While we were in the Eastern Sierra — leaf-peeping in early October — we also made a stop at Convict Lake, just off Highway 395. The lake sits at an altitude of 7850 ft. and is known for its picturesque surroundings, its fall foliage in autumn and its odd name.
When we were there at Convict Lake, the sun was on its way out and darkness was setting in. And the lake was past its peak fall color. The yellow on the far side of the lake had dulled to a darker yellow however there was still enough color to remind us of what the season was. What stole the show that day was the still and clear water, the reflections of the rocks in the are and the color of the mountains behind the lake.
Laurel Mountain
Laurel Mountain rises to an elevation of 11, 818ft. and is quite the sight! This mountain that forms the backdrop of convict Lake is lighter than the other rocky structures that seem to surround it, at least from the perspective of the lake. The light rock face with its marble-ish patterns and sharp edges interestingly looked a bit delicate too.
Look at those colors, textures and details on it!
Convict Lake
Coming back to the lake itself, let me tell you that it is a great place to stop at if you’re in the Mono County area in early fall as it is one of those places that gets its colors early on in the season.
Something else about the lake that stands out — other than its early fall colors and the light rocks that border it — is its name. Why was it called Convict Lake, I wondered when I first heard of it.
Apparently, the lake gets its name from an event that took place here in the century before last. Way back in 1871, a group of escaped prisoners from Carson City Prison in NV were caught as they were hiding in the area and there was a shootout that left people from both sides of the fight, dead. While the lake was named after the convicts, a couple of mountains here got the names of two others who died in the historical encounter.
Also from the Eastern Sierra
Mono Lake
South Tufa Area
Devil’s Postpile
Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra
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Those photos of Convict lake are fabulous and I loved hearing how it got it’s name.
Thank you so much, Joanne.
That’s a dark, yet interesting story, is it not? 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Joanne. 🙂
…you have some beautifully rugged landscape to enjoy, thank for sharing.
I feel it’s a blessing to be not too far from the Sierras. However, I think I ‘ought to go see more of the Eastern Sierras.’ 😁
I can’t get enough of these landscapes. 🙂
Thank YOU for your visit, Tom. 🙂
Stunning photo of Convict Lake! The name sounds scary though. I wouldn’t want to be lost over there…
Thank you so much. 🙂
Yeah — that’s a not-so-pleasant story.
Haha! It’s a lovely area despite the name.
Thanks a ton for visiting. 🙂
Such a fascinating story!
The lake is hauntingly beautiful!
Happy Thursday 💐
Hey Veronica,
The whole story is uglier. 😬
It’s pretty out there, at the lake tho’. Convict Lake is surrounded by mountains so it was quite dark already when we got there. I guess that added to the mood in the pictures. 🙂
Thank you so so much for stopping by. Veronica. 🙂
So beautiful and really atmospheric.
-Soma
It’s a lovely place. It felt very remote out there, although it really wasn’t.
I guess the evening-light works well with the lake’s story and surroundings. 🙂
Thank you, Soma.
Mother Nature is such an incredible artist ~ gorgeous photos ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka(A Creative Harbor)
That, she is! <3
Thanks a ton, dear Carol.
You too! Take care. <3