Convict Lake

Area Status: Open
Convict Lake

Convict Lake is located south of Mammoth Lakes and north of Crowley Lake.  This scenic area is popular for picnics, fishing, hiking, and boating, and includes a boat ramp, campground, store, restaurant, and a resort with cabin rentals and horseback rides.

A paved nature trail gives easy access to the east side of this beautiful deep blue lake at the base of spectacular Mt. Morrison. Many benches along the trail encourage you to stop and enjoy the view. The paved nature trail extends from the outflow of Convict Lake to the picnic area on the south shore of the lake. A hiking trail continues around the lake and connects to the wilderness trail near the lake inlet. The wilderness trail begins on the north shore near the marina and continues beyond the far end of the lake up Convict Creek.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Restrooms under renovations (concrete pour for handicap access) and will be intermittently closed from September 13 through October 14, 2024.
Rentals & Guides: Boat rentals at the lake. 
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site, Boat ramp, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking
Closest Towns: Limited services at Crowley Lake. Full service at Mammoth Lakes.
Water: Water spigots available at restrooms
Restroom: 2 Vault restrooms available
Operated By: Inyo National Forest
Information Center: Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Phone:  (760) 924-5500 www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Convict Lake is a very well stocked by Department of Fish and Game. Also stocked with Alpers Trout.

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

Motorized boats must reduce speed to minimize wakes.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Visitors to this sparkling lake can enjoy paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks in a lake where only the wind is allowed to make waves. Convict Lake is a no wake lake.

Amenities

Interpretive Site: Nature trail with interpretive signs