Convict Lake Loop Trail – Mammoth Lakes, CA

Since we camped at the BLM land near the hot springs, Convict Lake is only a hop, skip and a jump away. On our last trip to Mammoth Lakes, we only made a quick stop here. So, we decided to come back and check out the loop trail around Convict Lake. Cradled in the middle of the dramatic mountain ranges in the Sierra Nevada, this lake is known for its magnificent turquoise blue water, beautiful scenery, and its unusual history. This hike is one of the best, colorful fall color hikes around the Mammoth Lakes area. It is also the start of a few other more advanced hikes such as the hike to Mildred Lake or Dorothy Lake.

STATS:

Where:
Convict Lake trailhead: (near Convict Lake resort)
37°36’00.8″N 118°51’13.6″W

2nd trailhead: (near the boat launch/boat rental office)
37°35’42.3″N 118°51’09.5″W

3rd trailhead:
37°35’21.0″N 118°51’15.9″W

Fee:
It’s free!

Parking: 
There are decent sized parking lots at each trailhead. You can also park along the streets at certain spots. Please make sure to park ONLY where you’re supposed to and pulled close to the shoulders, out of traffic.

Restrooms: 
There are several restrooms near the trailheads and camground.

Distance: 
It’s 2.5 miles loop around the lake or 3.3 miles R.T from the trailhead parking lot near the resort.

Elevation Gain: 
from 200 – 400ft elevation depending on which trailhead you take

Level: 
Easy

Estimated Completion Time:
1 -1.5 hours

Ideal Weather: 
Best use from June – November. Dry, cooler days are the best. Falls and Winter are beautiful here, however, the trail is not maintained during Winter so it can be icy and dangerous.,

Ideal Time: 
During summertime, early morning is the best time if you want to get parking. Convict Lake is a popular spot not just for hiking, but also for swimming, fishing, boat, etc. Therefore, the parking lots fill up VERY fast. It also gets really warm during the day too.

Pet-friendly: 
Yes

Weather:

VIDEO:

HISTORY:

Convict Lake has quite an unusual history. The lake was known by the Paiute as Wit-sa-nap. It was renamed to Convict Lake after an incident that happened on September 23, 1871. A group of convicts escaped from a prison in Carson City and hid near the lake. They were soon cornered by a posse at the lake’s outlet, where a shootout broke out. This encounter killed or wounded several members from both sides. One of them was a banker from the posse, Robert Morrison. Because of that, they named the mountain nearby after him, Mt. Morrison.

GETTING THERE:

To start the Convict Lake Loop trail, there are several options. The longest and steepest option starts at the trailhead near the Convict Lake Resort. The other two are the same as far as distance and difficulty. There is a sign near the resort, that points towards the parking lot for the trailhead. If you want to burn additional calories, this one will take you up and down a steep path before getting to the lake.

The second trailhead is next to the boat launch/boat rental office. To get there, make a right at the dead-end on Convict Lake Road.

The third trailhead is after the campground. Instead of making a right at the dead-end of Convict Lake Road, you’ll make a left, and follow the road until the end of the road.

THE ADVENTURE:

We got to the trailhead bright and early around 9 am. The parking was starting to fill up already. This is a popular hike, not only for hikers like us but also for fishermen and families that want to find a secluded beach to set up their beach gear for the day. We decided to start at the 3rd trailhead since we were there on our last visit. There is plenty of shade in the first half of the hike. However, the other half will get plenty of sun. It is better to go counter-clockwise (starts at 2nd trailhead) if you want to get the exposed part out of the way first.

This part of the trail is mostly shaded. The view is of the lake against the majestic mountains is breathtaking. There are many little beaches sprinkled along the trail. They are perfect rest stops if you decide to take a break and put your feet in the water or go fishing. We stopped at almost every single turn-out just to admire the view. The water can be freezing cold depending on the time of the year that you’re visiting. In August, it wasn’t as bad. Both of us took a few plunges in the water. It was super refreshing after the hot hike.

Convict Lake Loop trail eventually takes you through dense groves of aspens and cottonwoods, as it curves around the backside of the lake. This area is especially beautiful during the fall when the trees change their leaves. There are many quiet coves along this way too, perfect for an afternoon nap or a picnic.

At around 0.9 miles, the dirt trail turns into a long wooden boardwalk. This boardwalk is elevated above the sensitive habitat and also helps you cross over several inlet streams that run out to the lake. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a small water crossing to go to the other side. Depending on the season, this crossing can get bigger or icy.

At 1.5 miles, there is a fork on the road with a directional sign for Mildred and Dorothy Lake. Unless you are prepared for these two more advanced hikes, you can keep going straight to complete the loop.

This part of the Convict Lake Loop trail is exposed. There aren’t a lot of tall trees to provide shade. Most of the vegetation is shrubbery. You’ll also be up higher on the side of the lake so there are fewer spots to gain access to the water until you get near the parking lot. The view from this side is as equally beautiful.

Once you get to the parking lot, you can follow along the road to get back to your car. There is a small paved walking trail that runs along the lake here. As a little added treat for us, we actually came across a beautiful doe. She was just casually walking along the trail with us. If you come across these beautiful creatures, please give them plenty of room and DO NOT pet them. They are wild animals and both of you can get hurt.

There are many things to do here in Mammoth Lakes. If you’re into unique rock formations, check out Devils Postpile. From here, you can also hike to Rainbow Falls, one of the best waterfalls in this area! Another beautiful hike here is Crystal Lake Hike. If you’re up for the challenge, Duck Lake Pass is one of the most beautiful trails here in the Eastern Sierra. However, it will totally kick your butt. Also, don’t forget to check out the hot springs in Mammoth. They are especially wonderful after a long hike!

If you have time, check out the mysterious Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the fascinating roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!

RECOMMEND GEAR:

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

The majority of these links are through our affiliate links so if you buy something, it is at no extra cost for you but it helps us support the site. That being said, don’t buy something just to support us, buy something if you think it will enhance your travels and adventures. 

•  Hiking shoes
It’s an easy hike, however, there are some rocky areas. It’s good to wear your hiking shoes. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.

•  Snacks/Lunch
There are so many great spots to have a picnic around here. Bring your lunch or snacks with you if you plan to stay here for a while.

•  Sunscreen
The trail can get very warm. Bring sunscreen! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

•  Water
The trail can get very warm! Bring lots of water. Especially if you go in the afternoon. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around). Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is also a great backpack for a shorter hike like this.

•  Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get cold. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

•  Swimsuit/towels
If you want to go for a swim, bring these with you.

CAMERA GEAR:
•  Camera:
   Sony a7 III
   Gopro Hero 7 Black

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens    

•  Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount   
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9

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