Mildred Lake - A quick overnight backpacking trip up Convict Creek

Mildred Lake
Nights on Trail: 1
Miles: 10.25 (Roundtrip)
Trailhead: Convict Lake Trailhead
Agency: Inyo National Forest
Dates Hiked: July 3-4, 2021

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07/03/2021
My wife and daughter were going on a road trip with friends, so I found myself with some time to squeeze in a training hike before my daughter and I make it to Mount Whitney at the end of July. I had originally planned three nights in the Sierra Nevada, but work and the desire to have some time at home to take care of some things left me with one night.

Which was plenty.

Since I was watching the weather at Convict Lake, I realized that it was going to be too warm to start at a normal time. I would be gaining around 2,500’ of elevation and I didn’t want to hike that in the direct sunlight. So I left home a lot later than I normally would, cruising up the 395 to Convict Lake.

After driving through Owens Valley at temperatures around 106, even at 4PM, the trailhead was still 87.

My initial goal was to make it to Lake Dorothy, but that changed pretty quickly once I left the trailhead at 4:15PM under a sweltering sun. I took my time along the trail, hearing the sounds of joy coming from the boats on Convict Lake.

The first view of Convict Lake on the way to Mildred Lake

I passed a few fisherpeople and day hikers around the lake and made my way upward into the wilderness. I passed a few backpackers and some more day hikers descending and absorbed the view of the drainage above me.

The trail starts climbing once you take a right at the Wilderness Boundary

The rust-colored rocks, the green aspen, and the white talus all combined to put on quite a dazzling show. Complementing the scenery was the roar of Convict Creek below.

Sevehah Cliff, with Laurel Mountain at the top

The lush and rocky Convict Creek drainage. The trail continues through the gap in the distance.

The trail crosses several talus fields.jpg — The trail crosses several talus fields

The flowers were blooming along the trail

I crossed the creeks across some stones and logs, and then I was on the western side of the creek, ever-winding upward on the rocky trail.

The crossing of Convict and Genevieve Creeks were not an issue at the time

On the plus side, the sun was long gone behind the steep cliffs to the west and it was cooling down nicely, but that meant my time of hiking in daylight was nearing an end.

The trail climbs steeply up the drainage

The second half was a lot steeper than the first half, but I was happy to see that I didn’t feel any elevation-related slowing; my slower pace was purely based on the how steep the trail was getting. I did not feel any dizziness or unusual breathing, which could have been due to the fact that I had been in Sequoia the week before and had acclimatized a bit.

The trail continues to follow Convict Creek

Almost to Mildred Lake, just over the rocky hill ahead, campsites are in the trees

The trail leveled off at the rim of the drainage and meandered around a large rocky hill. Mildred Lake came into view.

It was way more scenic than I had expected. I passed some small campsites along the northeastern edge, but I continued along to the northwest.

Wanting to enjoy the lake’s beauty, but determined not to set up the tent in the dark, I made my way back to the northeast edge and found a small spot high on the hill, protected by a rock outcrop and some trees.

Mildred Lake from the outlet creek.jpg — Mildred Lake from the outlet creek

Where Convict Creek begins at Mildred Lake

I quickly set up my tent and had dinner in the last dim glow of the day. The stars were above me as I finished my meal. I packed everything in the bear canister and stashed it far away.

I sat on a large outcrop, the sound of the outlet creek rushing around me. There was no moon, so the stars shone brightly above, casting a glow on the lake below me.

After a while, my first yawn appeared. Tired from a long drive and warm hike, I retired to the tent, relaxed by the beauty I saw along the way and the white noise below.

Mildred Lake from the northwest corner, as daylight faded (Click to enlarge)

I slept really well.

My campsite above the lake.jpg — My campsite above the lake

I woke up about 10 hours later. I must have been tired. I had no real agenda. My intent was to stay another night by staying at Mildred Lake or heading further up to Lake Dorothy. I had some breakfast and lounged around the hilltop, enjoying the view of the lake. After it warmed up a bit, I decided to go for a swim.

Mildred Lake Pano - from where I dried out after a swim (Click to enlarge)

I walked around to the northwestern rim of the lake and found a small bowl dug out of the talus at the edge of the lake. I put my foam pad down and went into the chilly water.

It’s always invigorating to swim in a lake. I swam out to the middle and floated. I enjoyed the slight breeze and the relief from the blaring sun. My fingers tingled from the icy water as I stared at the few high clouds above me.

I swam back to the shore and dried off, letting the sun warm me back up. I relaxed there for a while, catching my breath that was coaxed out by the cold water.

Relaxing in the sun after a swim in Mildred Lake

As I sat there, I had realized that I had completed what I had come there to do. I had gotten some time at high elevation, confirmed that my sleeping kit is solid, lounged by the lake all morning, and went for an amazing swim. The weather report mentioned high winds overnight and tomorrow was going to be even hotter than today.

I was ready to go back home. I was totally content with this decision. It was about 1PM as I started to gather my things, packed up my tent, and made it down the trail.

It was rockier than I had remembered, and it got warmer as I descended. It was about 4PM when I got back to my car and the temperature was still a blazing 91.