It is a steep climb to reach the high meadow and ponds that lead to Gardisky Lake, a total of 1.2 miles from Saddlebag Lake Road. The open, sunny meadows near the lake give views of Tioga Peak and to the west, White Mountain on the Yosemite National Park boundary. Overnight trips to the Gardisky area require a wilderness permit for the Saddlebag Lake area.