Convict Lake in California is easily one of the most picturesque lakes in the Eastern Sierra! Paleozoic era light granite colored mountains surround this turquoise-blue water and make Convict Lake a must visit! It’s hard to believe all this beauty and history is only a little over 2 miles from Highway 395! We haven’t even mentioned the Trout Fishing! But, is Convict Lake Dog Friendly?
With a 3 mile (5 km) hiking trail around this scenic lake, we are extremely happy to report YES! Convict Lake IS Dog Friendly for on-leash dogs!
Convict Lake in California
Convict Lake in California is an annual destination for loyal trout fisherman each summer after the lake thaws. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, German brown trout, and a species of sucker fish. Mount Morrison is a majestic 12,241 foot backdrop to the lake which was originally carved out by glaciers! With depths as great as 140 feet in spots, Convict Lake is among the deepest lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountains! With all this beauty, it’s no wonder this amazing lake has been setting for films such as:
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- The Secret of Convict Lake (1951) Western Film based on the events that occurred at the lake in 1871.[18]
- Nevada Smith (1966) Western Movie[19]
- The Return of Frank James (1940) Western Film
- The Border Legion (1924) Silent Era Western Film based on book by Zane Gray[19]
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Convict Lake Weather
The Weather at Convict Lake has the biggest swings in temperatures of the Eastern Sierra lakes we’ve visited to date. The lake is open year-round but mid June through early October are the best times for a Convict Lake Hike! The “summer” months allow you to spend more time outdoors in comfortable temperatures! If it gets hot, find some shade and hang out. When you feel cold, put on some layers and find the sun! I
If appropriate for your fur family, plan a hike on the 3 mile trail with your Pup! Hiking, fishing, boating, wading at the water’s edge and just relaxing with a picnic, blanket and book are all perfect in the Summer at Convict Lake!
As you prepare for your 3 mile hike on the Convict Lake Trail, be sure to take water for both you and your dog and wear layers! Weather can be cool and comfortable in one section on the trail and blazing hot and then cold and windy on the next!
Fall Colors Eastern Sierra at Convict Lake
Very early October is our favorite time because Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra are in early stages throughout Mono County and Bishop. The leaves begin changing in the higher 10,000+ altitudes near Parcher’s Resort in Bishop and lower in June Lake and Mammoth first. Convict Lakes altitude and eventually down in the Basin on the 395 Highway.
Weather can be less predictable in October so try to stay a day or two at Convict Lake Resort or Camp / RV at Convict Lake Campground and usually you will have at least one great day of weather if not more!
We WUV Convict Lake in the Summer and early October! You can read more about Dog Friendly Convict Lake in our Blog so you can plan your best PawVenture too!
Tip: Do you want to plan a PawCation but not sure how to start? Check our ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BEST DOG FRIENDLY VACATION page for our guidance!
