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Convict Lake Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.6 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. Bishop
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“A wonderful, easy hike around Convict lake. Sagebrush, towering peaks & aspen trees galore! ”

Eric Hunter
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2.6

Miles

4.1

KM

Point to Point

7,646' 2,330 m

High

7,591' 2,314 m

Low

170' 52 m

Up

175' 53 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Beautiful walk and mostly flat

Overview

The trail is about 2.5 miles total that follows the shoreline. You can hike in either direction around the lake. Park at the Marina and hike 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 boardwalk that crosses the creek.

Description

If you park at the Marina, follow the road about a quarter mile to the trailhead. The trail is straightforward and starts in sagebrush. About a half mile down the trail, you'll enter a great aspen and cottonwood forest.

On the back side of the lake is a great area for a picnic and some small beach areas which are great for fishing spots.Cross over the boardwalks. Then, continue on and you'll be back hiking through sagebrush until you come back to the parking area. Overall, this is a short, easy hike that gets warm in the summer time. Drink Water!

Flora & Fauna

Great for wildflowers and looking up at Mount Morrison. Also a great place to see fall colors.

Contacts

Local Club: Friends of The INYO

May 29, 2026: K2 Gold Begins Mining Exploration on Conglomerate Mesa

May 28, 2026: Action Alert: PROTECT HOT CREEK

May 26, 2026: Friends of the Inyo Events: May – June

Land Manager: USFS - Inyo National Forest Office

Shared By:

Eric Hunter with improvements by Ethan Fichtner
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 21 votes

#1

in Bishop

#616

Overall
  4.6 from 21 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bishop

#101

in California

#616

Overall
39 Views Last Month
5,533 Since Aug 14, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
36%
18%
41%
5%
0%
0%
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Photos

Convict Lake in the fall, aspen trees are firing in color.
Aug 14, 2015 near Mammoth…, CA
View from the trail.
Apr 20, 2023 near Mammoth…, CA
Dusk at Convict Lake
Jan 25, 2020 near Mammoth…, CA
Laurel Mountain stands guard over Convict Lake.
Jun 22, 2017 near Mammoth…, CA
View from the trail.
Apr 20, 2023 near Mammoth…, CA
View from the trail.
Apr 20, 2023 near Mammoth…, CA

2 Comments

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Weather

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 15, 2025
Dylan Payne
Aug 31, 2024
Anjana Sasi
Jul 15, 2024
Barbara Barrocas
Jun 24, 2024
Kasia Jankiewicz
Apr 20, 2023
Stewart Carnes
Jul 25, 2022
A V
Jul 16, 2022
Nancy Schulz
2.6mi — 2h 00m
Sep 19, 2021
Bert Noe

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