Smith Peak

Smith Peak tops out at roughly 7,756 feet in Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy region, a quiet corner of the park most visitors never see. The summit looks north over Hetch Hetchy Reservoir toward the park's remote high country, and reaching it means a long day — or better, an overnight — through forest and meadow well off the busier Valley routes.

Routes to the Summit

Two trailheads start from the Hetch Hetchy area. One begins right at the entrance station, making for a round trip of roughly 16 miles with about 3,300 feet of climbing. A shorter option starts a few miles farther in, near O'Shaughnessy Dam, and runs closer to 13 miles round trip with somewhat more elevation gain. A third approach drops in from White Wolf, tracing the rim above the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne rather than climbing straight out of the reservoir basin.

What to Expect

• Rated a hard hike — plan on a full day of steady climbing from either trailhead
• Lightly traveled: stretches of trail fade through meadows and old burn areas, so carry a map and be ready to navigate off-trail
• No permit needed for a day hike; overnight trips require a wilderness permit — most are reservable up to 24 weeks ahead, with additional permits released closer to your date and any unclaimed ones available as in-person walk-ups at a wilderness center on your start day (arrive early, as these go fast in peak season)