Smith Peak hike in October ?

[BrendanSF]

Looks like most people hike Smith Peak near Hetch Hetchy in the spring for the wildflowers and early-season access. I'm thinking about doing it this month, maybe next weekend.

Has anyone been up there recently? How were the trail conditions? (some older reports mention hard to follow trails and lots of deadfall).

[bill-e-g]

That area has had many fires. But earlier this year and last
ALL the trails in that area were in very good shape.
The only major deadfall was beyond Smith Meadow and
a really huge amount between the Middle Fork and Aspen Valley
near Bald Mountain.
Even the trail up the water pipe from Base Line Camp was in
excellent condition.
If you are going from the Smith Pk. TH I wouldn't worry about it at all.
You can dayhike Smith Pk from that TH too. Very nice dayhike.
Fairly certain the Harden Fire did not affect that trail.

Have fun

[bill-e-g]

One more thing. I'm certain there was a trail crew in that area
between spring last year and this year.