I have hiked the John Muir trail above Convict Lake at least a dozen times. It is stunningly beautiful and the majesty of Mt. Morrison humbles me. You will encounter few people. I love the eastern Sierras.
I lived in Mammoth in the 80's. I worked briefly at Convict Lake Resort. I used to fish all along the North side. Our Dad took us fishing as kids, so I knew the place. We also partied there at night on a Full Moon. A big highlight was a one run Heli ride up to the top of Mt Morrison in the late Spring, then we skied down to our car at the Lake! Thanks for bringing back these great memories Josh! You do great videos!
Back in 1962 my brother and I, (I was 10), hiked around Convict. There was no wooden 'sidewak' over the inlet side and my feet went totally numb wading across the creek. The walking trail on the east side was campsites, and we camped right on the lake, just So of Convict creek outlet. Caught a 4# German Brown from the shore! Best times of my youth for sure. Watching the sun rise light up the cliff......
hey josh. i have a pretty sad story about convict lake. my dads best friend died of a heart attack in his sleep. this lake means so much to me and this video has brought back so many good memories of him. Rest easy todd.
My wife and I made this trip....unfortunately we couldn’t get to this lake cause of the fire up in fresno.we were on top of mammoth gondola when the fire happened.we saw the whole thing from up there. But thanks again for this wonderful aventure.keep it up....god bless you...
The last time I was there my wife caught a beautiful Rainbow Trout that proudly hangs on the wall of our home to remember that trip. Took our 2 daughters on a horseback ride up and back 1 side of the lake as well. There was no trail all the way around at that time. September of 1990.
Used to go there with my dad. He built a collapsable easel. Would set it up and paint watercolors. He tied his own flies. Would cast into the lake and catch rainbow trout. This was around 1959. He was editorial art director for LA examiner. An excellent artist.
When I worked at Tahoe, a bunch of us would go to Convict for the opening day of trout season. One of us had to get there and get a campsite early Thurs. p.m. when the campground opened because it filled up in a couple of hours. There was a resort there that had a store that sold beer. and stayed open late. Saturday at dawn is when trout season opened. Fridays we went to the Brown Trout catch and release area on the Owens River outside Bishop. Opening day was elbow to elbow around the lake some years. I never failed to limit out. Lots of fun times at that lake, Thanks for memories I hadn't thought about in years
My family and I were just at Convict Lake just over a month ago and we were pretty lucky that it was not crowded at all. When my wife and I were there back in 2018 it reminded me of our local beach back home because it was so crowded and finding parking was difficult also. Convict Lake is my wife's favorite lake in the Eastern Sierra and it is a very beautiful place that is very special to both of us :)
Been up there a few times with my departed grandparents years ago.(RIP) Such beautiful country! Makes some great memories.Thumbs up on the vid brother,thanks for posting!
Thank you for sharing the wonders of nature. Through your blog we've learned to explore & love eastern sierra. We are not hikers. By watching your blog. You have encouraged us to do hiking. We started doing hiking theBig pine lake last july 10. It was our 1st hike that was so meaningful to us. ( me, my hubby & our 2.5 years baby girl). We are planning to go back again. Thank you. Stay safe. Looking forward for more ideas & places to see via your blog.
I LOVE seeing you and your pops hanging out so much now. I LOVE how adorable it is that you sound JUST LIKE your Papa :D God Bless You Both with more and more adventures :D
One of the best spots on 395! Your videos are amazing and take me back to California while Im stationed away from home. I miss visiting all these beautiful spots in California and would do close to anything to be back. You definitely deserve way more subscribers!
Next time you’re in Bishop there’s a barbecue joint right in town a couple blocks from Denny’s. Little parking lot on the left side of the building. Check it out, it’s soooo good.
Another great hike near convict off of 395 is Big McGee Creek Trail to either steelhead lake or big McGee Lake. Now this Trail can be done in and out it one day but it will be strenuous, the elevation gain is approximately 3000 to 3500 feet in 6 MI one way but the sights are gorgeous. Also there's a trail called bloody Canyon which is approximately 40 miles from that one it is another diamond in the rough
I grew up going backpacking in those mountains. As a kid, I had to hike 4 mile in order to get to the lake, I would see herds of deer and catch and release fish half the size of me. its been years since I have last fished those waters the UFS road was just starting to be paved. It’s sadden me to see boats out on the water. I understand how you dad feels.
Used to be one of my favorite lakes to fish, but lately there are just too many people during the peak fishing days. Another easy hike I like is the one to Gem lakes behind Rock Creek Lake. There aren't many people who are willing to take that longer hike, even though it is easy, even for this old phart.
JOSH & AMY-- Our Son lives in Morgan Hill CA. We travel from MT. to MH CA. twice a year and just love it and our son takes us to Monterey and SAN FRAN 1st a year! Randy B.
It's So Amazing and beautiful place! Great tour my friend, Beautiful mountain, great lake. Thanks for sharing this video. I enjoy watching your video 😀BIG👍
I love the Sierra's to the heart and would go up 88 to 89 the south part of Tahoe and just gaze never did fishing up there but beautiful area and hiked up there to in Sierra's and others but fishing is the best when you know the area and the streams/ lakes and rivers to fly fish or just cast and sit and have a cold one to spend time in the outdoors.
If you watch “How the West Was Won”, Jimmy Stewart is canoeing on Convict Lake, supposedly the Missouri River in the movie. We camp there at least once per year. In fact going there next week.
Update... I just did this Trail on October 1st, 2023 and the bridge at 4:14 has been washed away or removed and you can only cross those little Creeks by balancing on sketchy logs that have been placed there.
Hey Josh - First time viewer and new subscriber... Thanks for sharing the Convict Lake Loop Trail. Plan on a road trip thru the Eastern Sierra's this Fall or next Spring (mainly for hiking) and I'll definitely be putting this one on the to-do list. I'd love to hike out in the back country from there as well. I look forward to catching up on some of your other videos.
Great video as always - this looks like a perfect hike for us - not too much elevation gain and not too long. It would take us hours though, as we would be stopping constantly to take in the views. I too, was wondering if it is dog friendly (new rescue Lab pup). 👍
Hey Josh my husband and I love watching your videos! They are so peaceful and soothing! It’s inspired us so much to get out and explore California more 😊 Have you ever hiked Point Lobos in Carmel, Ca? It’s soooo beautiful and it’s open again 🙌🏻 it’s a definitely must see! 🤍 P.S. I love seeing you and your dad do this together! 🤍🌿 it’s so sweet and such a cute bond!
Thanks for the kind words! I hope the videos have gotten better over the years! Yep, Amie is good, she is pregnant so hasn’t been doing the hikes with me
well you are not the only person that owns these lands. I have family who have been but haven't been back since 2012, so it's not like people go back all the time.
Just seen video nice walking paths , water is clear, are permits required for fishing ? I'm a newbie who is asking , hours ? , those views are amazing , any boat rentals ? , is everyone e practicing social distancing?
If anyone is interested in a story about Heroes and Fools, look up Convict Lake on the internet. It is sad, but one can learn from it. It happened while I was enjoying my life working in a restaurant. I had no idea what was going on south east of me a few miles. I knew Clay Cutter, the forest service worker who lived at the lake. I worked with him on lift crew at Mammoth in 1982-83. Good guy.
I’ve been wanting to hike that area. I was thinking midweek once school is back in session to run up the 395 midweek for a couple days and maybe the crowds will be less?
I'm definitely looking forward to checking out that side of the Sierras, hopefully I'll make it this year, or next. I want to visit Mommoth Falls and explore the area. Is there a time of year thats it's more crowded?
I have hiked the John Muir trail above Convict Lake at least a dozen times. It is stunningly beautiful and the majesty of Mt. Morrison humbles me. You will encounter few people. I love the eastern Sierras.
Great to know, I can't imagine how beautiful it is up there!
Checked out Convict for the first time July 2020. Explored the lake in my Kayak, stunning lake! Thanks for the history. -BK
That would be amazing to kayak there 👍🏻😊
I lived in Mammoth in the 80's. I worked briefly at Convict Lake Resort. I used to fish all along the North side. Our Dad took us fishing as kids, so I knew the place.
We also partied there at night on a Full Moon. A big highlight was a one run Heli ride up to the top of Mt Morrison in the late Spring, then we skied down to our car at the Lake! Thanks for bringing back these great memories Josh! You do great videos!
Back in 1962 my brother and I, (I was 10), hiked around Convict. There was no wooden 'sidewak' over the inlet side and my feet went totally numb wading across the creek. The walking trail on the east side was campsites, and we camped right on the lake, just So of Convict creek outlet. Caught a 4# German Brown from the shore! Best times of my youth for sure. Watching the sun rise light up the cliff......
hey josh. i have a pretty sad story about convict lake. my dads best friend died of a heart attack in his sleep. this lake means so much to me and this video has brought back so many good memories of him. Rest easy todd.
Oh, sorry. But the most beautiful place someone can die in 🤔
Well, the lake has a pretty dark past behind it and a sheriff died when the convicts were escaping back in the day.
My wife and I made this trip....unfortunately we couldn’t get to this lake cause of the fire up in fresno.we were on top of mammoth gondola when the fire happened.we saw the whole thing from up there.
But thanks again for this wonderful aventure.keep it up....god bless you...
The last time I was there my wife caught a beautiful Rainbow Trout that proudly hangs on the wall of our home to remember that trip. Took our 2 daughters on a horseback ride up and back 1 side of the lake as well. There was no trail all the way around at that time. September of 1990.
Used to go there with my dad. He built a collapsable easel. Would set it up and paint watercolors. He tied his own flies. Would cast into the lake and catch rainbow trout. This was around 1959. He was editorial art director for LA examiner. An excellent artist.
It's great that you enjoy hiking with your dad👍🏞
So cool.
Cherish these days with your Dad.
Great presentation of a lovely lake I've passed by on 395 many times but never stopped at. Now I'm gonna go!
You have convinced me that I really need to do a road trip in the fall along 395!
When I worked at Tahoe, a bunch of us would go to Convict for the opening day of trout season. One of us had to get there and get a campsite early Thurs. p.m. when the campground opened because it filled up in a couple of hours. There was a resort there that had a store that sold beer. and stayed open late. Saturday at dawn is when trout season opened. Fridays we went to the Brown Trout catch and release area on the Owens River outside Bishop. Opening day was elbow to elbow around the lake some years. I never failed to limit out. Lots of fun times at that lake, Thanks for memories I hadn't thought about in years
Sounds like such an awesome memory of the area. Thanks for sharing it!
My family and I were just at Convict Lake just over a month ago and we were pretty lucky that it was not crowded at all. When my wife and I were there back in 2018 it reminded me of our local beach back home because it was so crowded and finding parking was difficult also. Convict Lake is my wife's favorite lake in the Eastern Sierra and it is a very beautiful place that is very special to both of us :)
Well that place is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing
Been up there a few times with my departed grandparents years ago.(RIP) Such beautiful country! Makes some great memories.Thumbs up on the vid brother,thanks for posting!
Was there in Sept 2018 briefly, for a number of reasons I didn't stay long but enjoyed it enough to think about returning some time - Chris (Ireland)
I love this lake
Thanks for sharing, awesome views beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing the wonders of nature. Through your blog we've learned to explore & love eastern sierra. We are not hikers. By watching your blog. You have encouraged us to do hiking. We started doing hiking theBig pine lake last july 10. It was our 1st hike that was so meaningful to us. ( me, my hubby & our 2.5 years baby girl). We are planning to go back again. Thank you. Stay safe. Looking forward for more ideas & places to see via your blog.
One of my favorites and so close to hwy.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Itchy to go on another hike. It’s so awesome how you give detailed information of this loop and quite d history for its name
Thanks for the comment and I am glad you enjoyed the video!
You have to do this same hike during fall. It is gorgeous!!!!!
I LOVE seeing you and your pops hanging out so much now. I LOVE how adorable it is that you sound JUST LIKE your Papa :D God Bless You Both with more and more adventures :D
My Favorite place to be!!! Love it!!!!
Great video, great scenery without too much talking. Been there but haven't done the hike, maybe some day.
Thank you, Josh! It's cool that your dad tags along with you on some of your adventures. 😄
Your videos are so soothing. Helps me with depression. 💚
Appreciate the comment and I am so glad they are relaxing!
I have never heard of this lake, but it looks beautiful. Thanks for always sharing such great places to visit
My pleasure! Hope you enjoy it!
I would love to hike this beautiful lake someday! Thanks for sharing it with us!
One of the best spots on 395! Your videos are amazing and take me back to California while Im stationed away from home. I miss visiting all these beautiful spots in California and would do close to anything to be back. You definitely deserve way more subscribers!
Thanks 😊 a lot it is so beautiful 😍
Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful place ❤️🥰❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for taking us with you on all your hikes!!😎
Next time you’re in Bishop there’s a barbecue joint right in town a couple blocks from Denny’s. Little parking lot on the left side of the building. Check it out, it’s soooo good.
Beautiful places. Thanks a lot
Great and beautiful place....we took Dorothy trail that's challenging but a lot of fun!!
My wife and I were at Convict lake just about a week ago. Good informational video. Keep up the great work
This is a great video, thank you!
Another great hike near convict off of 395 is Big McGee Creek Trail to either steelhead lake or big McGee Lake. Now this Trail can be done in and out it one day but it will be strenuous, the elevation gain is approximately 3000 to 3500 feet in 6 MI one way but the sights are gorgeous. Also there's a trail called bloody Canyon which is approximately 40 miles from that one it is another diamond in the rough
I grew up going backpacking in those mountains. As a kid, I had to hike 4 mile in order to get to the lake, I would see herds of deer and catch and release fish half the size of me. its been years since I have last fished those waters the UFS road was just starting to be paved. It’s sadden me to see boats out on the water. I understand how you dad feels.
Very nice I haven’t been there years I got to go back
So awesome! I was there on July 7 and loved it, your videos always inspire me to go explore
Beautiful spot. Thanks for the info.
Súper coul lake broh gracias 🙏👍👍👍👍
Such a beautiful lake!!
It really is!
That looks nice.
Such a fantastic youtube channel. You're a great guy!
We love this hike! the Eastern Sierra was super croweded on our June trip too!
Thank You for your channel. Beautiful thank you.
Im going to Yosemite next week and will be passing by mammoth lakes. Thanks for the videos!
Hope you enjoy it!
Vanessa is it fully open now or did you get lucky with a permit?
Great vid as always never knew about this place! Looks awesome.
Glad you enjoyed!
Used to be one of my favorite lakes to fish, but lately there are just too many people during the peak fishing days.
Another easy hike I like is the one to Gem lakes behind Rock Creek Lake. There aren't many people who are willing to take that longer hike, even though it is easy, even for this old phart.
Yes!!! Will be checking this one out!!! Thank you. So beautiful!
Have fun!
JOSH & AMY-- Our Son lives in Morgan Hill CA. We travel from MT. to MH CA. twice a year and just love it and our son takes us to Monterey and SAN FRAN 1st a year! Randy B.
My spot! Going this Weeknd actually Nd going to catch some nice trout I can guarantee that!!!
It's So Amazing and beautiful place! Great tour my friend, Beautiful mountain, great lake. Thanks for sharing this video. I enjoy watching your video 😀BIG👍
I love the Sierra's to the heart and would go up 88 to 89 the south part of Tahoe and just gaze never did fishing up there but beautiful area and hiked up there to in Sierra's and others but fishing is the best when you know the area and the streams/ lakes and rivers to fly fish or just cast and sit and have a cold one to spend time in the outdoors.
If you watch “How the West Was Won”, Jimmy Stewart is canoeing on Convict Lake, supposedly the Missouri River in the movie. We camp there at least once per year. In fact going there next week.
"How The West Was Won" is one of my all time FAVORITE movies. Thanks for telling me that this is where Jimmy canoed.
Another great video!
I was there Saturday and Sunday
Update... I just did this Trail on October 1st, 2023 and the bridge at 4:14 has been washed away or removed and you can only cross those little Creeks by balancing on sketchy logs that have been placed there.
WOW! Good stuff! the last time I was there, there was NO trail on the back side. Had to stream cross. But I think that was part of the fun!
I was there in February but the water is frozen, now it's beautiful
Hey Josh - First time viewer and new subscriber... Thanks for sharing the Convict Lake Loop Trail. Plan on a road trip thru the Eastern Sierra's this Fall or next Spring (mainly for hiking) and I'll definitely be putting this one on the to-do list. I'd love to hike out in the back country from there as well. I look forward to catching up on some of your other videos.
Thanks for sharing!
Great Job on the Video...
One of my favorite lakes off Hwy395. Many people are surprised at the lack of deep forest cover in the area.
Yea, It does feel a little sparse which is interesting when you go to other lakes nearby. Glad you like it as well!
I went to the lake in 2009, but didn't hike the loop. I need to go back!
Great video as always - this looks like a perfect hike for us - not too much elevation gain and not too long. It would take us hours though, as we would be stopping constantly to take in the views. I too, was wondering if it is dog friendly (new rescue Lab pup). 👍
Hey Josh my husband and I love watching your videos! They are so peaceful and soothing! It’s inspired us so much to get out and explore California more 😊 Have you ever hiked Point Lobos in Carmel, Ca? It’s soooo beautiful and it’s open again 🙌🏻 it’s a definitely must see! 🤍 P.S. I love seeing you and your dad do this together! 🤍🌿 it’s so sweet and such a cute bond!
Good content, thanks
Josh! We love your videos and I think they’ve only gotten better over the years.
Amy hasn’t been in the new videos. Is she doing ok?
Thanks for the kind words! I hope the videos have gotten better over the years! Yep, Amie is good, she is pregnant so hasn’t been doing the hikes with me
California Through My Lens That’s amazing!! What a great reason she’s taking a break. Congratulations to you both!
I agree with your Dad at 2:41.
You do realize that videos like this promote this place even further...they're like advertisements.
well you are not the only person that owns these lands. I have family who have been but haven't been back since 2012, so it's not like people go back all the time.
We used to go camping there a lot as a kid (25+ years ago)...too overcrowded now 😢
Awesome!!!!!
The lake and mountain had a brief scene in the 1962 Cinerama movie How the West Was Won.
Yes, a lot of that movie was filmed at Alabama hills down by Lone Pine. If you are an old movie buff. Stop at the movie museum in Lone Pine.
Be sure to mention the perfect weather there next time! 😊
Can you swim there? It looks beautiful and seems like a hidden gem.
Don't even think about it. Leave it beautiful.
I can, a bit cold tho
@@SAVAGE308SNIPER if you can park next to it...
@@SAVAGE308SNIPER what are you talking about?
Just seen video nice walking paths , water is clear, are permits required for fishing ? I'm a newbie who is asking , hours ? , those views are amazing , any boat rentals ? , is everyone e practicing social distancing?
So from the docks, go Right on the trail for the best view? I’ve been there a couple of times but haven’t walked the trail around it.
If anyone is interested in a story about Heroes and Fools, look up Convict Lake on the internet. It is sad, but one can learn from it.
It happened while I was enjoying my life working in a restaurant. I had no idea what was going on south east of me a few miles. I knew Clay Cutter, the forest service worker who lived at the lake. I worked with him on lift crew at Mammoth in 1982-83. Good guy.
I'm super interested in camping here. Did you happen to notice if dogs are allowed on the trail?
Thanks for sharing the beauty of the area! ~Lucy
I’ve been wanting to hike that area. I was thinking midweek once school is back in session to run up the 395 midweek for a couple days and maybe the crowds will be less?
I'm definitely looking forward to checking out that side of the Sierras, hopefully I'll make it this year, or next.
I want to visit Mommoth Falls and explore the area.
Is there a time of year thats it's more crowded?
Nice hiking spot just hate that we find out under covid and not safe to travel
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
See any bears on the left side of the loop in the back or where the trail starts from the parking? I always see them.
Where exactly is this at? I don't think you mentioned it. It looks beautiful 😀
It's on Highway 395 between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes
Thank you
I’m going. Thank you. Can we swim?
Is it open during the winter? My wife and I wish to do a winter hike by a frozen lake.
wish we know the place when we were in CA
JOSH&AMY- I'm from Columbia Falls Mt. Have you, Josh ever traveled to western Montana? Randy B.
What is the water temperature in the summer ? The water looks clear enough to out googles on in the water .
😍👍🏻
your voice / audio is so good outside! What are you using?
theScoobylife I know - he’s so good!
Any tips I’m going go on road trip in a month and going hit all national parks what you recommend to take while hiking
Do you recommend hiking this clockwise or COUNTER clockwise?
Hey Josh , another dynamite 🧨 video - josh do you sell hats or something with California thru my lens ?? It would be cool to have ...