Smith Mountain
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
The pleasure of hiking to Smith Mountain starts shortly into the drive to the trailhead as the road gradually winds its way through the beautiful green mountains that surround the destination. The pleasure continues as you take the pleasant Upper Bear Canyon Trail to Smith Saddle, and then leave it for a use trail up a sometimes steep ridge to the summit. Wonderful views abound, among them Bear Creek’s deep canyon, Triplet Rocks, Waterman, Islip, Hawkins, Rattlesnake, Wilson and Baldy. Route 1 is a popular and moderate hike that is suitable for most reasonably fit hikers. It is traditional trail for the first 3 miles and then it makes a left turn up a firebreak to the summit. Route 2 starts further up highway 39 and then follows the firebreak all the way down and then back up to Smith. Remember that Route 2 has 1,700’ of gain on the way back to Hwy. 39, so be prepared if you choose that option. A car shuttle hike between those two trails is also a possibility.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Azusa Avenue (SR 39), drive north on Azusa Avenue about 18.2 miles to a wide paved parking area on the left. Park here. This is about 0.2 mile before the Coldbrook Ranger Station and Campground.
Hiking route
From the parking area (3280′), a trail starts at the north end of the parking lot.
Hike up this trail about 3 miles to a saddle just north of Smith Mountain (4240′).
There may be a sign here reading “San Gabriel Wilderness”.
Leave the trail on the left and follow a use trail south along a firebreak up to the summit.
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Azusa Avenue (SR 39), drive north on Azusa Avenue to the Crystal Lake entrance.
Continue on SR 39 for 0.3 miles to a locked gate. Park on the left in the wide paved parking area before the gate.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5200′), hike past the locked gate and up the road for about a mile until you see a gated dirt road on your left.
Pass through this gate and continue uphill to gain the ridge.
Follow this wide firebreak on the ridge to the saddle (4240′) north of Smith Mountain where there is a junction with Route 1.
From here follow a use trail south along a firebreak up to the summit.
Route Notes
Additional Peak Information
Notes: Routes 1 and 2 can be combined for an excellent car shuttle trip by hiking south on Route 2 and east on Route 1. Smith Mountain and its north-south ridgeline form the eastern border of the San Gabriel Wilderness, but no permits are required to hike the peak at this time.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
We welcome your comments, reviews, tips, photos and trip reports!
You must be logged in to upload images.
Sign up to post your trip reports, photos and comments, and to receive occasional updates about news and events
