Paddling Convict Lake – Mono County, California
Tucked beneath the backdrop of California’s Eastern Sierra, Convict Lake is a place of stillness where the snow-capped granite mountains reflect upon the water’s glassy surface.
I launched my small, inflatable “two-person” raft from the shoreline. I am almost proud of the fact that I purchased this raft a year ago at Wal-Mart for $24. It has served me well, but it’s barely more than a pool toy and it is barely big enough for me, much less for a second person. It was an impulsive decision to put my raft in the water. Quite honestly I left the camera rolling wondering if disaster would ensue. I was well equipped wearing my PFD. I also carried additional floatation and brought my pump along. With plenty of testing beforehand, I set out across the lake.
A Lake Carved by Ice and Framed by Stone
Convict Lake lies at the foot of Mount Morrison, towering over 12,000 feet above sea level. The lake itself was formed during the last Ice Age, when glaciers flowing through the canyon gouged out a deep basin, now filled with snowmelt and mountain springs. The clear, cold water reveals its glacial heritage, with visibility stretching deep below the surface.
The surrounding peaks are part of the Sierra Nevada Batholith, a vast expanse of granite that crystallized underground nearly 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Over millions of years, erosion and uplift exposed these rocks, giving us the jagged ridges and polished cliffs that cradle Convict Lake today.
Dimensions and Depth
Covering approximately 170 acres, Convict Lake is oblong in shape and nestled within a box canyon. It reaches depths of up to 140 feet, with an average depth around 100 feet. This substantial depth contributes to the lake’s cold, clear waters, making it one of the deepest lakes in the Sierra Nevada region.
A Name Etched in History
The lake’s eerie name comes from a violent 1871 incident in which a group of escaped convicts from Carson City were cornered by a posse near the lake’s edge. A shootout followed, and the area has borne the name “Convict Lake” ever since. This acts as a reminder that even the most serene places may hide turbulent stories beneath their surface.
Reflections and Remoteness
Paddling across the water in my flimsy craft, I was struck not just by the clarity of the lake, but by the overwhelming sense of isolation. The only sound was the rhythm of my paddle and the occasional gust sweeping down from the cliffs. No narration was needed. The experience was pure.
Though well-known to hikers, photographers, and anglers, Convict Lake still manages to feel like a secret, a pocket of the Sierra that resists the noise of modern life. Whether viewed from the shoreline or afloat in the middle of its cold waters, Convict Lake invites quiet. It invites awe.
Wildlife and Natural Balance
Convict Lake supports a vibrant trout fishery. Especially rainbow and brown trout, which are stocked regularly, are in good supply. Birdwatchers might spot bald eagles, osprey, and Clark’s nutcrackers. Mule deer and black bears also frequent the area, especially in the quieter shoulder seasons.
Getting There
Convict Lake is located off U.S. Route 395, about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, California. A well-maintained paved road leads directly to the lake. Parking, campgrounds, and a resort with boat rentals and food services are available onsite.
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