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Ostrander Lake Trail
A 12-mile round-trip hike to a high Sierra lake off Glacier Point Road
About
The Ostrander Lake Trail is a demanding out-and-back that starts along Glacier Point Road and climbs through fir and lodgepole pine forest to a granite-rimmed lake at roughly 8,500 feet. The National Park Service lists it at 12 miles round-trip with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and estimates 8 to 10 hours for the full trip — plan for a full day and start early.
What's at the lake
Ostrander Lake sits in a glacial basin with a cold, swimmable shoreline and views back toward the Clark Range. Right on the shore stands the Ostrander Ski Hut, a two-story stone building built in 1941 that now serves as a backcountry ski hut in winter.
Summer hike, winter ski trip
- In summer, this is a long day hike (or an easy overnight with a wilderness permit) from a trailhead on Glacier Point Road.
- Glacier Point Road closes to cars for the winter, and the hut becomes a reservation-only destination reached by skiers and snowshoers on the trail itself.
- A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay near the lake or at the hut, summer or winter.
Bring layers even in summer — the trailhead sits at 7,000 feet, and afternoon weather at this elevation can turn quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Ostrander Lake Trail?
It's about 12 miles round-trip with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The National Park Service estimates 8 to 10 hours to complete it as a day hike.
Do I need a permit to hike to Ostrander Lake?
Not for a day hike. You only need a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight near the lake or stay at the Ostrander Ski Hut, in either summer or winter.
Where does the trail start?
At a trailhead along Glacier Point Road. That road is seasonal and closes to vehicles in winter, so winter access to the hut is by ski or snowshoe on the trail itself.
What is the Ostrander Ski Hut?
A two-story stone building built in 1941 that sits right on the lake. It functions as a reservation-only backcountry ski hut during the winter season.
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