Ostrander Lake

The hike to Ostrander Lake starts off Glacier Point Road and climbs into Yosemite's high country to a glacier-carved lake ringed by granite, with a historic stone ski hut waiting at the far end. It's a full day's effort rather than a stroll, but the payoff — a quiet alpine lake far from the Valley crowds — makes the climb worth it.

Trail Basics

The trail runs about 12.4 miles round-trip from the Glacier Point Road trailhead, with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain to the lake at 8,500 feet. The first three miles are gentle, winding through forest and meadow still marked by scars from a 1987 fire; the second half climbs steadily at around a 10% grade. Plan on 5.5 to 6 hours for the round trip, and note that Glacier Point Road has to be open to reach the trailhead by car.

The Ostrander Ski Hut

At the lake sits the Ostrander Ski Hut, a stone building constructed in 1941 and now run by the Yosemite Conservancy. It sleeps 25 and has bunks, a wood stove, and a kitchen — but it's a winter-only operation, staffed by a hutmaster for cross-country skiers making the roughly 10-mile trip in from Badger Pass. In summer it's simply a scenic stopping point along the trail, not a place to check in.

Best Time to Go

• Wildflowers peak from late June through July
• Overnight backpackers need a Yosemite wilderness permit
• Winter hut stays are booked through the Yosemite Conservancy