Smith Peak Trail

Smith Peak Trail is a strenuous out-and-back from the signed Smith Meadows trailhead to a granite summit above Hetch Hetchy. Plan on 13.5 miles round trip, about 3,500–3,700 feet of climbing, and six to eight hours. It is a long day with a steep opening climb and a brushy, less-defined finish. The payoff is a high, open view over the reservoir and Yosemite’s remote north country. Hetch Hetchy Road is open only from sunrise to sunset, so start early and leave daylight for the return.

The trail gains about 1,200 feet in its first 2.2 miles. It starts under trees, then moves through open shrubs and fire-scorched snags as the views widen. The climb eases later, but save some energy; the steepest-feeling work is not all behind you. The return follows the same corridor, so leave daylight for a careful descent and any slow route-finding.

The route follows Cottonwood Creek through forest toward Smith Meadow, where wetland, open grass and woodland meet. This is the gentler part of the ascent and a welcome change of scenery. The creek is not a dependable drinking-water plan: bring enough water for the whole day.

Near the meadow, concrete remnants mark an old cabin, though its story is not documented. Beyond it the trail climbs again, leaves much of the shade, and crosses a wet area where the tread can be hard to pick out. The upper slope is exposed and can feel hot; Smith Meadow is a good place to reset because the climb is not finished. The upper approach is often described as overgrown and difficult to follow; hikers have reported thorny, waist-high brush in the final mile. Expect to slow down and watch for the faint path rather than assuming a clear, maintained track all the way up.

The ridgeline sign is not the true high point. A short scramble through shrubs reaches the granite top at 7,751 feet, the highest point in the Hetch Hetchy area. The reservoir sits far below, with the northern backcountry and distant High Sierra peaks beyond it. For a photo, keep a little foreground granite or pine in the frame with the water so the depth reads.

Follow Hetch Hetchy Road about six miles beyond the entrance station to the signed Smith Meadows trailhead; starting at the entrance station instead makes the hike about 16 miles round trip. The road is open only from sunrise to sunset, so start early enough to return before the gate closes. Winter snow and ice can limit road access. A day hike does not require a wilderness permit, but overnight travel does. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite hiking trails. No food service, dependable water or trailhead parking capacity is established for this route.