Convict Canyon to Lake Dorothy

The Hike: The trail from the day-use parking lot undulates to the southwest around the southern end of Convict Lake to its western end. Along the way it passes by many steep side-trails leading down to the lake where you're likely to find many people, boaters, and fishermen on summer weekends. Once the trail reaches the southwestern tip of the lake it turns north-northwest to travel through the aspen and water birch forest. There is a pack trail a little further west and a hiker/picnicker trail closer to the lake. Two branches of Convict Creek are crossed on a boardwalk before a trail junction is reached off the northwestern tip of the lake (~1.0 miles). It takes only ~0.9 miles to get here from the boater's parking lot and ~1.15 miles from the backpacker's parking lot (this trail meets the boater's trail part way through). The northern lake trail has better views but is more exposed. Turning left (west-southwest), the trail begins its mild climb in the desert brush that offers almost no shade. A few switchbacks are passed through before the John Muir Wilderness boundary is reached (~1.65 miles). Shortly after this (~1.7 miles) the trail runs into a rocky wash and appears to disappear. However, if you look across it you should spot the trail leading away on the other side. Pick the best route for yourself to get down into the wash and then back up to the trail. The trail then heads through some vegetation and trees and turns to the south before approaching the creek. From here it turns to the south to move around the edge of the trees and then southeast to cross over different sections of a rocky fan coming down from Sevehah Cliff.

The trail then continues to the south passing through several sections of trees and open trail on a consistent moderate grade before running into the first switchback (~3.1 miles) in a series that is spread out. A creekbed is crossed before the trail reaches the washed out bridge at the confluence of Lake Genevieve's outlet and Convict Creek (~3.7 miles). The outlet is crossed first. I found a pretty easy spot to cross in late-July a little upstream of where the trail runs into the outlet, however the rocks are still slippery and care is required. Next, Convict Creek is crossed which is a little trickier. If you have water shoes, bring them. Once across to the east side of Convict Creek either start steeply climbing along the trail to the east or continue a little ways along the creek before turning east (our trail shown in red on the maps page). Either way you should reach the same point. Follow the now steep trail as it heads south, through a small stand of trees, and then hits another set of switchbacks. Sierra Angelica can be found virtually throughout the canyon alongside the trail, but there is an especially thick area of it in this section of trail. There is an excellent view down-canyon from just off the trail at the top of the couple of switchbacks (~4.2 miles). From here the trail continues to the southwest then south over what looked like volcanic ash to me (not as fine, but the same gray-black color). Another pair of switchbacks is passed through before the trail levels out over a sandy section below Mildred Lake and then climbs to just below the east side of the lake. Here, a use-trail continues to the south toward the top of the canyon (also is used to climb Mt Baldwin).

Turn sharply to the right to follow the main trail as it crests above the east shore of Mildred Lake before northwest to the outlet (~5.0 miles). Immediately below the outlet is a decent waterfall. I meant to stop to get a picture from downstream on my way back but decided later not to. The view from the outlet toward Red Slate Mountain is very nice. Follow the trail around the northern end of the lake as Mt Baldwin appears, then follow the western shore south. Marsh grass of parnassus grows just above the southwest end of the lake and columbine in the boulder field. The main trail meets a side-trail coming from the creek (~5.35 miles). This is the alternate 'short-cut' around the southern end of Mildred Lake (saves ~0.45 miles if used both ways). The Lake Dorothy Trail climbs up through the rocks, turns to the northwest and continues climbing above Mildred Lake. The view looking back over Mildred Lake and Convict Creek is superb. After passing over a seep with lots of flowers including gentian, the trail switchbacks, climbs further, and turns to the southwest. The Lake Genevieve Trail is met at ~5.9 miles. Stay straight (southwest) to head toward Lake Dorothy. After a little while I left the trail for the shore of Lake Dorothy (~6.05 miles) to the west. The water is clear and the color shifts from clear to aquamarine to sky blue as you look from the shore to deeper water. Red Slate Mountain is the prominent peak over the lake with a few other peaks to the west at the border of Mono and Fresno counties. The Lake Dorothy Trail continues along the eastern shore and then up to Bighorn Lake. Lake Dorothy offers some decent fishing. At the very least hang out by the shore for a little while and enjoy the solitude and picturesque High Sierra views. When you're ready retrace your steps back to the trailhead.