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| Backpack | 13.00 Miles |
1,600 AEG |
| | Backpack | 13.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 1,600 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | My trip began on Friday morning as I drove from Phoenix to Coarsegold, CA and stayed in a KOA just outside of Yosemite. I woke up early on Saturday and made my way into the park. I had to stop in Wawona to pick up my wilderness permit and bear storage. While at the ranger station they warned me about snow levels and acted like I was going into extreme conditions. They recommended snow shoes and heavy clothing to keep warm. I couldn't help but be skeptical. They finally issued my permit and I was on my way.
I arrived at the Ostrander Lake Trailhead which is near Glacier Point around 11am. I was surprised to see a massive group of 20 people suiting up for a Day Hike. I spent the next 30 minutes packing all my gear and I even utilized the bear storage boxes at the trailhead. I was not taking any chances.
Finally I depart up the trail and laughed to myself because there is virtually no snow! The hike is 6.5 miles to the lake and I figured the snow would come. The early portion of the hike takes you past a few meadows as you hike along a creek. There was a lot of water. You also have to work your way around downed trees and other debris on the trail. At times it was slow going.
Roughly three miles into the hike I passed the huge group of Day Hikers as they were resting. I said hello in passing and continued. Then within the next mile or so the trial starts gaining elevation. I felt my pace slow as the trail steepened. As I worked my way up elevation, I noticed Half Dome to the north. You could only see the top portion but I felt it calling me. I had to be patient for now...it's only two short days away!
Around the 4.5 mile mark the snow finally makes an appearance. There were a few isolated patches earlier in the hike but now the snow was everywhere. Luckily it was hard packed and not a big deal. I continued following the trail up elevation. One thing to add is Ostrander Lake has a ski hut that is open during the winter. People can cross country ski to the hut and spend the night. For this reason, the trail is marked with a yellow tab the size of the license plate. You basically follow the markers as you hike. It was very reassuring especially from being solo.
Finally at roughly 6.5 miles the Ostrander Ski hut comes into view and then Ostrander Lake right in front of it. I was amazed to see how much snow and ice was in the area. The crazy thing is that I'm wearing shorts and I'm comfortable. I took some pics and talked to some Day Hikers and then went to search for a camp. It was harder than I thought because of all the snow. I luckily found a patch of dry earth and set up camp. The evening was fairly uneventful except for the Marmot checking out my backpack. Luckily it was emptied by then and it scurried away empty handed. I did not have a fire because I could not find an existing fire ring. They were all buried under the snow. I turned in for the night around 10pm and had a hard time sleeping. I think it was the elevation...the lake sits at 8,500 feet.
The next morning I woke and took my time getting started. It was a little chilly so I heated up some tea and then ate breakfast. Afterwards I packed up camp and started my hike out. The return hike flew by as I took pics and glided down the trail. Before long I was back at the car and was ready for the next phase of my trip. I drove on to Glacier Point and then down into Yosemite Valley. Half Dome was growing closer! |
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