Overview
Mount Owen is the only 13er in the Ruby Range, above Lake Irwin west of Crested Butte. Because of private land, the route now climbs Trail 9419 to Point 12,212, follows the ridge around the head of Robinson Basin, drops to old mining roads above Green Lake, and climbs a steep tundra slope to Owen's summit ridge.
It is Class 2: easy trail, then faint paths and old roads, then about 600 feet of steep tundra and a talus or scree finish. Early in summer there can be snow in the gullies.
The round trip is about 9.1 miles with about 3,860 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates. Adding Ruby Peak, an easy mile along the ridge, makes it about 10.1 miles and 4,260 feet.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be at the road above Green Lake by 10:30 a.m.
Finding the way down from the ridge to the old mining roads, and the steep slope to the summit ridge.
Moderate. After Point 12,212, follow the ridge west around Robinson Basin. At its north-northwest end, look for an old road dropping onto a shelf, then drop south to about 11,500 feet.
Little on the ridge. Carry what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Lake Irwin
From Highway 135 in Crested Butte, turn west on Whiterock Avenue, which becomes County Road 12 toward Kebler Pass. About 9 miles from town, half a mile before the top of Kebler Pass, turn right on the signed road to Lake Irwin and stay left for 2 miles to the lake.
Cars can cross the spillway dam, pass the campground entrance, bear right at a junction, and go right at a flat ridge with cabins. The road drops through switchbacks, crosses a drainage, then climbs southeast (rough in spots for low cars), switchbacks north, and ends at an old closed lodge. You can't park at the lodge; use the pull-offs on the road below it.
Lake Irwin Campground has 32 sites with water and toilets; some can be reserved. There are a few primitive spots along the road in.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Lake Irwin. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →