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If you’ve never been to Convict Lake, you really should plan a visit. It’s one of the most beautiful, photogenic, easy-to-access lakes in the area.

While fishing is the top activity here, many people are unaware of the loop trail that encircles the lake. It’s a fairly easy-going trail with little elevation change.

In this article, we’re going to cover our experience hiking this trail for the first time. Topics such as where to find the trailhead, how Convict Lake got its name and more will be covered.

Quick Stats

Location: Convict Lake (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
Fee: None for the loop trail
Permit: None
Open: Spring, Summer & Fall
For: Hikers
Restroom: Near the trailhead
Parking: Small lot at the trailhead, larger lot further down the road
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Medium
Mileage: 2.5-miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 180-feet
Condition: Well-maintained
Features: Large lake surrounded by mountains
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness hazards
Our Visit(s): October 2022

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONVICT LAKE LOOP, DM ME ON INSTAGRAM HERE.

How To Get There

Getting to Convict Lake is pretty straight-forward as the street leading to the lake is directly off from Highway 395, just outside of Mammoth Lakes.

Regardless of which direction you’re traveling on the highway, you’ll want to turn onto Convict Lake road and follow that until it terminates at the lake.

For simplicity, plug in, “Convict Lake Resort”, into any GPS capable device and that’ll get you there. The resort is located right on the lake.

Trailhead & Parking

As you’re driving up on the lake, right before you’re forced to turn left, you’ll see a small parking lot for the marina on your right.

If there’s space, pull into this lot and park as this is the closest to the trailhead you can get. If not, continue left. There are numerous parking lots further down the road.

To find the trailhead, simply walk to the far end of the first parking lot (just a little bit past the marina). You’ll see trail signage indicating you’re in the right spot.

Convict Lake Loop

The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat throughout its entirety. You’ll encounter several small, gentle hills but most are barely noticeable.

Aside from a few moments of thick tree cover, the lake will be in view the entire time, giving you the opportunity to see it from multiple angles.

Convict Lake and Mount Morrison in Mammoth Lakes.

Also in view throughout much of the hike is Mount Morrison. This impressive, granite peak towers over Convict Lake at its head.

Mount Morrison is named after Robert Morrison, who was killed near the lake in a shootout with escaped convicts from Carson City (more on this later).

Along the trail, you’ll see many flora scattered throughout with rabbitbrush making multiple appearances (at least during our visit).

While not nearly as impressive of a view, be sure to look behind you as you progress. Many view the lake head-on but rarely do they see it from the opposite direction.

Prior to reaching the head of the lake, you’ll come across two forks on the trail. To remain on Convict Lake Loop proper, keep to the left at both junctions.

As you approach the head of the lake, you’ll come across a beach to relax on. There are many rocks and downed logs to sit on, as well as shade.

Depending on the time of year that you’re here, this beach may or may not be accessible. This is due to the decrease in snow pack as summer progresses.

Here, you’ll have easy access to the lake if you decide to go for a mid-hike swim (like I did) or to just simply dip your toes into the water.

When you’ve finished relaxing, simply continue in the same direction you were heading to complete the loop. More views await you.

The boardwalk along the Convict Lake loop.

Soon after passing the beach is when you’ll come across the boardwalk that elevates you above the creek. It’s fairly slim with no guardrails. So take care when passing others.

The reason for the boardwalk is the heavy run-off from melting snow pack early in the season. If it weren’t for this boardwalk, this section of trail would be inaccessible during that time.

We were here in mid-October, so there wasn’t any run-off to speak of. Even without the run-off, though, the boardwalk made for an idyllic element to the trail.

Beautiful Aspen trees along the Convict Lake loop.

After a short while you’ll be back on hard compacted dirt and hiking through beautiful aspens before heading up a short incline to the other side of the lake.

Up until this point, the trail was relatively flat. On this side of the trail, you’ll encounter quite a few ups and downs. Fret not, they’re barely noticeable.

A person hiking on the Convict Lake Loop.

Soon, you’ll come to a point that’ll appear to be the end of the trail. That point is another beach with a large, paved parking lot just above it.

To re-join the trail, work your way through this area (or the parking lot). From this point forward, you’ll be on the paved, accessible portion of the trail.

Throughout this section of the trail, the views of Convict Lake and Mount Morrison will be heavily obstructed by trees.

Here and there, the views open up through the trees and as you near the end, you’ll come across an accessible fishing dock with a commending view.

From here, simply continue on until you’ve reached your vehicle. Better yet, stop by the marina and inquire about kayak or paddle board rentals.

You could also head a ways up the road and stop at the resort for lunch. They’re open daily during the summer months and most days in the fall.

How Did Convict Lake Get Its Name?

Mount Morrison overlooking Convict Lake.

In 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison in Carson City and somehow, without shoes, made it all the way to what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek.

These days, with established highways, that trek would be about 140-miles. Keep in mind that Highway 395 wasn't constructed until 1926. So they trekked much, much longer than that.

At Monte Diablo Creek (what is now Convict Creek) Sheriff George Hightower and members of his posse (consisting of Robert Morrison, Mono Jim and others) encountered the inmates.

The inmates ambushed the posse and a shootout ensued. In the shootout, both Robert Morrison and Mono Jim were killed. The inmates got away, but were later captured in Round Valley.

For their sacrifice, the mountain towering over the lake was named, Mount Morrison, while the smaller peak adjacent to it was named Mono Jim.

Then, the lake was named, Convict. This gives the representation that the two posse members who perished will always have the watch over the convicts.