Hike Smith Mountain Death Valley National Park, CA

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Smith Mountain is a secluded peak at the southern end of Death Valley National Park. I approached it from Gold Valley, which is what seems like the standard route. The turnoff from Furnace Creek Wash Road onto Lost Section Road is located here (36.05580850807945, -116.50775655378493), and Lost Section Road continues to be in great condition until about 3/4 the way up. The road then begins to introduce obstacles that are only going to get worse in years to come, but for now are passable by a mid-clearance vehicle, a couple of large ruts being the big issue, plus a steep section that 2WD could likely overcome with some speed. Having a low clearance vehicle would add around 5 miles to the route. Turn left here (36.021559007764246, -116.62293635091942) and right here (36.015824927092, -116.63566590986738) and park when you feel content along this unmarked road.

I started west through the desert, a bunch of minor drainages adding some up-and-down as I went, my goal being the major east-draining canyon. The canyon began to narrow quickly and became steeper than expected, ultimately gaining 1000 or so vertical before reaching the flatter desert above. There weren't any big surprises within the canyon, but there was a Class 2+ obstacle at the top of a scree slope, and the final couple hundred feet followed a steep and dirty slope. Coming out of the canyon/gully via this slope was a little disorienting – I wasn't sure which way was south, the direction I intended to go. I kept to the right and ascended a sandy slope to gain the saddle of Smith Mountain and Smith Mountain – East Peak. From here I continued to Smith Mountain, just some steep hiking to a false summit, followed by a minor dip to gain the true summit. Absolutely gorgeous views into Death Valley, plus Funeral Peak looming to the north.

I dropped back to the saddle and headed east toward Smith Mountain – East Peak. An animal trail led me along the steep slope (not even Class 2) to the summit, which had more great views.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Smith Mountain

5913 ft

1593 rise

Smith Mountain - East Peak

5869 ft

349 rise

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Smith Mountain - East Peak visible center, the canyon I'm heading for right of center.

Heading through the desert toward the canyon in the center.

Looking back at my progress, my car is somewhere in the center.

Entering the mouth of the canyon.

Easy walking at first.

The canyon progressively gets steeper.

Scree slope on the right leads to a Class 2+ obstacle. I'm not sure where the social trail on the left leads. Keeping right stays within the drainage.

Class 2+ obstacle at the top of the scree slope.

View back down the canyon from the top of the Class 2+ obstacle.

Continuing up the drainage.

Looking back at my progress up the drainage.

Sandy draining/gully leading to a steep section.

Looking back down the steep and dirty slope as I emerge onto flatter ground.

Headed to the saddle, Smith Mountain visible ahead.

At the saddle, first heading to Smith Mountain.

Steep hike up to Smith Mountain.

View back toward the saddle, Smith Mountain - East Peak visible top right. You can see the drainage I ascended from on the left.

False summit of Smith Mountain, view toward the true summit.

View south into Death Valley, Avawatz Peak visible top left.

View north into Death Valley, Funeral Peak visible top right.

Close-up into Death Valley, northwest.

Heading over to Smith Mountain - East Peak.

Slope leading to Smith Mountain - East Peak.

View back toward Smith Mountain on the left.

Smith Mountain - East Peak summit, view back toward Smith Mountain (left).

Smith Mountain - East Peak, view south.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!