Convict Lake is a big, deep lake set against an iconic backdrop of near-sheer granite faces, a perfect place for a long-distance open water swim. The water quality is good. The temperatures improve into late summer and fall. There are sandy beaches along the trail on the far, southwest shore, but the easiest access is from the picnic area and stony beach on the east shore at the end of the road. Go in the morning before the wind and the boat traffic picks up. Don't expect perfect solitude. Convict Lake is a popular destination. Watch out for fishing hooks and debris on the shore, and keep an eye out for boats.