Ostrander Lake
Wawona, California
| Address: | Yosemite National Park, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°37'27.9"N 119°33'1.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 11.40 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Advanced |
| Elevation Gain: | 1600 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 5.5 mi |
Lakes Streams Trails Wildflowers National Park
Hike and Swim
Ostrander Lake is a long, 11.4 mile hike just behind Sentinel Dome. Unlike most of Yosemite's summer hikes, the trail to Ostrander Lake is open during the winter for people to ski through. Ostrander Lodge offers cross country skiers a place to sleep during their travels.
In the summer, the Ostrander Lake trail is littered with wildflowers, streams, and meadows. The lake itself is surrounded by large granite mountains, making it the perfect place for a semi-secluded swim.
The total elevation gain is about 1600 feet. This hike is no joke, but it's a beautiful one. The first part of it is a subtle ascent through the forests and wildflower meadows. It gets more difficult during the latter portion, where travelers can see the damage done by an 1987 lodgepole pine fire in the area. Reaching the lake also includes views of Mount Starr Dome, the Clark Range, and the Illiouette Creek Basin. The hike reaches its peak at an elevation of 8,720 feet and then drops down 200 feet to the lake.
Ostrander Lake is about six miles from Yosemite Valley, making it a great option for people looking to get away from the main traffic and head more towards Yosemite's backcountry. As long as Glacier Point Road is open, the trail to Ostrander Lake is open.
More Information
Yosemite National Park Itinerary
This Yosemite National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yosemite-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinYosemite Hikes: Ostrander Lake
Ostrander Lake, a 6.2-mile hike leading from Glacier Point Road to a mountain-ringed high country lake
https://www.yosemitehikes.com/glacier-point-road/ostrander-lake/ostrander-lake.htmBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
- Get directions on Google Maps
Parking is available at the trailhead.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Mono Meadow
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3.7 miles NWA short, lightly trafficked 3-mile round-trip hike through a wildflower meadow recovering from wildfire, offering simultaneous views of Mt. Starr King, Clarke Range, and Half Dome.
Hike 0.5 mi
McGurk Meadow
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5.3 miles NWA flat, 0.8-mile walk through one of Yosemite's most secluded wildflower meadows, complete with a brook and a historic 1800s cabin — few visitors, pure charm.
Hike 0.4-2.1 mi
Illilouette Falls
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6.2 miles NA 4-mile hike starting downhill from Glacier Point to a footbridge view of Illilouette Falls — with a side trip on the quieter Panorama Trail adding Half Dome and Nevada Falls views.
Hike 1.2 mi
Taft Point
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6.8 miles NWA 5-mile Yosemite loop pairing Sentinel Dome with Taft Point, offering El Capitan views, dramatic cliff fissures, and 3,000-foot valley vistas — no guard rails, so watch your footing.
Hike 0.3 mi
Glacier Point
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Hike 2.5 mi
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Hike 1.9-2.9 mi
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Backpack, Hike 4.6 mi
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Hike 0.2 mi
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Hike
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Camp, Swim, Whitewater
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Hike 15.9 mi
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Hike 0.2 mi
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Hike
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Hike
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Swim 0.7 mi
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Hike 0.8 mi
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Hike 4.1 mi
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Backpack, Hike 2.9 mi
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HikeNearby Campsites
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