Exploring Angel Lake Recreation Area in Wells, Nevada
The Angel Lake Recreation Area near Wells, Nevada is a hidden gem for hiking, fishing, and camping. If you’ve ever seen the brown highway sign for Angel Lake off I-80 and kept driving, it’s time to reconsider—this scenic spot is well worth the detour.
About
Perfect for families, solo travelers, and dog owners, the area offers stunning alpine views, peaceful lakes, and easy access to several trails. One of the best short hikes here is the Smith Lake Trail, a 1.3-mile one-way trek that rewards you with great scenery and a peaceful alpine lake.
Smith Lake Trail Overview
The Smith Lake Trail is well-defined and beginner-friendly, though shade is limited for most of the route. You’ll only find tree cover during the last 0.3 miles, as the trail winds around the northeast slope of the mountain. However, the panoramic views to the east, overlooking Wells and surrounding mountain ranges, make the sun exposure worth it.
We visited in late October, and the fall weather made it a perfect day to hike. If you’re planning a visit with dogs, avoid mid-summer when the sandy trail can be too hot for their paws. Late spring and fall are the best times to explore the trail. Winter hiking is not recommended here due to steep terrain and avalanche danger.
My Solo Overnight at Angel Lake
I made this a solo overnight trip with my dog Charlie. After driving in, we hiked up to Smith Lake on day one. The trail was peaceful, with only two other hikers seen the entire weekend. Even though Angel Lake itself is accessible by car, the surrounding trails offer a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Camping at Angel Lake
While I opted for free dispersed camping down a nearby dirt road, there are two developed campgrounds nearby:
Both are well-maintained but have little to no shade, so bring plenty of sun protection. Campgrounds operate seasonally, so be sure to check the official websites for availability and reservation info.
Why Visit Angel Lake Recreation Area?
🚶♀️ Kid- and dog-friendly trails
🏕️ Multiple camping options
🌄 Incredible views of Wells and nearby ranges
🎣 Fishing opportunities in Angel Lake
📍 Easy access from I-80
Directions
Google maps will sometimes want to take you South on HWY 93, and then cut over. There is actually no road to get through! So follow this instead (mapped linked below). In Wells, NV take exit 351. At the bottom of the exit turn left, and then after you go under I-80, take an immediate right. Now all you have to do is follow this road all the way up to Angel Lake. So much easier than what Google says!
Here is a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 2.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 700 ft
Time: 1-3 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, all ages
Fees/Permits? None
Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail: What to Expect
View driving towards Angel Lake.
You can drive all the way to Angel Lake. The parking lot is huge, there is a port-a-potty, and a few picnic tables at the edge.
To hike to Smith Lake, park at the lower parking lot off to the right, near the Campground entrance.
The trail gradually curves it’s way back towards the lake and then away.
Hike through a field of low brush. Thankfully for this hike you don’t need to wear pants to protect your legs but it was cool enough that I did.
Pass through the gate.
Trail Split
It will feel as if you are hiking in the wrong direction, away from the lakes but around 1/2 mile you will reach the trail split. Stay left.
Great views as you keep getting higher.
Now you really gain some elevation as you get closer to the lake. Notice how steep this slope is from left to right? This is why you wouldn’t want hike this in winter. High avalanche danger with a slope this steep.
Reaching Smith Lake
Ahh we made it! Charlie soaks up some late evening sun.
Smith Lake was so pretty, I was very surprised. There were about 2-3 campsites as well if you wanted to do an easy overnight trip. I was sweating so much that by the time I got to the lake I was down to my base layer tank top.
Halloween Day and the lake had a frozen layer.
Hiking beyond Smith Lake
Charlie and I explored high above the lake to get a sweet view. It was steep and tough! Time to head back before we lost daylight.
Camping for the Night
Loving my new light set up! Prior to these lights, I had a much heavier string of lights and it kept popping off my magnet holder on the ceiling. I switched to these Fairy lights and they work so much better! I just bought a second set to hang above my head. Gives it such a nice, cozy feel inside especially during long winter nights.
I’ll be honest – I’m lazy when it comes to cooking when I’m by myself camping. I just don’t want to bring all the gear – stove, fuel, cooler, real food, etc. It’s so much easier to just bring my JetBoil and make dehydrated meals. Lasagna is my favorite! Couldn’t get over my sunset view as I ate dinner too over my tiny table.
Watch my video!
Trail Map
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
Nearby Hike
Hiking to Winchell Lake, Nevada
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