Smith Peak (via White Wolf Campground) Trail

Description:

• This trail begins from the White Wolf Campground and traverses northwestward to join Smith Peak Trail. The trail starts by following an abandoned road that leads north on the western side of the campground. When the road forks, with trails leading northwestward and southwestward, take the high route (north) past Harden Lake.

  After walking nearly one mile north on the Harden Lake Road you'll come to a trail junction. The trail to the right leads eastward as the Pate Valley Trail. The trail to Smith Peak is still as wide as a road and leads toward the northwest corner of Harden Lake. The trail becomes a single track and descends as it turns westward. Three and a half miles from Harden Lake this trail crosses Cottonwood Creek and skirts the southern flanks of Smith Peak. From this stream crossing it is approximately one mile to the junction with the Smith Peak Trail, which lies at approximately 6,500 feet. Backcountry campsites are available in this general area. To reach Smith Peak turn right on to Smith Peak Trail. From this junction it is one and a half miles to the summit. The trail climbs quickly, then leads through three high meadows which may be snow covered through June. The trail traverses the western slope of the peak then reaches an overlook of the reservoir, then climbs 250 feet to the 7,751-foot summit.