Convict LakeAbout Convict Lake
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
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -11° - 4° | -8° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - 5° | -7° | 65 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -7° - 8° | -4° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -5° - 10° | -1° | 32 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 0° - 15° | 5° | 18 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 3° - 20° | 12° | 12 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 26° | 16° | 12 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 26° | 16° | 13 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 22° | 12° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 16° | 4° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -6° - 9° | -2° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -10° - 5° | -7° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
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.