Convict Lake Resort

Convict Lake Resort, mountain lodging beside Convict Lake

Convict Lake Resort is a resort located in the Eastern Sierra of California, in a setting of aspens in Convict Canyon, below Mount Morrison and beside a crystal-clear 170-acre lake. The resort operates under a special use permit from the Inyo National Forest and offers lodging, dining, and recreational activities year-round.

History of the resort and the lake

The property was officially established in 1929 as Convict Lake Camp, owned by Bill Garner. Before that date, the area was known as Raymer's Camp. Ownership passed to the Wenger family in 1962 and to the current owners in 1982.

The name of the lake and creek comes from a confrontation that occurred on September 17, 1871, when a group of convicts who had escaped from a Carson City prison encountered Sheriff George Hightower and his posse. In the shootout, Robert Morrison, a Benton merchant, and Mono Jim were killed. The fugitives managed to escape and were later captured in Round Valley. The peak overlooking the lake was named Mt. Morrison, and the smaller one Mono Jim. Native tradition recorded by the Sierra Club Bulletin in 1915 preserves the name Wit-Sa-Nap for the lake, associated with the legend of the Pot-Sa-Wa-Gees.

The lake has served as a setting for film and television productions. The 1951 film The Secret of Convict Lake was based on the events of 1871; according to the narrative accompanying How the West Was Won, the lake appears in the opening scenes. Scenes were also shot for Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), Nevada Smith (1966) with Steve McQueen, a Nature Valley commercial in 2007 and 2010, a CG background for a drawing demonstration on Mythbusters, and a scene for the 2019 Netflix film Rim of the World.

Lodging: cabins and lodges

The resort has 28 mountain cabins and 3 lodges among aspens, accommodating from 2 to 32 people. All cabins are pet-friendly, fully furnished, and have fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, propane BBQ grills, DirecTV, toiletries, and linens. Several also feature indoor jetted tubs, steam showers, and outdoor hot tubs.

Featured options include Mono Jim #12, a newly built studio with views of Laurel Mountain and Mt Morrison for 2-4 guests; Bishop #21, a mountain cabin built in the 1930s on Upper Aspen Loop with views of Mt. Morrison, Sevehah Cliffs, Laurel Mountain, and Laurel Ridge, for 5-7 guests; Laurel Ridge, the most luxurious vacation home with 360-degree views of Morrison Loop, for 10-12 guests; and Mt. Morrison, the largest house, with views of Glacial Moraine, Mt. Morrison, Laurel Mountain, and Laurel Ridge, for up to 34 guests.

Dining and events

The resort has The Restaurant at Convict Lake, recognized by the property itself as the finest restaurant in the Eastern Sierra and a regular choice for locals for special occasions. It offers a romantic and casually elegant atmosphere, located 10 minutes from Mammoth Lakes and across from the Mammoth/Yosemite Airport. It also has Aspen Grill at Convict Lake, Morrison's Restaurant & Bar, and McGee Creek Café.

The resort hosts weddings and events, with party rental service through MnM Events and Party Rentals. The activities calendar includes offerings such as the pancake breakfast on Saturday, September 5, from 8 to 11 a.m., in the lawn area in front of the general store, with a menu of two buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, coffee, and orange juice for adults for sixteen dollars, and a kids' menu for children under 12.

Marina and outdoor activities

The resort marina is open from late April to mid-November. The resort serves as a base for Eastern Sierra activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures. It has an online store and a webcam to check conditions.

Health and safety protocols

The property applies cleaning protocols between stays: cabins are thoroughly sanitized, all sheets and linens are removed and replaced with freshly laundered ones, and toiletries and paper products are restocked.

Location and contact

2000 Convict Lake Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 · Phone: 760-934-3800 · Email: info@convictlake.com