Convict Lake
Lake Scenic Sierra Nevada lake known for fishing
Sierra Nevada lake set beneath jagged granite walls, Convict Lake is popular for trout fishing, short lakeside hikes and photography along an accessible loop trail.
Convict Lake is an alpine lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada of Inyo County, California, United States. It sits at high elevation and is known for its steep granite cliffs and clear mountain water.
The area is popular for trout fishing, short hikes along the lake shore and rock-climbing on the surrounding granite faces. Trails and interpretive signs provide access and viewpoints for the lake and adjacent peaks.
The lake received its name following an 1871 episode when escaped convicts from a prison transport were involved in a shootout and pursuit in the area; the name has been used since the late 19th century. The basin and cliffs are glacially carved, typical of high Sierra topography.
Convict Lake is located off U.S. Route 395 near the town of Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada, framed by rugged peaks and accessible by a short spur road from the highway.
- Name origin: Named after an 1871 incident in which escaped convicts engaged in a shootout near the lake
How to Get to Convict Lake #
Convict Lake is located about 11 miles south of Mammoth Lakes along US-395 (Inyo County) in California. There is a well-signed turnout and parking area at the lake; the site is managed by the Inyo National Forest. From Mammoth Lakes it is a short drive south on US-395.
Tips for Visiting Convict Lake #
- Arrive early in summer weekends to secure parking and catch morning light for photography-the lake is calmest at dawn.
- Walk the short lakeside loop for changing views of the granite cliffs and waterfalls; the trail is under a mile but steep in places.
- Be cautious on winter visits: the trail and roads can be icy, and avalanche risk exists in the high Sierra during snow season.
Best Time to Visit Convict Lake #
A spectacular alpine lake in the Eastern Sierra known for its jagged granite backdrop and a famous 1871 shootout that gave the lake its name; best visited in summer and early autumn for road access and hiking.
Weather & Climate near Convict Lake #
Convict Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with 75 mm of rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
