Convict Lake Loop Trail – An Easy But Beautiful Hike

The Convict Lake Loop Trail in the Eastern Sierra region of California is a beautiful trail to hike. I mean, a trail around an alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountains and with an intriguing back story….it doesn’t get much better!

I hiked the Convict Lake Loop Trail as part of a group hiking trip and, if you’re able, I definitely recommend adding it to your California trip itinerary.

In this post I’ll provide a practical guide for hiking the Convict Lake Loop Trail. I’ll set out how to get to the trail, what you can expect as you walk along it and list some alternative activities for those who choose not to hike. I’ll also provide a touch of history to add to the intrigue of what is a very beautiful part of California.

Convict Lake – What’s in a Name?

So how exactly does a lake, once known as Monte Diablo, get the name Convict Lake?! Well, we have to go back over 150 years to 17 September 1871. On that day, 29 prisoners including murderers, horse thieves and train robbers, escaped from Nevada State Prison in Carson City. The prisoners split into two groups, with one group heading toward the Mammoth Lakes area. They murdered an innocent mail rider out delivering mail for the first time which prompted the local community to gather together a posse of men to hunt down the killers. The posse caught up with the convicts and on 23 September a shoot out occurred with Indian Deputy Mono Jim and agent Robert Morrison killed.

By 1 November, 18 of the 29 convicts had been caught. The rest were either killed in the shootout or captured and lynched on the trip back to the prison.

Mount Morrison, the highest mountain in the area, was named after Robert Morrison. Its nearby smaller peak is named after Mono Jim.

Getting to Convict Lake

Convict Lake is located within the Inyo National Forest, just south of Mammoth Lakes off Highway 395.

As I was on a group hiking trip someone else was responsible for the driving directions (which was a relief to all!), however I am aware that you will need to travel along Convict Lake Road for roughly 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) to the lake! We drove to the end of the road – it’s a dead end and will bring you to a parking area, a vault toilet and the start of the trail. You can see the route on Google maps.

Hike Details

The Convict Lake Loop Trail details as set out on Alltrails are:

• Length – 4 kilometres (2.5 miles)
• Elevation Gain – 55 metres (180 feet)
• Average Time – 54 minutes
• Type – circular

The lake sits at about 7,850 feet (2,393 metres) above sea level so you’re fairly high up!

Hiking the Convict Lake Loop Trail

We hiked the 2.5 mile loop in a clockwise direction from the official trailhead on the south side of the lake. Because the hike is a loop however, you could start from where you park and hike back around to your car. There are various parking spots along the eastern side of the lake.

The initial hike is along a stony, dirt trail with stunning views over the lake toward the mountains. Laurel Mountain in particular is an amazing sight.

The trail will drop down amongst some beautiful vegetation, including aspens. I can only imagine how stunning this area is in the autumn and winter.

The trail then links up with a boardwalk through the trees and over Convict Creek. Look through the trees for wonderful views of the lake and small beaches where people picnic, swim or fish.

Carry on around the lake and start the hike back. It’s at about this point that other trails appear which head off up into the John Muir Wilderness, Mildred Lake and hikes to other lakes in the region. As you head back on the Convict Lake Loop Trail however, don’t forget to turn around and admire the amazing views behind you!

I should just flag at this point that there is no shade on this side of the lake. You will therefore need to have a hat, sunglasses and water if hiking on warm, sunny days.

When you get to the marina, be sure to take in the majestic view of Convict Lake and the mountains beyond. The trail on this part of the loop is paved up to the trailhead.

It took me roughly an hour to hike the Convict Lake Loop Trail.

Other Activities You Can Enjoy at Convict Lake

Convict Lake is a popular recreational area with plenty to do in addition to hiking. You can:

• fish
• swim
• kayak
• paddleboard
• picnic
• go boating

I saw people engaged in all these activities during my visit, yet the lake and surrounds did not feel unduly crowded. We enjoyed a post hike picnic, with some of the braver souls in our group enjoying a dip in the chilly waters of the lake.

Do check the official Forest Service website for up to date visitor information when planning your visit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy hike in simply stunning surroundings, then hiking the Convict Lake Loop Trail should definitely be on your to do list. Add to that the true story behind the name Convict Lake and you have the makings of a great day out!

I hiked the Convict Lake Loop Trail after having spent a few days in Yosemite. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite too, then do read my posts:

• How to Spend 2 Days in Yosemite National Park
• Hiking the Mist Trail to Beautiful Vernal Falls
• Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – Is the Trail Worth Hiking?
• Pothole Dome – An Excellent Hike for all the Family

If you are planning to spend time in San Francisco before or after your Yosemite trip, then check out the other posts on my USA page.

Finally, if you need any general assistance with planning a trip to San Francisco and/or Yosemite National Park (or any trips for that matter!), then check out my Resources page.

Happy hiking!

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.