This 0.7 mile trail is described as easy to moderate and is good for all ages and hiking levels and accesses 3 small ponds/lakes. It offers great views of the Flat Tops and is abundant with wildflowers once they bloom. This trail starts with a short but steep upward climb and then meanders through a couple of open meadows. The trail begins to climb through dense spruce/fir forest and passes a large pond of water so clear you can see very small trout swimming around, and fishing is allowed with a Colorado Fishing License. Smith Lake is surrounded by heavy spruce/fir, but there are a couple of lunch spots on the southeast shoreline. To get there, cross Smith Creek, a small crossing with rocks to easily cross, which can be treacherous in high water.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
Open seasonally, weather dependent.
Area Amenities:
Parking
Fees
Free
Open Season:
June - November
Closest Towns:
Yampa, CO
Water:
No
Restroom:
No
Information Center:
Yampa Ranger District
(970) 638-4516
300 Roselawn Ave
Yampa, CO 80483
General Information
Directions:
From Yampa, CO follow Cty Rd 7 behind Montgomery’s Grocery store southwest for 6.5 miles following signs to Yamcolo and Stillwater Reservoir. The road will turn into gravel at 6.5 miles where it becomes Forest Service Road 900. Continue another 7.9 miles on Forest Service Road 900 past the Bear Lake and Horsetooth Campground. There will be a sign on the right side of the road that says Smith Lake, and there on the right you will see the trailhead and a pull off to park at.
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