I: WTC Yosemite Ostrander-Chilnualna Lake Loop

Date and Time:
Fri, Jul 24, 2026; 12:00 PM (Pacific) - Sun, Jul 26, 2026 3:00 PM (Pacific)

Add to Calendar I: WTC Yosemite Ostrander-Chilnualna Lake Loop

Come join us for this 3-day, 25 mile, 4100' elevation gain backpack in Yosemite Wilderness South Country. This is a premium opportunity for those who love to get away from the crowds to see natures best, but are also averse to long water carries, marathon trudges, three-digit temperatures, or five-digit altitudes.

JFG2+M3 Yosemite Valley, CA, USA

Webinar URL:

37.62671400,-119.54978100 Jason Killian towoodi@yahoo.com MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Angeles Chp Wilderness Training

Location: JFG2+M3 Yosemite Valley, CA, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Jason Killian
towoodi@yahoo.com
Justin Bruno
justinbruno@hotmail.com

Come join us for this 3-day, 25 mile/4100’ gain backpacking trip in the Yosemite Wilderness’ South Country. This is a premium opportunity for those who love to get away from the crowds to see nature’s best, but are also averse to long water carries, marathon trudges, three-digit temperatures, or five-digit altitudes.

We will start on Friday, July 24^th at noon 12:00pm from the Bridalveil Campground. We’ll travel 7.5 miles on trail (1700’ climb to 8500’ altitude) south to Ostrander Lake. We’ll set up camp near the lake’s Ski Hut, on the shores pushed up by ancient glaciers. The next day we begin our off trail journey to Hart Lakes, with one of Yosemite’s most pristine lakeside views. We continue through some boulder fields to Buena Vista Lake (9000’) with views overlooking the valley below and mountains beyond, and through to Chilnualna Lake to camp, concluding an 8.5 mile 1740’ gain/1900’ loss day. The third day spends its first 5 miles off trail. This section isn’t without its challenges, in particular navigating miles of tree fall, like a hiker’s game of chutes and ladders through covered woods and meadows, before following granite ridgelines. Finally, it returns to the Bridalveil Trailhead, and concludes after a 9 mile, 600’ gain/1900’ loss day around 3:00pm in the afternoon. Water will be plentiful, but at the compromise of what may be more mosquitoes, so pack a head net. Though not a technical trip, some of the terrain insists on careful foot placement and good footwear.

Permit fees are covered, but participants are responsible for their own park entry fees. Yosemite has some timed park entry logistics which will be detailed to participants.

A campsite has been reserved nearby for Thursday night if you opt to drive up a day early. We will meet at the McGurk Trailhead Parking Lot on Friday at noon (12:00pm), along Glacier Point Road and in front of the Bridalveil Creek Campground.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not participate, but let us know immediately so we can fill the permit slot from the waiting list. https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce/leadership-training-committee-and-outings-management-/Local%20Outings%20Medical%20Form.pdf

To be considered for the trip, please email Jason at Towoodi@yahoo.com with your hiking resume.
If you have any questions about the hike or its challenges, please don’t hesitate to ask.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-july-1-2025-220787a?u=i&sh=do8ykd
https://caltopo.com/m/REE1HS7

Level: Strenuous (I Rated)

Cost: Park entrance fees

Signup Instructions: Email Jason at Towoodi@yahoo.com with your hiking resume.

Recommended Items: You will be required to complete and submit a Medical Form listing allergies, medication and general medical information, along with your registration.https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce/leadership-training-committee-and-outings-management-/Local%20Outings%20Medical%20Form.pdf

Signup Restrictions: Priority will be given to WTC-Students needing to complete their graduation requirements.

Additional Directions: Yosemite has some timed park entry logistics which will be detailed to participants.

All Trails map