I've wanted to go horseback riding at Convict Lake because it is so beautiful, but was hesitant because of first review. However, we decided to give it a chance. We called ahead and made reservations. They gave us the directions on how to get there, and we found it easily. One thing to know is there are no bathrooms by the horse stables. So, plan accordingly. We met Jorge, our guide. The rest of the group arrived, and we saddled up. Jorge was helpful and competent. The horses were easy to ride and control. The ride consists of going half-way around the lake, stopping for a snack of bottled water and chips provided by the guide, and then taking the same trip back. The views are wonderful, and the lake is beautiful. The ride was a good beginner ride, except for the fact that it is two hours. When you aren't used to being on a horse that long, it is a little rough on the body. The trail itself was well-marked and the horses stuck together. The only time we had to manage the horses much was when they would try to eat the grass on the way. Parts of the trail are narrow, and there are a few mild uphill and downhill spots. Overall, a positive experience that me and my 12-year old daughter enjoyed very much. read more

This was our second time doing the ride and both times were great. For a novice, such as myself, 2 hours is plenty. The guides are professional and always treat safety as the top priority. For the price, it's definitely worth the price of admission. Nothing but praise for this outfit. read more

My friend and I decided to explore convict lake by horseback. We've grew up riding and were hoping for great trail ride - Our expectations were DEFINITELY exceeded. Randy was an enthusiastic guide, and we loved hearing about his cowboy lifestyle. He made sure everyone was comfortable during the ride, and did a fantastic job matching our abilities to our horses. Black jack and Chester were great horses. We'll definitely be back! read more

I really enjoyed my time horseback riding here! Randy was a super friendly guide and he knew a lot about the area and about the outdoors in general. Would definitely visit again!! read more

Convict Lake Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

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Took the family today, to the lake I grew up on. Our guide Randy is top notch, the entire family had a blast. Thank you so very much, banking wonderful memories for my own kids now and Randy helped accomplish this and then some. read more

Absolutely horrendous guide and over work their horses. It's so sad. Got shorted on our ride time and the guide insulted the other people on the ride in so many ways. Would not ever recommend. read more

Our ride started right on time and the guide, Jorge, was friendly and clearly competent. As our ride progressed he made sure to look back frequently to make sure everyone was doing okay. He provided water and snacks halfway through the trip and was patient in helping us mount and dismount. The views around the lake were stunning, however shade is sparse so sunscreen is definitely recommended. Despite the high number of people and dogs on the trail that day, the horses remained very calm. My horse, Lil Red, was great. I would go back again, it's a shame they don't have alternate routes. read more

Words cannot express how much I regret choosing Convict Lake Resort horseback riding. It was the only place open in early June in the Mammoth Lake area, so I went ahead and booked two hours at $60 each for me and two friends. This is going to be long, but I want to describe in detail exactly where my experience went wrong. I thought this was going to be a pleasant ride around the beautiful Convict Lake, but I was pretty much stressed out the whole time :/ though this was advertised as a beginner/friendly ride, I can tell you that it was anything but. Strange how they tell you to meet at the general store at Convict Lake (you have to find the back office in the general store), then drive over to the actual horseback riding location (few mins drive). Why not make it easier on everyone involved, and have them meet at the horseback riding location? Anyway, we made it to the stables, and waited for about 10-15 mins while our guide finished saddling up our horses. It wasn't too bad of a wait, because his dogs were super friendly and we played with them while we waited. Without introducing himself or going over basic guidelines and instructions, the guide had my friend mount her horse, which was antsy and kept twisting/prancing away from our group. As she tried to control the horse with the reins, the guide was yelling angrily at her to stop what she was doing and drop the reins. Shocked, she let go of her reins, and her horse pretty much kept galloping away from us with her on it, while the guide helped me and our other friend on her horses. After we were all up on our horses, our guide (I don't even know his name; he never introduced himself or got our names) went to fetch our wayward friend. He came back with her in tow, and told me to lead my friend's horse for the duration of the ride. For the record, I have only gone horseback riding once, so I had no idea what to do. He looped the lead rope twice around my saddle horn, so I had to hang onto that and my reins too. Then we were off--well, almost. The guide took off ahead of us about 200 yards and yelled for us to follow...but we had no idea how to get our horses to start walking. A hiker luckily walked by at that moment and told us to squeeze the horses' sides with our heels, which did the trick. Unfortunately, to catch up with our guide, our horses started GALLOPING. Literally galloping. I was bouncing up and down in my saddle, clutching the lead rope (which immediately unlooped from its precarious position around my saddle horn, and was pulled taut with tension against my side) and the reins at the same time, trying not to drop anything. The rope was putting so much pressure on me that I really felt like I could fall off my saddle if I bounced into the air again. Behind me, my friend almost fell off because the guide had not adjusted her feet into the stirrups. As we continued, the guide's horse started acting up, twisting and turning. He pulled out his whip and started whipping the horse, which was extremely scary as my friend was a few feet behind his horse. She had to turn her face away to avoid the blows. We were all scared that either her horse or his would rear up and dump one of them on the ground. Later he told us that the horse was belligerent and just-bought a few weeks ago, so he had to train the horse to behave. Then why would he take a belligerent horse out on the trail with us? Next, we dismounted at the lake and our guide tied up our horses. We sat and had some water/snacks that he brought with him, and made our way back to the horses. Aaaaaand...three of the horses had escaped. He told us three to start walking back, and he galloped away on his horse. We had no choice but to start hiking back, but after a few minutes he had located the three wayward horses, and we got back on them. We enjoyed the rest of the way back, and the guide was much more friendly during the second half of the trip, but I was appalled at how negative our experience was. We almost wanted to stop the horseback ride right at the beginning, but decided to go through with it. If you're debating doing a horseback ride in Mammoth Lakes, you definitely should--just not with an unsafe and scary establishment that advocates whipping horses right in front of your face. read more

We had a fantastic time riding with Randy. Our group of five were all beginners but we all managed to have an excellent time. My seven year old was asking when we can go again. read more

Randy is amazing. Thank you for making my granddaughters day (her name is alyssa or has Randy calls her potatoe sack) you always put a smile on her face. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to go for a ride to do it at convict lake it's amazing. And so is Randy. Thanks again till next year love Todd and Alyssa read more

Great experience with Randy horseback riding! He was a great guide and we loved hearing your stories about your incredible life adventures. Thanks for making this such a great day for our kids and keeping us safe. Highly recommended and you can't beat the beautiful backdrop of Convict Lake! Thanks Randy! 5 Star! read more

We had 5 adults and a 12 and 10 year old. Our guide was wonderful. He introduced himself, and he got us up on the horses individually, with the 10 year old being the first one our guide got on the horse. He told her how to use the reins and left her there while he got the rest of us up, and explaining to each of us individually how to use the reins, and what to do if our horse decided to stop and eat along the way. Any little problems along the way, could be handled by us or with our guide telling us what to do. Yes, he had to shout, not yell, so that we could hear him. About half way around the lake we took a break and he had water and snacks for us. He, and us made small conversation. He was friendly, and polite. I'd tell you what we learned about him but it's not my place to repeat what he shared with us. We enjoyed the horseback ride and our guide. read more

bad! ride only lasted 1: 30 min not two hours. we made four reservation and two couldn't show up. no refund at all. wasted $300.00. not worth it. read more

Worst customer service...people answering the phones obviously don't like their job. By the way, if you leave a voice message with them, don't expect a call back...I'm still waiting. When I finally got a hold of them and booked a reservation the experience got worse. My kids and I arrived promptly and waited for the prior group to return to an unmanned stable. Once we were ready to go, the guide (only one person) told us it was too windy and the horses were skittish. He also said that I have three kids so that's why we couldn't go riding (he just brought back 5 or 6 kids in the prior group). Personally I think he was tired and making excuses. I don't understand why no one notified me prior and not have my family wasting our day waiting all morning. Oh yeah, no customer service . The guide told me I was to be refunded my money. I called to double check with the office and the lady said to check my email that afternoon of the refund notification and to call back if I didn't receive it. I checked my email and guess what, no refund notification. I called back after several attempts and same lady (that denies talking to me before) said the process would take place in several days. I'll keep my fingers crossed . No apology, just lousy service. I went to another horse riding group the same day, same amount of wind and with a great experience. My kids and I were happy campers. Now just have to make sure I get my refund from "Convict" Lake. read more