Convict Lake
Eastern Sierra, California · 7,588 ft
Aspen stands on the north shore turn orange against the banded metamorphic rock of Laurel Mountain and Mount Morrison. Shooting from the northeast end puts the full length of the lake between you and the peaks.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Sep 25 – Oct 3
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SW (235°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Turn west off US-395 onto Convict Lake Road about two miles south of the Mammoth Lakes junction, drive 2.5 miles to the day-use lot, and walk 100 yards to the outlet.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- black cottonwood
- willow
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 29Typical color progression for Convict Lake. No change from Aug 22 to Sep 8. First color from Sep 8 to Sep 17. Approaching peak from Sep 17 to Sep 25. Peak from Sep 25 to Oct 3. Past peak from Oct 3 to Oct 13. Bare from Oct 13 to Oct 27.
Convict Lake is typically at approaching peak on this date.
Light at peak
Convict Lake on September 29, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:23 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 92° | 6:49 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:23 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:45 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:07 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:42 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:08 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 11h 53m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Based on the classic composition here facing SW (235°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.