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Home  >  Hiking   >  Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada
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Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

 

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.

Contents hide
1 Share the love!
2 Exploring Angel Lake Recreation Area in Wells, Nevada
3 About
3.1 Smith Lake Trail Overview
3.2 My Solo Overnight at Angel Lake
3.3 Camping at Angel Lake
3.4 Why Visit Angel Lake Recreation Area?
4 Directions
5 Trail Info
5.1 Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail: What to Expect
5.2 Trail Split
5.3 Reaching Smith Lake
5.4 Hiking beyond Smith Lake
5.5 Camping for the Night
5.5.1 Watch my video!
6 Trail Map
7 Nearby Hike
8 Save me on Pinterest!
8.1 Share the love!

 

 

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:

Angel Lake Campground

Angel Creek CG

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

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

View driving towards Angel Lake.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

To hike to Smith Lake, park at the lower parking lot off to the right, near the Campground entrance.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

The trail gradually curves it’s way back towards the lake and then away.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

Pass through the gate.

 

Trail Split

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

Great views as you keep getting higher.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

Ahh we made it! Charlie soaks up some late evening sun.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

Halloween Day and the lake had a frozen layer.

 

Hiking beyond Smith Lake

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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.

Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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

Hiking to Winchell Lake, Nevada

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Hiking to Smith Lake via Angel Lake Trail, Nevada

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November 3, 2020
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