Usually when a mountain lake is this dramatically beautiful it is also hard to access. This is practically at the doorstep of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. The lake of crystal clear waters is named for an 1871 event when some convicts escaped, and Robert Morrison was killed fighting them at Convict Creek. The nearby Mount Morrison is named after him. The activities here are straightforward. You may fish for Rainbow trout, German brown trout, and sucker fish in the water. Take a boat, canoe, kayak or float tube out into the water from the marina. You can hike the trail circling the lake. For accommodation, there is both a resort and a campground. Try the continental cuisine at the restaurant at Convict Lake.

Convict Lake is a lake in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada in California, USA. It is known for its fishing and the dramatic mountains that surround the lake. Its surface lies at an elevation of 7,850 ft. Convict Lake is known for its fishing, including Rainbow trout, German brown trout, and a species of sucker fish. Due to the high demand of fishing in the lake and stream, the lake is stocked once a week during the summer with rainbow trout, supplied by nearby hatcheries. The lake is also a good place for hiking, and a hike around the entire lake will take about 1.5 hours. Recreation Convict Lake is known for its fishing, including Rainbow trout, German brown trout, and a species of sucker fish. Due to the high demand of fishing in the lake and stream, the lake is stocked once a week during the summer with rainbow trout, supplied by nearby hatcheries. The lake is also a good place for hiking, and a hike around the entire lake will take about 1.5 hours. 1990 Drownings In February 1990, Convict Lake was the site of a major drowning. Twelve teenagers and two counselors from a nearby camp were on a holiday outing at Convict Lake. At least four teenagers and both adults fell through the thin ice and into the water. By the time the first rescuer arrived on the scene, only one teenager had been able to pull himself out of the water, but the other teenagers were no longer in sight, having apparently already drowned. In all, three teenagers from Camp O'Neal, an institution for juvenile delinquents located near Whitmore Hot Springs, and four would-be rescuers drownEd in the freezing water. Another youth and a volunteer fire chief were rescued. Shortly before their deaths, the youths were warned that the ice was too thin to support their weight but failed to heed the warning. As a result of the drownings, Camp O'Neal was investigated and subsequently shut down due to findings of abuse and neglect.

Starting to the north of the boat loading area you will see the trailhead. This run will take you where you can see everything across the lake and the views become second to none. You will then approach two splits in the trail. Stay left at both and it will take you to the water's edge. Stay close to the water until you see the trail run back right to the bridge. Follow this and it will take you all the way back to the road, which leads to where you parked. Note: The trail does have rocks, but just be careful and you will be fine. Take easy steps around the tough parts. For me, this is what makes this trail so fun to run! When you finished as many loops as you want, ice your legs in the water and take in the gorgeous view. Take pictures and enjoy yourself!