How to get by car to Smith Creek Lakes in Utah?
Smith Creek Lakes are three small glacial cirque lakes at an elevation of 2,722m (8,930ft) above sea level, located in Morgan County, in the U.S. state of Utah.
Where are Smith Creek Lakes?
The lakes are located north of Salt Lake City, in the northern part of Utah, nestled below the ridgeline between Francis and Thurston peaks.
Is the road to Smith Creek Lakes unpaved?
The road to the lakes is completely unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 259 (Smith Lakes Road) and features rough sections with loose dirt and large rock chunks. There are 9 hairpin turns on the way, which can be difficult to navigate. A true high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle is required.
How long is the road to Smith Creek Lakes in Utah?
Located within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the road to the lakes is 3.54 km (2.2 miles) long, starting from Francis Peak Road. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 212m, with an average gradient of 5.98%.
Is the road to Smith Creek Lakes open in winter?
Set high in the Wasatch Range, the road is not plowed during winter. The final section is north-facing and can hold snow well into July or later. The road must be snow-free to be passable.
Pic: Robert Crespin IV