Sunday, October 16, 2011

Convict Lake Camping - Fall Colors near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Wow, what a wonderful weekend to be camping at Convict Lake!


Yes, that is our son playing a massively multi-player online game...but he did walk 5 miles earlier in the day, so it is computer time earned.


A stream full of trout, golden aspen, blue skies, temperatures in the 70s...it just doesn't get any better than this!

This is our campsite with the morning sun rising in the east, lighting up the face of the mountain opposite.  You should have seen this same scene at moonrise last night.  The granite rock face caught the moonlight like a silver veil, with the crevices as black as the dark side of the moon.


Our second hike around Convict Lake started by crossing the bridge between the campsite and the resort.


We found this hornet's nest on the trail near one campsite.  Our son joked about chucking his walking stick through it...six hours later, he was stung by a bee on the trail around the lake.


Pictures just don't do this place justice....


Coming from the deciduous forests of the Appalachians, I'm used to the entire mountain turning colors.  Here in the Eastern Sierra, it's more like amazingly bright yellow, red, and gold paint has been poured wherever there is water runoff.


The views around the lake are spectacular at this time of year, with the color on the leaves, the color of the water, and the color of the mountains.


Best of all, after the hike, we get to hang out in the bar at the Restaurant at Convict Lake, watch some football, and have their indescribably delicious Chocolate Ganache dessert!

2 comments:

  1. Your stunning photos has definitely captured the awe and beauty of Convict Lake. Thanks for sharing. LD

    ETA: Hey little one, quit picking on hornet's and other critters. :)

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