Convict Lake - Eastern Sierra Fall Colors
Convict Lake is a natural gem and one of the rare lakes found in the Eastern Sierra that is easily accessible to all. This week we’re exploring Convict Lake just in time for the fantastic Fall colors found here.
Lake Location & Topography
Located just off Highway 395 in Mono County, a few miles south of the Mammoth Lakes community, Convict Lake is situated in the Inyo National Forest and the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This alpine lake sits at 7,850 ft above sea level and is constantly fed by underground streams and higher back-country lakes in the John Muir Wilderness. The lake itself is fairly small at just under a mile in length, but it’s well known for its crystal clear turquoise-blue water and dramatic mountain views. In fact at nearly 140 ft deep, this is one of the deepest lakes in the Eastern Sierra, and the water is so clear you can often see 20-30 down here.
History
This lake was long known by the name Wit-sa-nap given to it by the local Paiute people who thrived here before miners settled into the area in the 1800s. European settlers gave this lake the short lived name “Diablo Lake”. Then in September 1871, a group of inmates escaped from prison in Carson City, NV and fled to this area where a deadly shootout ensued, and the name Convict Lake was given to this spot. Nearby Morrison and Mono peaks were named for Wells Fargo agent Robert Morrison and Native American deputy Mono Jim, who were killed during the shootout. For more on the the prisoner escape and shootout, see this article.
Activities
This lake is probably best known for its fine trout fishing (stocked frequently) and the fishing derbies held throughout the season here. Convict Lake Resort offers fishing classes as well as guided fishing trips, and the Convict Lake General Store is available to supply all your vacation needs. If you’re not an avid angler, you can still enjoy the water with an afternoon of kayaking around the lake. At just under 3 miles, one of my favorite activities here is to take the Convict Lake Loop Trail for a hike around the rim of this lake. For the more adventurous, the 9 mile Convict Creek Trail to Mildred Lake is an excellent hike, and overnight backpackers enjoy the Convict Lake Trailhead as the gateway to an amazing back country adventure in the John Muir Wilderness with Lake Dorothy, Lake Genevieve, and Laurel Lakes being popular destinations. The Forest Service operates 85 campsites here that can be booked through Recreation.gov with picnic tables, bathrooms and showers…but no hook-ups and some spots are designated for tent-only campers.
Convict Lake Resort
Originally established as Convict Lake Camp in 1929, Convict Lake Resort is base camp for many who visit this area. The resort is home to wonderful lodging, including 28 cabins and 3 lodges, along with The Aspen Grill, The Restaurant at Convict Lake (my personal favorite spot to eat here) and Morrison’s for delicious dining. The resort Marina is open from dawn until dusk with pontoon boats, motor boats, kayaks and paddle boards…all available for rent. This resort is also a popular local spot for weddings and special events, and guided horse back rides are also offered around the lake. It’s important to always drive careful as you approach the resort & lake, as wildlife is abundant here. You can occasionally see black bears in the area and often deer in the early evening hours around the lake.
Know Before You Go
• Covict Lake is scheduled to open along with the rest of California’s National Forest areas this weekend 9/18/21.
• This lake is beautiful to visit anytime of year. In Spring you can enjoy beautiful wildflowers, in Summer the trout are always biting, in Fall the Aspen light up the lake with bright orange and yellow colors, and during the Winter this is a white snowy wonderland.
• A short (1/3 mile) paved path leads around the southwest section of the lake to a wheelchair accessible viewing and fishing platform.
• Bathrooms and trash receptacles are available near the parking entrance area.
• Swimming is allowed at Convict Lake, but it’s important be aware of motorized watercrafts, cold water temperatures, and fishing hooks/line near the shore.
• Leashed dogs are allowed on the forest service land.
• Please remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place beautiful for all to enjoy.
• In Inyo National Forest visitors must store food in a manner that prevents bears or other animals from gaining access. It’s important to be bear aware here.
Top 10 Eastern Sierra Fall Colors
1. North Lake
2. Lake Sabrina
3. Intake II
4. Round Valley
5. Pine Creek Canyon
6. Owens River
7. Convict Lake
8. Aspendell
9. South Lake
10. Bishop Creek
See THIS POST for a list of the most incredible lakes in and around Mammoth.
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me this week at Convict Lake. For a virtual visit, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
