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Convict Canyon Trail From Hwy. 395, 35 miles north of Bishop, turn left at a sign for Convict Lake and drive just over 2 miles to the lake, and trailhead parking. Convict Lake, named for a group of escaped prisoners, is the trailhead for a long rugged hike to Mildred Lake and Lake Dorothy. Begin walking on a gravel path on the north shore of the lake. Mt. Morrison towers above the lake. Reach a fork in the trail at 1 mile. The left fork is a fishing trail around the lake. The right fork leads to Mildred Lake. The trail is fairly open, before entering the canyon. An early start is a good idea in order to beat the heat. The ascent is fairly gradual up this rocky canyon. Reach a creek crossing at 2 ½ miles, this can be a tricky crossing early in the season. Continue up rocky switchbacks, the trail levels a bit before reaching Mildred Lake at 5 miles. The trail goes around the west side of the lake, then climbs switchbacks up to the junction for trails leading to either Lake Dorothy or Lake Genevieve. Looking south above Mildred Lake, views of the distant McGee Pass and Red Slate Mountain, and nearby lush meadows beckon weary hikers. From the junction at 6.5 miles, the right fork leads to a short stint uphill, then a steep descent downhill lead to Lake Genevieve at 7.2 miles and Cloverleaf Lake at 8 ½ miles. The left fork leads to beautiful Lake Dorothy and Lake Wit-so-na-pah. John Muir Wilderness - Topo Mammoth High Country - 15 minute - Topo Inyo National Forest - 60 minute
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