Photography in Mammouth Lakes, Ca: I will be in this area in early October. I have seen some nice shots at Convict Lake, and would like to make some myself. Does anyone have some...

aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

I will be in this area in early October. I have seen some nice shots at Convict Lake, and would like to make some myself. Does anyone have some advice about this location, or other lakes in the area? Also, since I am somewhat mobility challenged, does the terrain allow access with minimal walking? Thank you for whatever input you might offer.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

aggiedad wrote:

I will be in this area in early October. I have seen some nice shots at Convict Lake, and would like to make some myself. Does anyone have some advice about this location, or other lakes in the area? Also, since I am somewhat mobility challenged, does the terrain allow access with minimal walking? Thank you for whatever input you might offer.

Dad, not familiar with Convict, but not to far away are Mono lake with pretty good access. Also is Devils Post Pile and Bodie. All have decent access but do have some distances, though not rough going.
There are several lakes along the June Lake loop, but I don't think any are particularly interesting. Good luck. ;-)
SS

RE Loc: California

aggiedad wrote:

I will be in this area in early October. I have seen some nice shots at Convict Lake, and would like to make some myself. Does anyone have some advice about this location, or other lakes in the area? Also, since I am somewhat mobility challenged, does the terrain allow access with minimal walking? Thank you for whatever input you might offer.

Hi, our son was just at convict lake so I asked his opinion, he said you can drive the 1/4 mile to the lake for photo ops that it is all paved, very little shade but with great views!

I agree Mono lake is another great spot for photos. If you're interested in Devils Postpile it is stunning but will be required to take a bus ride to the site. One of the person's in our party was not a hiker due to heath issues and she seemed to do fine.

Generally the entire area is photo worthy, we try to go every other year. Enjoy, I look forward to seeing your photo's upon your return! :-)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I Would like to add, that in October, it IS possible to get snow in some of those areas. Keep an eye on weather before you go. Though lately, we've not gotten much early precipitation, if at all. ;-)
SS

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

Convict Lake has easy access.

If you can get there early, you can catch the sun lighting the mountains behind the lake for an amazing view.

GT

Preachdude Loc: Geneva, OH

aggiedad wrote:

I will be in this area in early October. I have seen some nice shots at Convict Lake, and would like to make some myself. Does anyone have some advice about this location, or other lakes in the area? Also, since I am somewhat mobility challenged, does the terrain allow access with minimal walking? Thank you for whatever input you might offer.

Convict Lake is west of highway 395, and the turn-off is several miles south of the turn-off for Mammoth Lakes. The last time I was there (more than 15 years ago), Convict Lake was accessible by car, but the trails around the lake were not paved. Just east and north of Convict Lake is Holmes Hot Springs, which my family enjoyed when I was a boy. As for other lakes, take the Mammoth Lakes turn off, going west, drive past the town and its turnoff to the Mammoth Mountain ski area. You will first come to Twin Lakes. There are nice facilities there with both cabins and camping. Beyond Twin Lakes there are several others, some of which require a short hike to reach. There are many places throughout the area for good photographs. Finally, if you are interested in some interesting geological formations, you can visit the earthquake fault just east of the ski resort road, or you can go past the ski resort several miles down a steep road (summer only) to Devil's Post Pile.

accuseal Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Check out www.shothotspot.com

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have been to Convict Lake many times. It is a great photographic location and the best photos are pretty much right from the parking lot which is right next to the lake. It should not be a problem even for someone with mobility issues. Good luck and please share your photos with us.

Dennis

Dale1000

If you hit it right, then it's a great time to check out the autumn colors as the Aspen will be in full bloom. Head south from Mammoth on 395 to Tom's Place, just over 30 minutes' drive. There, turn into the hills. The road is paved and Aspen will line the route as you gain elevation. Also, don't forget Bodie, a ghost town in a state of arrested decay.

Hope this helps.

Pinenuts Loc: Genoa, NV

I used to live near Mammoth Lakes. The whole Eastern Sierra from Lone Pine to Bridgeport is very photogenic. The attached photo is of Convict lake in the fall. Not a great image as it was shot in 1999 with my first digital point and shoot. If you can manage to walk a mile or so on a gentle trail at ten thousand feet, I would highly recommend Little Lakes Valley (2nd attached image). Drive 18 miles south on Highway 395 and turn right on Rock Creek Rd. Drive all the way to the end to the trail head parking area. It is a pretty drive in October even if you don't do the hike.

Convict Lake

Little Lakes Valley

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Convict is a beautiful location for photography, especially in the morning when the sun is lighting up the vertical wall to the west. There is a parking lot just as you come to the lake and the small bridge just to the left provides some good opportunities for photos and is a short, easy stroll from that parking lot. The fall colors are usually spectacular in Oct but as SparpShooter stated, it can snow. I have been fishing on that lake in April during bitterly cold, windy, white - out conditions. But I was there this past Jan and the sun was shining under a brilliant blue sky and it was in the 60s. Best advice is to be prepared for any conditions. There are a lot of photo opportunities in the eastern Sierra....way too many for a single trip to cover. Any where from Lone Pine to Bridgeport will give you unbelievable chances for stunning photos. Nearly all of the roads that go west off of hwy 395 between these towns provide great photo opps that don't require much walking.

TdogKing

Convict Lake is really easy access for great shots. I've got many from there. The drive up to all the Lakes above Bishop are easily accessible and very photogenic as is the June Lake Loop , Tioga Pass area Lakes, Lundy Lake , Mammoth area lakes. All of these are easily accessible.

TdogKing

Convict Lake is really easy access for great shots. I've got many from there. The drive up to all the Lakes above Bishop are easily accessible and very photogenic as is the June Lake Loop , Tioga Pass area Lakes, Lundy Lake , Mammoth area lakes. All of these are easily accessible.

aggiedad Loc: Corona, ca

Thank you everyone for your most helpful insights and advice. I can hardly wait to get up there. Phil

Photodegirl

Another beautiful place for great pictures is the Bishop Creek area. It's 26 miles out of Bishop. It should have beautiful colors that time of year (depending on the weather). The first Sunday in October is "Color Sunday". Lake Sabrina is at the end of the paved road and is easily assessable. Lots of great areas to stop and take pictures. Convict Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the area! Enjoy

Lake Sabrina

(Download)

Bishop Creek colors

(Download)