and insanely expensive), we would seriously consider moving to Crested Butte?

Happy Birthday to the sweetest Owen in the world!