Ostrander Lake
A long and strenuous 12.7 miles roundtrip hike starting from the trailhead.
Plan Around Ostrander Lake
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Ostrander Lake Details
The trailhead for Ostrander Lake is near Bridalveil Creek on Glacier Point Road; this is a tough, 12.7-mile hike that starts out on level ground but winds up gaining 1,500 feet in elevation. Hikers are rewarded with good views of the Clark Range and can rest when they reach the lake, where there are several campsites near the water's edge (on the west side of the lake). NOTE: From mid-May to September, if you arrive between 10am and 4:30pm, you may be required to use a free shuttle from Badger Pass to Glacier Point if Glacier Point parking lot fills up. During this time, a free shuttle operates between Badger Pass and Glacier Point. If you arrive at the Badger Pass turnoff before 10 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., you can drive to Glacier Point (and all trailheads). The free shuttle leaves Badger Pass every 20 minutes and stops at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead, Washburn Point, and Glacier Point. Upon request or flag-down, the shuttle stops at McGurk Meadow, Ostrander Lake, and Mono Meadow trailheads. The first shuttle leaves Badger Pass at 10 am, the last shuttle leaves Badger Pass at 4:30 pm, and the last shuttle leaves Glacier Point at 5:30 pm.
Difficulty
High
Distance
12.7 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Ostrander Lake
Compare nearby parks around Ostrander Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Ostrander Lake
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ostrander Lake while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Ostrander Ski Hut
A two-story stone structure built in 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
3.7 mi away
Mono Meadow
This secluded woodland path is an easy stroll through a meadow and fire-damaged pine forests.
3.7 mi away
Mono Meadow Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to Mono Meadow and is located off of Glacier Point Road.
4.1 mi away
Bridalveil Creek
This trail wanders through pine forests and green meadows and is a pleasant, uncrowded walk in the woods.
4.1 mi away
Ostrander Lake Trailhead
There is a small, semi-permanent pit toilet located at the trailhead parking lot.
