Convict Lake's Murderous Past ~ Exploring Mammoth Mountain Area ~ Ep 67

Convict Lake got its name from a deadly gun battle in 1871. 29 convicts escaped from the Nevada prison in Carson City and fled to the lake area. A Pony Express rider happened upon them camped at the lake and he was murdered. The sheriff and his posse pursued the escaped convicts to the lake and a deadly shootout ensued. Two of the posse members were killed as well as several of the escaped convicts. Eventually all 29 convicts were either killed at the lake or executed after they were captured. Two of the peaks at Convict Lake are named for the slain posse members.