What activities are available at Lake Irene?

Lake Irene offers Hiking, Walking, Bird Watching, Picnicking.

What amenities does Lake Irene have?

Lake Irene has Vault Toilets, Parking, Picnic Areas, Unpaved Trail.

Where is Lake Irene located?

Lake Irene is located in Grand County, Colorado.

Lake Irene

lake

Grand County, Colorado

4.9(35 reviews)

About Lake Irene

Lake Irene is a small, emerald-green alpine lake inside Rocky Mountain National Park, accessible from Trail Ridge Road in Grand County. With a 4.9-star rating from visitors, it consistently ranks among the most beloved stops in the park. The hike is short and easy with minimal elevation change, making it one of the best lake destinations in RMNP for families with young children and visitors who want alpine scenery without a strenuous outing.

The trail to Lake Irene starts directly from a small parking lot along Trail Ridge Road. The walk takes only a few minutes and follows a gentle path through dense evergreen forest to the lakeshore. On calm days, the lake surface acts like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding pine and spruce trees in vivid green. Photographers describe it as one of the most photogenic spots in the park, with several visitors specifically praising its mirror-like reflections and noting it as a prime location for Milky Way photography after dark.

Wildlife sightings are a major draw. Reviewers report seeing moose, elk, deer, bats, and bears in the area. Early morning visits offer the best chance of spotting animals and enjoying the lake in solitude before daytime crowds arrive. Birds and wildflowers fill the forest floor and tree canopy during summer months, adding to the sensory experience.

The parking lot is small, holding roughly a dozen cars. Arriving early is important since spots fill quickly during peak hours in summer. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead, and picnic tables sit near the parking area for quick stops. A stream runs near the trail, adding to the atmosphere, especially during spring snowmelt. In June, snow can still cover parts of the trail, so waterproof footwear is a good idea for early-season visits. The lake also serves as the starting point for the Ute Trail, a longer hike that extends deeper into the park. Rocky Mountain National Park entry requires a timed-entry reservation during peak season, so plan accordingly.

Reviews (10)

Monica Breckenridge Pink Realty

Beautiful lake with pine tree reflection in lake.

Mirko Paganelli

📍 Questo lago alpino, spicca tra il verde degli abeti, ed è tanto bello quanto facile da raggiungere. Un breve trail, che parte direttamente dal parcheggio, vi condurrà rapidamente al cospetto di questo specchio d'acqua. Come qualsiasi altra attrazione naturale del Rocky Mountains National Park è bene arrivare presto per godere della sua atmosfera tranquilla e per tentare di avvistare qualche animale nei paraggi (come ad esempio i cervi). All'inizio del trail vi sono anche alcune panche e tavolini per una merenda al volo. 🅿️ L'inizio del trail coincide con il piccolo parcheggio a disposizione dei visitatori. Data la poca capienza dello stesso (probabilmente una dozzina di auto) è bene avviarsi per tempo per evitare di non trovare posto nelle ore più trafficate del parco. 🚾 Adiacenti al parcheggio vi sono un paio di bagni a disposizione dei visitatori. 📸 Il posto è talmente bello e surreale che difficilmente ve ne andrete senza aver scattato almeno una decina di foto! Sicuramente avrete la possibilità di fotografare il lago come fosse la superficie di uno specchio. In una giornata senza vento, grazie anche alle sue piccole dimensioni, lo rendono perfetto per scatti " a specchio".

Richard Redmerski

Great short walk around an alpine lake in the Rocky Mountains.

Bob M

Beautiful spot!

Julie Edwards

Gorgeous views and giant Elk! So peaceful here!

Dorota Zięba

Lake Irene znajduje się przy Trial Ridge Road, prowadzi do niego łatwa i krótka ścieżka. Jest bardzo urokliwe. Było trochę śniegu , chociaż byliśmy w czerwcu. Niedaleko jest wododział oraz piękne jezioro pudrowe.

Brian Baker

Little lake with a little trail to it. There are outhouses at the trailhead parking area.

Gil Oakes

I think Lake Irene is my favorite place in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you go early, you will be alone.

Kim Davis

Beautiful short walk to the lake. Lovely serene area!

Srujana Mereddy

Lake Irine stands out as one of the most stunning lakes I've had the privilege to explore. Its tranquil and serene ambiance contributes to the mesmerizing reflection of lush green trees upon its surface, creating an enchanting vista. Nestled within the Rocky Mountains, this picturesque lake provides a serene escape that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially while sitting by its shores.