Pros & cons
PROS
- Peaceful alpine setting with big granite scenery
- Good nearby camping spots for backpackers
CONS
- No toilets; you must follow Leave No Trace or pack out waste
- Long, strenuous approaches over high passes
- Mosquitoes can be heavy in mid‑summer
Overview
Smedberg Lake sits in the quiet northern high country, a classic Sierra granite basin ringed by pale slabs and peaks. It’s a serene pause along multi‑day backpacking routes, with views toward nearby high points like Volunteer Peak and that wide‑open, sparsely treed feel typical of northern Yosemite.
Where it fits in your route
The lake lies along the Pacific Crest Trail corridor between Seavey Pass and Benson Pass, so most people visit as part of a multi‑day itinerary. Common approaches stitch together canyons and passes (think Kerrick, Benson, and the PCT itself), with meaningful elevation changes before you drop to the lakeshore.
Trail character and conditions
Expect sustained climbs and descents over granite passes, big horizons, and stretches with limited shade. Early season can bring lingering snow on the passes and higher creek crossings. By mid‑summer, mosquitoes can be noticeable around meadows and lakes. Most hikers time this area for late July through September in a typical snow year.
Camping and regulations
Backpackers frequently camp near the lake, using it as a restful overnight between big days. You’ll need a wilderness permit for any overnight in this area. Camps are informal; choose durable surfaces and keep well away from the water’s edge to protect the shore.
Geology and setting
This is classic Yosemite granite country—plutonic rock shaped by Ice Age glaciers into benches and basins that now hold high lakes like Smedberg. The result is a clean, open landscape with slabs, talus, and glacial polish that lights up beautifully in clear mountain air.
Wildlife
You’re in true high country, so keep an eye out for typical Sierra wildlife. Practice good food storage and give any animals plenty of space.
Best time to visit
Late July to September offers the most reliable snow‑free travel on surrounding passes. If you’re threading this into a longer trip, plan your days to tackle the bigger climbs in cooler hours and enjoy the lake as a mid‑day or evening wind‑down.
Where it is
38.0134, -119.4854Tips for Smedberg Lake
- 01It sits along the PCT between Seavey and Benson Pass—plan for real climbs and descents [drdirtbag.com](https://drdirtbag.com/2015/09/10/northern-yosemite-backpacking/).
- 02There is no toilet here; follow Leave No Trace or carry WAG bags [yosemite.org](https://yosemite.org/guide-to-bathrooms-in-yosemite/).
- 03Time your trip for late July–September to avoid lingering snow on the passes.
- 04Shade is limited on some approaches—plan sun protection and pace accordingly.
- 05Use official park maps to locate the northern backcountry and the PCT corridor [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/maps.htm).
Near Smedberg Lake
All places →All trails →
2.4 mi awayBenson LakeRemote High Sierra lake with a surprisingly big sandy beach
6.1 mi awayWaterwheel FallsRare waterfall where the river shoots skyward in granite canyonScenic Viewpoint
6.5 mi awayLeConte FallsLong, sloping cascade famed for explosive waterwheel jets in springScenic Viewpoint
7.2 mi awayCalifornia FallsBackcountry cascade with wade-friendly pools along the Tuolumne
11.2 mi awayLower Cathedral Lake TrailSteady high-country climb to a granite‑rimmed alpine lakeChallenging · 8.2 mi · 5 hr
11.2 mi awayCathedral Lakes TrailTwo alpine lakes, one classic granite skyline—earn-your-views day.Moderate · 9.2 mi · 5 hr
11.2 mi awayBudd Lake TrailSteep, scenic climbers’ path to a quiet granite-rimmed alpine lake.Challenging · 6.5 mi · 4.5 hr
11.6 mi awayGlen Aulin Trail to Tuolumne Falls & White CascadeClassic meadow-to-cascade trek with rewarding pools and big Sierra views.Moderate · 13 mi · 8 hr
