Convict Lake California High Sierra Day Trip

Convict Lake is situated east of the Sierras, adjacent to US Highway 395, just south of Mammoth. It is nestled in a mixed pine-hemlock forest, surrounded by towering granite peaks and adorned with golden aspen trees in the fall.

Appropriately named for a band of escaped Carson City convicts that escaped prison and had a shootout with a sheriff’s posse in the nineteenth century, the 170-acre body of water has long been a spot for tourists to retreat.

Things To Do Convict Lake

There is plenty to do at Convict Lake. Still, fishing is probably the most popular activity among visitors, and the Lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout, making it an angler’s paradise. For those, not seasoned fishers, nearby Convict Lake Resort offers fishing classes and guided fishing trips to make your experience much more enjoyable and successful.

But if fishing is not your idea of fun, no problem, as many other outdoor activities are offered to suit all personalities, interests, and experience levels. The simplest for hikers is the popular three-mile trek around the perimeter of Convict Lake. Depending on the season, you can explore the trail on foot, horseback, skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile.

Convict Lake is a great option if you’re looking for a fun day trip in the California High Sierra. But if you’d like to extend your stay, there are around 100 campsites available at the Lake Campground. Remember that these campsites tend to fill up quickly during peak fishing season, so reserve your spot ahead of time.

Camping at the Lake

The campground at Convict Lake offers a primitive experience with pit toilets and no hookups. However, the stunning setting makes it easier to bear the lack of amenities. Convict Lake Resort is just across the road if you cannot secure a campsite or prefer the comforts of home.

Convict Lake Resort

The Convict Lake General Store, located near the mouth of the Lake, is the hub of the entire resort, including cabin and activity reservations.

Cozy lake view chalets are the perfect setting to enjoy a romantic getaway or fun-filled family vacation.

The resort also offers one of the area’s most recognized fine restaurants in the Eastern Sierras — The Restaurant at Convict Lake–where guests can relax and dine in casual elegance while taking in breathtaking views of the Lake. The menu features continental cuisine, including –you guessed it–exclusive fresh Alpers trout.

And for nightlife on the Lake, guests may enjoy appetizers, gourmet pizzas, and drinks at the martini bar in The Lounge.

Convict Lake Events

Aside from the frills, the resort’s activity calendar includes several fishing derbies throughout the year, group BBQs, horseback riding lessons, and two-hour guided trail tours for all ages.

The Lake Marina is open during the fishing season, April to November, and there are pontoon boats, motorboats, canoes, kayaks for rent, and dock space if you bring your watercraft.

As you can see, Convict Lake provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor paradise. So the next time you are looking to escape. Enjoy and revel in the majesty of some of California’s most stunning scenery.

Getting There

There are plenty of things to do by the Lake, such as horseback riding, fishing, camping, sightseeing, and backpacking. If you’re ever on Highway 395, do yourself a favor and stop by this stunning Lake. It’s worth the visit!

If you’re looking to visit Convict Lake, it’s located east of the Sierras, around 30 miles from the junction of Hwy 140 at Lee Vining and about 35 miles north of Bishop. To reach it from Los Angeles, take Hwy 395 heading north. And if you’re coming from Sacramento, you’ll want to take Hwy 140 heading east, which will take you through Yosemite National Park.

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