Convict Lake
Eastern Sierra, California · 7,588 ft
Typical peak
Sep 25 – Oct 3
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SW (235°)
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 .
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.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 8.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 13
7 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
54°F / 33°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Convict Lake on September 29, 2026, 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.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
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.
Classic composition faces 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.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.