The Eastern Sierra is home to many alpine lakes- it’s one of the many reasons why I love exploring this backcountry so often. Summer is by far the best time to explore but the fall season has it’s advantages, as well as disadvantages. The summer of 2022 before heading out on the JMT, I spent a lot of time wandering the Eastern Sierra and Lake Dorothy was one of my favorites!
Trail: Convict Lake, Mildred Lake, Lake Dorothy Distance: 5.8 miles (one-way) Elevation: 2,728 ft. Location: Eastern Sierra, CA Permits: Wilderness permits are required for backpacking and can be obtained here.
Where is Lake Dorothy located?
Lake Dorothy (10, 282′) is a high alpine lake located in the Inyo National Forest, part of the Eastern Sierra mountains. The trailhead starts at Convict Lake which is 10-miles south of Mammoth Lakes, California and approximately 40-mins north of Bishop, California.
To access Lake Dorothy, follow the Convict Canyon Trail 1-mile to the trail junction for Mildred Lake/Lake Dorothy. From the trail junction, it is approximately 3.8-miles to Mildred Lake and then another 2-miles to Lake Dorothy.
UPDATE: There is a major creek crossing before reaching Mildred Lake, and as of December 2023, it is not recommended to cross. Please check trail conditions before traveling.
When is the best time to visit?
The best times to visit Lake Dorothy are May through October. This varies every year, so always check the weather conditions before traveling. I personally enjoy this trail in the summer and fall months.
What to Pack for a Backpacking trip?
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