Hiking
Activities / Convict Lake Resort
Click here for high altitude tips from Mammoth Hospital.
Convict Lake Loop
The trail is about 3 miles total that follows the shoreline, you can hike in either direction around the lake starting next to the boat launch or cross the bridge over Convict Creek, pass the campground entrance and head to the end of the pavement. The trail is relatively flat ranging from 7,620 to 7,660 feet in elevation. At the back of the lake there is a board walk that crosses the creek, in early spring depending on snow melt the water could be flowing too high to cross for a short period of time. Here is a link to Trails.com for more information. We also carry a book in our general store called Day Hikes in the Sierra by Kathy Morey.
Convict Lake Overlook Trail
The trail is 4 miles each way and is an SUV trail with a short hike at the end accessible in the summer months. The viewpoint is situated 700 feet above the lake providing a spectacular photo opportunity. The trail head is located off of US 395 on Mt. Morrison road just before the Mt. Morrison Cemetery. We recommend that you obtain a map and guide information before embarking on this journey. Here is a link to Trails.com for more information. We also carry a book in our general store called California Trails High Sierra, it contains a combination of hiking and SUV trails.
Convict Lake Back Country
For the more adventurous and overnight backpackers, the Convict Lake Trail head is the Gateway to an amazing back country adventure in the John Muir Wilderness. The initial climb is 6 miles up with 2,700 feet in elevation gain, a very strenuous hike especially with a pack. There is a second way to get to the same area via an SUV road to Laurel Lakes. There are several lakes in this area including Mildred Lake, Lake Dorothy, Edith Lake, Lake Genevieve and Laurel Lakes. Many are very productive for trout fishing. Here is a resource for more information about the lakes and what the fish might be biting on. For more information about access via Laurel Lakes SUV access click here. We also carry a book in our general store called California Trails High Sierra that contains maps and directions. To camp overnight you must obtain a permit from the USFS and follow a few other safety guidelines regarding bears. The closest location to obtain a permit is at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center located off of HWY 203, on the right before you enter town. The center is open 8:00am – 5:00pm daily and phone is 760-924-5500.
Convict Lake Resort, Inc. is operated under Special Use Permit from the Inyo National Forest.
