Backpacking in Yosemite National Park at Ostrander Lake

This less-traveled hike is a 12.4 mile round trip starting from a trailhead on the Glacier Point road. It starts at 7000 feet and climbs to 8500 at the lake. It's an easy 2-day trip or a moderate full day hike.

The gerbil-looking animals are pika. I could hear them all over the snow covered hillside but they were incredibly hard to spot.

On the way back to the trailhead I met a black bear who ran off before I could get the camcorder recording, so all I got were far away shots. Next time!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• backpacking
• yosemite
• ostrander lake
• black bear
• pika
• trout

[mountingoat]

That MSR water purifier is pure genius. How does it fair on the batteries?

[backpack2basics]

@mountingoat Very well, as long as it's not too cold outside. If it's snowing I warm them up in my hands or pockets before using. You can go weeks on the same batteries, but I always take a spare set.

[banuelas2005]

I just came back from Ostrander lake, yesterday, and your video was instrumental in me choosing Ostrander, Great video, when did you go to ostrander?

[backpack2basics]

I was there about 1.5 months ago. It was a lot of fun, the cirque behind the lake was still snow covered so I hiked all around the lake on it. I'm glad you found it useful!

[edwardwhite70]

Cool video...I want to go there. Nice editing. What program do you use to put it together?

Thanks!

[backpack2basics]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.  I use Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum v9 to do the editing.

[thecmonster93]

It's funny, I got the same last name as that lake! I've even hiked up there before. Beautiful area!

[jdh501]

One of the best kept secrets in that part of the park is the Hart Lakes, about 2 miles cross country southeast of Ostrander. The bigger lake is NICE and warm in the summer for swimming and has a few deep spots near some excellent ledges to jump in. OOPS. . .the secret is out. :-)

Also, one question: Why don't you use a filter instead of a water treatment system? It's faster and it doesn't alter the taste of that excellent mountain water. Mine filters out giardia very well.

[jamesvolunteer]

What a great vid. I'm in UK and currently having 'hiking envy'.

[DXTBOW]

dude, you rock....! I like this documentary........

[EQUIPnTRIP]

Great video Tim. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[uke5417]

Nicely done. thanks

[NinjaParakeet]

its amazing how crystal clear the water is over there. Most streams i see are a nasty green brown

[number676766]

ostrander is magical in the summer with the sun reflecting off the cliff