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Convict Lake Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate
 4.6 (19)
  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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Map Key

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 Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is flat, the views are pretty, and the lake is always close. What kid can resist dipping his feet into water?

Overview

The trail is about 2.5 miles total that follow the shoreline. You can hike in either direction around the lake. Park at that 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 Known as The Great White Fang, at 12,226' elevation. Also a great place to see fall colors.

Contacts

Local Club: Friends of The INYO

Jun 1, 2023: Friends of the Inyo’s Enewsletter, ‘The Juniper,’ is hot off the press and full of news to help you get into the summer mood!

May 31, 2023: A Burning Connection: Experiencing Personal Growth at the 2023 Burners Without Borders Summit

May 25, 2023: In anticipation of Memorial Day Weekend, Inyo National Forest officials warn of snowmelt impacts and hazards

Land Manager: USFS - Inyo National Forest Office

Shared By:

Eric Hunter
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 19 votes

#1

in Bishop

#609

Overall
  4.6 from 19 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
16%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bishop

#102

in California

#609

Overall
39 Views Last Month
5,533 Since Aug 14, 2015
Easy/Intermediate
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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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 45 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 20, 2023
Stewart Carnes
Jul 25, 2022
A V
Jul 16, 2022
Nancy Schulz
2.6mi — 2h 00m
Sep 19, 2021
Bert Noe
May 31, 2021
DARSHAN SOMASHEKHAR
Mar 21, 2021
Sophia Barwegen
Mar 17, 2021
Sierra Farquhar
Dec 23, 2020
Hayley Riggins

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