Trailhead warning. Sounds fun to me.

Not exactly a busy weekend here at the Convict Creek trail head.

Heading up the trail, starting at about 7700 ft.

Walking along Convict Lake. It looks like fall colors are just getting started here. Laurel Peak on the right.

Convict Lake is gorgeous.

Aspen groves just below Mt Morrison are just starting to brighten up.

We'll hike up the creek to the top of the canyon at ~9800 ft.

The rocks in this area are among the oldest in the sierra and as we climb higher we start to see the unique colors and patterns.

This pooch was with the group hiking behind us. She was very good at posing for photos.

Convict Lake.

The north side of Laurel Peak

Climbing through some rubble. The trail is washed out in a few spots but it's never bad.

At the bridge washout. Advantage to doing this hike in September of a dry year? Crossing is no problem. This can be a gnarly, sketchy, dangerous, scary spot when the water is high. Today it is just a rock hop.

See? Smiles, not paralyzing fear.

Looking back at the bridge washout. I think they gave up rebuilding this thing over and over again. On this side of the bridge the trail gets a bit sketchier too since it is less used. It's very narrow and washed out in several spots.

Following what looks like the trail up the canyon.

Cairns lead the way when the trail disappears. I usually am dubious about trusting cairns but they were trustworthy this whole trip.

Getting more peeks at the neat geology on the unnamed point ahead.

Looking back down the canyon (laurel peak in the sun)

A decent stretch of trail on a switchback below Mildred Lake.

Sooz scrambles over one of the washouts.

Looking down on the creek from the trail. Nice waterfalls and pools down there.

Red Slate Peak finally pops into view - must be close to the top of the canyon now.

Narrow trail on loose slope. Just narrow enough that I have to pay careful attention to my feet.

Looking back down the canyon - Sooz and I named that point Marshmallow Point. Since it looks like stirring marshmallow creme into melted chocolate when making fudge. Now I'm hungry.

At the top of the Canyon. Mildred lake is on the other side of that rock outcropping.

After a lot of wandering we finally find an awesome camp with a view. Mt Baldwin is visible peaking out on the left - tomorrow's summit goal. Red Slate peak on the right.

David fishing the creek that goes by camp.

Last light on Baldwin.

And Red Slate

Camp at sunset. Brr. Definitely a fall chill in the air.

Mildred Lake at Sunset

The wind started to pick up - snapped this photo just as a gust took a bunch of water with it.

Moon over Red Slate

Soon.

The lingering clouds provided a nice pink glow at sunset.

Morning, Sunday. We hiked up the canyon using a use trail. This is the first photo of the day since my hands were so cold. The lake on the right at the shadow line is where camp is set up. Bloody and Laurel are the two visible red peaks.

We got up to the plateau below Baldwin and I immediately felt like I was in death valley, not the sierra. The geology up here is so different than anywhere else in the Sierra.

Sooz on the 'moonscape' below Baldwin.

David up ahead. I'm looking forward to getting in the sun - it's cold and a bit breezy.