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Writer's picture Denise Vasquez
Jul 123 min read

How Accessible Is Accessible: Convict Lake

Updated: Oct 2


Disabled Photographer Project & How Accessible Is Accessible Series

Founder Denise Vasquez photographed by Randy Martinez


It’s been five years since I last visited Convict Lake in Mono County, California. My favorite thing about the lake is it’s picturesque beauty. This scenic landscape offers clear turquoise blue water, dramatic high Sierra Nevada mountain range all around it, and lots of fun outdoor activities. It is truly a photographers dream, especially for a disabled one like me. Many people climb mountains to visit lakes as beautiful as this one, but the good news is, you can drive right up to it, and it is accessible!


The beauty of Convict Lake is one of the many reasons visitors like me are attracted to the area. TV, films and Commercials have been filmed at the lake! But the history behind the lake is something straight out of a Western movie, and what it is most famous for. In 1871, a posse of escaped convicts from Carson City Nevada, known as Monte Diablo, were hiding out at the lake. Most of the convicts ended up being captured after a shootout, but two locals, Robert Morrison and Mono Jim, were killed. The lake became known as Convict and the tallest mountain peak 12,241’ Mount Morrison, was named after the Sheriff who perished in the shootout.

Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024


Before it received the name Convict Lake, the area was a place of spiritual significance to the Northern Paiute Tribe, which they referred to the area as Wit-sa-nap “The Land of Flowing Water”.


At nearly 170 acres, Convict Lake is a perfect place for swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. The water quality is good, and there are sandy beaches on the southwest shore. The East shore also offers access from the picnic area and stony beach. We arrived late in the afternoon, and were lucky to find an accessible parking space available! The best time to visit is early morning before the crowds arrive.


There’s a 2 mile loop trail on the shores, through open sagebrush country and groves of pine and aspen, leading you all around the lake. We started the trail from the Accessible parking area. There is an Accessible crosswalk, restrooms, and paved nature trail with access to beautiful view of Mount Morrison, and benches! Watch my Convict Lake TikTok video here https://www.tiktok.com/@denisevasquezphotography/video/7390413843169611050?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7381176150784509470


Convict Lake is a very popular location for fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout. Everywhere I looked, people of all ages were fishing, some families even set up right beside me where I was taking photos from to fish. If you need bait, tackle, or are interested in boat rentals, Convict Lake Resort has a store, restaurant, cabins and more. There's also a public campground nearby, that has a picnic area, and a marina with boat rentals and launching.

Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024


I trust that my research, area exploration, and personal experience sharing have been beneficial! I initiated this project in 2017, more than seven years ago. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of revisiting locations multiple times to provide updated information. This not only benefits me but also aids individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. Moreover, it helps raise awareness among trail users and park staff.


If you appreciate my blog and find the content in my blogs, TikToks, and YouTube videos useful, you can show your support for my project by making a donation. Any amount is welcome as every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. Your donation will assist in funding my time, research, planning, travel, gas, accommodation, scouting, photography, memory cards, hard drives, and the creation of content shared in YouTube videos, blogs, Instagram posts, TikToks, and more.

Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024


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