Convict Lake Loop: Easy Day Hike Near Mammoth Lakes

Convict Lake is a short and easy hiking loop located 15 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It can be hiked year-round, even when no one is present. Just be prepared with the proper winter gear.

HIKE TO: Convict Lake
TRAIL: Convict Lake Trail
MILES: 2.57 miles 
TIME: 1.25 hrs 
DATE I WENT: 2/01/20 
DIFFICULTY: easy
ELEVATION: 7680 ft
ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: 98 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no 
PARKING PERMIT: no
LOCATION: Eastern Sierra mountains near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Convict Lake is a very popular tourist destination in the Summer and with good reason; the beautiful, vibrant turquoise lake color (see below) makes it a great day hike and camping area, and the campground reservations fill up fast! It’s short and flat which makes it a nice hike for the whole family.

convict lake summer 2016 — Convict Lake, Summer 2016

Convict Lake in Winter

In the winter though, it’s still worth visiting and just as pretty with a deep blue color. When the snow isn’t too intense, this makes for a nice, short, easy hiking trail. In fact, it’s one of the easier trails to access in the Eastern Sierra mountains in the winter season – definitely a must-stop for a trip up to Mammoth Lakes (300 miles / 4:40 hr from LA)

The lake can freeze over in the winter though.

What to pack for a winter hike around Convict Lake

Sunday Afternoon sun hat and a beanie are both good to have
Mittens
Gregory daypack – small backpack
Microspikes – I used these in the back section of trail
Layers – always bring a hooded down jacket in winter conditions outdoors
Winter Leggings – fleece brushed fabric

Convict Lake Mammoth Loop

Convict Lake Trailhead

The trailhead starts at the boat ramp area/ Convict Lake Resort Marina Rental or you can drive half a mile south to the other end of the road where there is more parking and a bathroom (closed in the winter) and hike the trail backward from my hike.

Convict Lake Loop Trail

The convict lake trail loop is only 2.5 miles, which makes for the perfect hike for families, kids, and pets!

The Convict Lake Trail follows the perimeter of Convict Lake the entire time and there’s no getting lost. It has an option to extend toward Mildred Lake and Dorothy Lake, but I don’t imagine it to be easily hike-able in snow conditions.

There is little to no elevation gain on the entire trail, with only about 100 ft elevation gain/loss in total. The trail on the south end of Convict Lake can be a little sketchy if icy in the winter.

The lake does freeze over partially during harsher winter conditions and I don’t know how accessible the trail is then, so be sure to check weather conditions before you go.

I went on Feb 1, Superbowl weekend, and saw only a handful of people along the trail. Although it was winter, it was a heatwave in LA that weekend with a high of 80 degrees and temps at Convict Lake were a high of 50-60 degrees!

Convict Lake Resort

Convict Lake Resort is a small, charming lodge located in Convict Canyon right next to the lake. Make your trip convenient for the family and book your stay here to enjoy the lake all weekend.

It’s a 6-minute walk to the lake, pet-friendly, clean, has free wifi, showers, incredible views of Mt Morrison, Laurel Mountain and the surrounding Sierra Nevada, and fills up fast so click here to book your reservation asap.

FAQ: Convict Lake

How long is the loop around Convict Lake?

The Convict Lake Loop trail is about 2.5 miles in total.

Can you drive up to Convict Lake?

Yes, you can drive all the way up to the boat launch and continue to drive east (left) towards the campground for access to the lake.

Can you swim in Convict Lake?

Absolutely! It’s a great lake to paddle in too, Just be mindful of the boats around. Click here to shop my favorite pink inflatable SUP Paddleboard.

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