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Smith Peak

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 23/100 · Moderateout and back#peak-bagging#hetch-hetchy#spring#quiet
Distance
13.4 mi
Total gain
3,500 ft
Net gain
3,500 ft
Net loss
3,500 ft
Elevation
4,249–7,677 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Smith Peak is Hetch Hetchy's summit walk: 6.7 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing through forest and meadow to a 7,751-foot perch towering over the reservoir, with the park's remote north country spread in every direction.

Highlights

  • The reservoir 3,000 feet below the summit
  • Wildflower meadows on the climb in spring
  • Views to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne's rim
  • Real solitude on one of Yosemite's least-hiked trails

How hard is Smith Peak?

CaliPeaks rates this route 23/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 3,500 ft puts this trip at 29% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 13.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 7,677 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Smith Peak Trailhead (Hetch Hetchy) (4,249 ft) · parking: Hetch Hetchy area trailhead parking
  • Water: Seasonal creeks; carry water for the dry summit ridge.
  • Resupply: None; carry everything from the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Smith Peak entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: April, May, June, September, October.

Snow: One of the earliest snow-free routes in the park.

Heat: The south-facing climb is hot by midday.

Bugs: Moderate in spring.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The upper ridge is dry — carry water
  • No store at Hetch Hetchy — pack everything
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Hetch Hetchy Area Trails — Smith Peak. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hetch-hetchy-area-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (13.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (3,500 ft) to Smith Peak's summit above Hetch Hetchy.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.