Convict Lake, hidden ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along highway 395, is a quaint quiet mountain canyon area offering all sorts of outdoor activity. Among those activities kayaking and paddle-boarding on Convict Lake are two of the most popular because the reflection of the mountains off the mirror-like lake surface sparkle and glimmer as you stare ahead sitting in your kayak. The still of the air, silence of nature, and bright morning sunshine creates the perfect day to explore the area around Convict Lake.
You can kayak, or paddle-board, on Convict Lake year round, for free, with water access on the south side of the lake. Located about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is tucked into a glacially carved valley that is apart of Inyo Forest. Once a safe-heaven for convicts, is now a weekend destination for outdoor enthusiast.
Read on to discover the best time of year to kayak on Convict Lake, where to launch your kayak, and so much more.
Kristin enjoying the perfect reflection on Convict Lake while kayaking. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
A dreamy sunrise paddle on Convict Lake
There are those times when you go to bed so excited for the next days adventure you just can’t sleep, well that happened to me the night before kayaking on Convict Lake. I had been to the lake, tucked away in the eastern sierra, several times to trail run, hike, and swim, but I had not been kayaking on this gorgeous lake.
My alarm went off at 5:00 am, I wanted to be up before the summer sunlight landed on the mountain tops at Convict Lake. Groggy and not wanting to get out of bed, I just thought about missing the sunrise. I couldn’t do that! So, I tossed my sheets off of me, made some coffee, and hit the road.
The night before I had already loaded up my kayak, PFD, and paddle, so I was ready to be on top of this glassy lake for sunrise. Selfishly, I wanted to sit in the middle of the lake and enjoy the view.
As we pulled into the parking lot, there were a few photographers lined up at the marina, waiting for the orange glow of the sunrise light to hit Laurel Mountain. The night was dark, so we worked by headlamps to get the kayaks down to the water. In hopes of not disturbing the phtoographers, we headed to the shale beach on the southeast corner of Convict Lake.
Nobody was here.
Getting the kayaks down to the beach and ready for our sunrise paddle went quick. We had 10 minutes to sit on the shore and enjoy a few sips of coffee before getting on the water.
The morning was a cool 35f, but I could tell the day was going to heat up. There were very few clouds in the sky, the air was stagnant, so the lake was a perfect reflection. The times was now!
Pushing off the shore, I headed out onto the flat water. It was like a mirror. Occasionally, fish would jump next to me as the sun began making its way down the face of Laurel Mountain. This idea, now a reality, was well worth the loss of sleep!
DIRECTIONS TO CONVICT LAKE:
Convict Lake is located 15 miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395.
Driving directions to Convict Lake
WATER ACCESS TO CONVICT LAKE:
Accessing the waters at Convict Lake are easy. There is a dock you can launch your boat from and there is a shale beach on the far side of the lake where you can also launch. With a road lining the south banks of Convict Lake, all access to the water is a short walk.
Best time of year to Kayak on Convict Lake?
Late summer is the best time of year to kayak on Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra. While this lake is open year round for kayaking, the water and air temperatures during the late summer are warm. One bonus to this time of year is that the crowds begin to fade. Lastly, there are very few bugs during the late summer season. But, everyone has their own favorites, so below is an outline of what each season holds:
Spring at Convict Lake
During the spring, Convict Lake can have a lot of snow, or the lake can be totally free of snow. Depending on the level of snow that fell during the winter will determine this, but I can guarantee one thing, it will be cold. Convict lake sits 7,850 feet and is shaded for most of the day during the spring. Unless you are come prepared for the cold days, spending time on Convict Lake in the spring can be a cold adventure. Additionally, if you plan to camp near the lake, be prepared for the nighttime temperatures to be in the single digits.
Summer at Convict Lake
During the summer, Convict Lake is at its tourism height. Almost everyday of the summer is packed with people, fisherman, boaters, and tourist who have come to the lake to enjoy an escape from the summer heat. Summer is the perfect time to visit, especially if you can reserve a campsite, because the fish are biting, the hiking is great, and the water is fun to play in. Personally, I try to make a trip to Convict Lake every year during the summer just because it is such a great spot!
Fall at Convict Lake
During the fall, Convict Lake begins to quiet down as the days get shorter and summer tourism season dwindles. During this time of year the weather is confused, some days it is very warm meanwhile other days it is freezing cold. The nearby resorts and camping often begin closing their doors during the fall season, so there is not much available in terms of amenities. The restrooms remain open, but the boat rentals are mostly closed, so make sure to bring your own boat if you plan to get on the water.
Winter at Convict Lake
During the winter, do not expect to see another human out here. The road to Convict Lake is often closed, so you will need to park along Highway 395, then take a snow mobile or skis into the lake. If you are looking for an adventure, I highly suggest doing this! The snowpack changes drastically year by year, but the winter in the mountains is unlike anything I have ever experienced. With that said, please understand that you will need to self-sufficient when entering this area during the winter months.
WHY IS CONVICT LAKE ONE OF THE BEST FLAT WATER KAYAKING LOCATIONS:
Convict Lake has some of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. The morning light lands upon the swirled colored granite peak in the distance, shining a burnt red. The stillness of the morning creates a reflection on the lake that goes undisturbed, unless you are kayaking on the water.
The origin of this lakes name, Convict lake, comes from a community of outlaws who used this lake as a hide out. For years, they were able to remain hidden from the law and often took in other convicts who were on the run. Today, this lake is a campground for adventure seekers.
What makes Convict Lake one of the best flat water kayaking destinations in California is the calm and clear water. Often this lake is so smooth it reflects the mountains. In addition to the reflection, there is an aspen grove alongside the lakes south bank, making the colors in the fall exquisite.
Do you have to pay to go to Convict Lake?
Convict Lake is free to visit, park, hike, kayak, and swim. The only times you would need to pay at Convict Lake is to rent a boat and staying overnight.
Can You Swim in Convict Lake?
Convict Lake has several areas that you can swim. The main area to swim is on the southern side of the lake where there is a shale beach that allows for easy access into the water. This beach also has several benches that you can put your things while you swim, like your towels and snacks. If you are feeling more adventurous, head to the northern side of the lake and hike towards the rear of the lake, you will be able to swim without anyone else around, this is my favorite.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE OTHER ADVENTURES NEARBY:
Soak in Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Hike to Convict Lake Waterfall
Kayak on Mammoth Lakes
Sunrise kayaking trip on Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discover the best time of year to kayak on Convict Lake, where to launch your kayak, and the background to Convict Lake it is your turn to adventure! Let me know in the comments if this blog was helpful. Additionally, if you have any updates please drop those in the comments for others.
