Just a short drive past the Rock Creek exit (at Tom’s Place) before to get to the Mammoth exit is hidden gem named Convict Lake. If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful scenery destinations in the Eastern Sierra – which also happens to be super easy to get to – put Convict Lake on your PawVenture Wish List! As if those weren’t reasons enough, the stunning rock formations (Mount Morrison, Laurel Mountain, Mono Jim Peak and Sevehah Peak and Bloody Mountain) were created by glaciers in the Paleozoic era! According to Britannica, The Paleozoic Era began 541 million years ago and lasted 289 million years! The geologic history of Convict Lake Basin is so rich it is considered a Geotourism place of interest by The Sierra Nevada Conservancy and National Geographic Society! The BEST part? You guessed it, Convict Lake is Dog Friendly!
Convict Lake Weather in the Summer and Fall
There are LOTS of Micro Climates at Convict Lake! At 7,850 feet in elevation, paired with the dramatic rock formations in the background it can get VERY windy without warning! So be sure to pack layers, beanies, hats, windbreakers (a lightweight extra for your dog is great too) and gloves!
When we arrived for Fall Colors in early October it was POURING down rain in wind sheets! Later, the wind was howling and banging into our cabin at about 60-80 mph all night! Wow! The next day we headed out for Convict Lake Trail the next day around noon but were freezing our tootsies off so we turned around half-way because the wind was unbearable. All is never lost however, because Convict Lake’s proximity to Highway 395 makes it a perfect basecamp for day trips! You can easily drive to Mammoth, Mono Lake, the Hot Springs, June Lake and more while waiting for a perfect day!
On Day 2 the weather was super warm so we took a leisurely stroll around the beautiful lake! Convict Lake has plenty of areas for relaxing, reading a book, having a picnic or fishing by the water’s edge. Small boats are also available to rent for relaxing or fishing! (Be sure to always wear a life jacket while on the lake). The water is cold and there can be a strong undertow plus, if the wind kicks up you could get knocked off-balance).
Us furSmiths prefer to sit at the waters edge, take photos and wade around to cool our feet off! Do be on the lookout for fish hooks and other potential sharp objects when you pick your spot. Pay it forward by throw them away for the next PawVenturerer!
Best Places to Stay at Convict Lake
There are plenty of options to fit every taste when it comes to accommodations at Convict Lake.
- Tent Camping? Yes!
- RV Camping? Yes!
- Rustic Cabins? Yes!
- Luxury Spa Cabins? Yes!
Personally, we prefer newer RV Rentals with Campground Reservations and Cabins. But, Convict Lake Resort had Mom at “Spa Cabin”! What better way to relax after a warm or windy hike than in your own personal spa cabin with a spa shower? Mom says nothin’!
Is Convict Lake Resort Dog Friendly?
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded cabin resort that’s easy to get to, not too high in altitude (an easy 7850′) with super nice people and excellent food then book a reservation at Convict Lake Resort! You will find a peaceful, dog-friendly, secluded cabin get-away with a scenic lake that is walking distance from your cabin! The Resort is so peaceful even the deer just hang out and graze! OMG! This was the first time Scooby saw a deer! They looked at each other as if asking, “are we related”?
We stayed in Cabin 29, Minaret a 1 bedroom Spa Cabin. Mom loved the built-in shower steam room plus it made the cabin nice and toasty, (and less dry)! The back patio faced Laurel Mountain and Laurel Ridge Cabin but was full sun so we could only enjoy it a tiny bit each day. If it fits your budget, Laurel Ridge Cabin seems to have the best view on the property. It’s on our wishlist!
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The black kettle fireplace in Minaret made breakfasts and movie nights extra cozy. Speaking of movies, the cabin is the perfect place to get in some Steve McQueen movies (it’s a furSmith thing)! We think Steve McQueen is THE COOLEST DUDE EVER!
What’s The Story Behind Convict Lake?
Many think Convict Lake’s history begins in 1871 when it was named after an historic incident on September 23, 1871. A group of convicts that included murderers, horse thieves, train robbers and such escaped from Carson City, Nevada Prison and eventually took refuge near the lake. A Posse was set up and a fatal historic gunfight followed and soon after the lake was re-named Convict Lake.
But, before all this, it is believed the Paiute Indigenous people originally called this gorgeous lake, Wit-sa-nap. “The streams which flowed from the mountains were supposed to be filled with Pot-sa-wa-gees, water babies, who lived in spirit, but were visible to the eye, having the face of an Indian child and the body of a fish.” — According to Indian legend, Hi-na-nu”[5] They believed fish with child spirits lived in the lake.
A super fun thing to do on your first night there is to watch is The Secret of Convict Lake! It was filmed in 1951 at that very location and is based on the historical shootout! This movie is very old and difficult to download or purchase but luckily it’s viewable for free on the YouTube link above! WooHoo, FREE!
Convict Lake Campground
Convict Lake Campground is super popular and offers tent and RV camping options but we have not stayed there personally. If you’d like to preview the campsite and camping spots, click the map below to see images of the campsites on Campsitephotos.com! Then make your Camping Reservation at Reservations.gov!
Where to Eat at Convict Lake
We highly recommend that you grocery shop and stocking your fridge for coffee, tea, breakfast, lunches and snacks so you can keep it mellow and cozy in the cabin in the mornings and for lunchtime breaks or for packing picnics! For dinner, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are three wonderful options at the Resort:
- The Restaurant at Convict Lake – which is an award-winning, “elegant” dining experience (without the need for dressing up). Mom says it’s a “must” at least once per visit. She HIGHLY recommends the trout!
- Morrison’s Restaurant – which is the bar / restaurant adjacent
- and the new, Aspen Grill Food Truck (it wasn’t there at the time but we’re sure it’s deeeee-lish too)!
P.S. There are plenty of food and cocktail options at both restaurants, so no need to cook if you’d rather relax, eat and sip a nice adult beverage! Mom suggest to make a reservation at The Restaurant for the food and experience and if you’r not cooking, order pizza, salads, etc., and take back to your cabin to dine with your fur kids!
Convict Lake is also a Great Base Camp!
Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Rock Creek Lake, Mono Lake and Bodie the Ghost Town are all close for fun day trips! Mono Lake is another geologic wonder – and is dog-friendly too! Once you arrive you can read the information signs to learn the history and how it was formed. Amazing! The sunsets at Mono Lake are gorgeous and you will often see people waiting in their cars or chairs for the Sunset Show! We recommend you plan an afternoon outing to Mono lake then catch Sunset!
Do you have a Favorite thing to do at Convict Lake or Best Memory? Send us an email! We’d love to know and we can share with da Scoobylife Fwiends!