Dale Matson
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Convict Lake
Our original intent was to
reach Lakes Mildred and Dorothy on a day hike. One would think that by the end
of August we could cross the confluence of Convict Creek and the outlet of
Genevieve Lake. As it turned out, we turned back at the sight of such a
turbulent cascade. We sat there for
lunch and I couldn’t help thinking how easy the crossing would have been if the
washed out footbridge were still there. It wasn’t and we were not young and
spry enough to risk crossing. We only had daypacks too. I can’t even imagine
risking the crossing with a heavy pack. I sent a trail “conditions” e-mail to
the folks at the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop when I got back home
with an attached photo of the crossing. There are YouTube videos posted on the
crossing dangers at the beginning of August.
Since this was the case I
will report on our hike beginning at the day use area on the south side of
Convict Lake. Every posting I have read states the hike to Mildred Lake is five
miles one way and the hike to Dorothy Lake is 6 miles one way. That is correct
BUT the trailhead is at the northeast corner of Convict Lake making it a hike
of a mile before you actually get to the trailhead sign no matter where you
start from. Additionally for those like us who start where we did, the
boardwalk, which crosses Convict Creek at the inlet to Convict Lake, is
partially washed away and you will have to ford a portion of the creek. We did
have water shoes with us, which we used sooner than we planned but not where we
planned later on.
Our trip was 9.5 miles
round trip with about 2,000’ of altitude gain overall. We were out for about
7.5 hours with a start temperature of 44 degrees. Most of the climb is exposed
and the return was hot. We experienced very few mosquitos. The last water
before the climb is at the lake with the creek far below most of the climb. The
best access to water after that is by the washed out bridge.
We met four young folks
with backpacks on the way up as we were headed down. They planned on using a
rope. I have no idea how they could make use of the rope but hope they crossed
safely.
It was still a good day of
exercise with beautiful color in the canyon. Mt. Morrison was especially
colorful. We explored another route along the Laurel Creek Trail. The first
mile in my 4X4 truck was enough exploration to make me think twice about this
option. Maybe mid October will be better with less water in the creeks.
Hike Route
Sharon and Annie
Putting Shoes Back On
This Section Needed To Be Forded
Actual Trailhead
Convict Creek
Looking Back
Mt. Morrison
Colorful Mt. Morrison
Too Much Water To Cross
Here is a YouTube video made of additional photographs and video clips
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