Smith Peak

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Length: 13 total miles
Elevation Gain: 3700
Trail Type: Out n Back
Skill Level: Moderately Strenuous
Duration: 3.5−4.0
Season: Year-​round
Smith Peak is the highest point in the area and offers outstanding views. It has two trail head options. One route begins 6 miles beyond the entrance station. This trail is 13 miles round trip with 3700 feet elevation gain.
Patches of snow the week of Thanksgiving day was everywhere. This is a very much less visited area of Hetch Hetchy.
The trail to go up the peak itself is not very clear so a GPS is highly recommended. The beginning of the hike starts on an almost vertical switch back from the start. The trail head is the last one on your right as you’re driving in before you reach the reservoir.
The top boasts of an expansive view of the Hetch Hetchy area. The sun was shining and it was warm when we got to the top. A «seal» that was placed there in the 1940’s was at the very highest point. Rocks to sit and enjoy the view was everywhere. Definitely a vertical fall if one is not careful.
This is definitely a place to visit and to enjoy solitude. NO ONE was on the trail except us.
The other route begins at the entrance station is 16 miles round trip with 3300 feet gain.
The Smith Peak trails can be used to access the high country.