Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Eastern Sierras → Mammoth Lakes Area → Convict Lake

Location: Mammoth Lakes Area, Eastern Sierras, California

Time Required: 1 – 2 hours

Distance: 2.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Red Tape/Notes: This route is very busy, and there’s not really a time of day when the light is optimal for all locations of the granite bowl at the southern end of the lake. Sunrise is probably the best time, though, since the dawn light provides an even glow (and you have the added benefit of avoiding the crowds).

What’s Nearby?: Upper Owens River, Crowley Lake Columns, McGee Pass Trail, Tamarack Cross-Country Skiing

This easy loop hike starts at the parking area farthest from the boat docks and offers immediate views of the mountains at the southern end of the lake if you head left/south first. It’s worth doing the entire loop, but the prettiest section is the mile between the start of the loop hike and the trailhead for Mildred and Dorothy Lakes at the southwest corner. As mentioned in the notes, the light here is a little difficult for photography, since the direction of the sun means light hits the prettiest section of the mountains while the adjacent ridge is blocking the light from hitting other portions of the granite bowl. However, the first two pictures below were taken at dawn and they turned out rather well. Since this is also an optimal time for fishing and avoiding the crowds, it was a nice choice; we had the added benefit of seeing a Northern Pygmy Owl (holding prey that was larger than itself) in the early hours. Despite fishing for over two hours, the prettiest, most colorful sections of the trail were still unlit when we continued our hike, so we returned later in the afternoon to photograph the back section of the hike since we were still in the area. The boardwalk portion at the southern end is particularly charming, and the beaches along the back are great for fishing if you’re so inclined. Unlike places like Parker Lake and McGee Creek, however, this lake has boating access, so expect to have your peaceful morning interrupted by boaters.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Northern California → Eastern Sierras → Mammoth Lakes Area → Convict Lake