Smith Lake

Kyburz, California

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

5.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1785 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Miranda Leconte

Overnight permit required! Visit http://desowv.org for everything you need to know, this hike can easily be a day hike if you're not a backpacker and Rangers check permits OFTEN with the Max group size is 12. No campfires allowed at all in this Wilderness Area (year-round), the Fishing is great at Grouse Lake and Hemlock Lake, both of which you hike past to get to Smith Lake. Wrights Lake road is not plowed, so access is limited in winter/spring and In late May/early June, access permitting, there should be brightly colored wildflowers everywhere and water flowing in every creek.

To get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for potholes) until you reach Wrights Lake. At the fork, turn right and continue for a mile past the cabins until you get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead parking area.

Mileage/Elevation: It is 2.8 miles from the trailhead to Smith Lake. When you get to your car after your trip, you'll have hiked a total of 5.6 miles and experienced roughly 1750ft of elevation change.

This trail consists of initial gradual incline on wide open granite and winds its way through small pine forests until you reach the junction for either Twin Lakes or Smith Lake. Keep right to head to Smith. This is where the trail shoots upward and is notably steep until you reach your destination. You'll hike past Grouse Lake and Hemlock Lake (both great for catching brown trout) before you reach Smith Lake. The best spot to pitch your tent is up on the ridge just north of the lake!

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Smith Lake Reviews

Michael Pina

Smith Lake

02/23/17

A GOOD incline to get to this place. Amazing views. Smith lake has a great lookout at its outlet. Able to see wrights lake and ice house reservoir in the distance !

5.0

Liz Jorgensen

Smith Lake

07/01/16

I love desolation and this trip was phenomenal. I passed maybe 5 people tops. Swimming in the glacial waters and enjoying the stunning surroundings made this trip truly enjoyable.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Smith Lake

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Smith Lake Reviews

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Twin and Island Lakes

Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake

Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass Loop

Hike Pyramid Peak

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