Angel lake is unique, it is a beautiful lake located high in the East Humboldt mountains, yet it has a paved road right to its edge. It is only about an hour drive from Elko. the lake contains fish and gets many visitors.
      For the hiker, there is a good trail starting at Angel Lake. It leads to Grey's lake, five miles away. But about a mile along the trail, it crosses the creek flowing out of Smith lake.
      The creek crossing provides a great place for kids to play in the water. The creek cascades off rocks onto the flat, gravel surface of the crossing. This flat crossing must be 20 feet wide, maybe 15 feet long, and covered with two inches of water. It is in the midst of a shady Aspen grove.
      After leaving the parking lot, the trail to this crossing climbs and crosses a wide, flat ridge. At the wilderness boundary sign, it angles back down to the creek. It rises maybe 150 feet before descending back to the same elevation as the trail head.
      It could be the perfect hike for small children, long enough to be a hike, but fairly easy, with a definite, fun destination. Have your children bring water toys and you bring the lunch.
      Another hike, a little harder, is to Smith lake. This lake is about a mile and a half from Angel lake, with a climb of about 1000 feet. It is a good-looking, alpine lake, with fish cruising the shores. Surprisingly, it looks like it gets very little traffic, but there is no established trail to it.
      Start up the Grey's lake trail, but as soon as you reach the wide, flat ridge mentioned above, leave the main trail. Walk up the ridge, entering the trees. You will be able to see the cirque (shelf) containing Smith lake. You may find a series of rock cairns (piles of rock) and a faint trail. The ridge is the easiest route until close to the same elevation as the cirque.
      Then angle across the rock slide, into the Aspens at the edge of the cirque. If there is a snow field, stay below it on the steep side hill.
      Smith lake would make a nice day hike or a spot for that first back packing trip. Better yet, camp at Angel lake, and make these two hikes with the kids.

Length/Elevation: One mile to the stream crossing, one way, 150 feet elevation gain halfway, highest elevation is 7800 ft. One and a half miles to Smith's lake, elevation gain is about 1000 feet, highest elevation is 8500 ft.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Access: Drive to Wells, take the first exit and follow signs to Angel lake. There is a paved road all the way. Turn into the campground. The trail head is on the right.
Attractions: Easy hikes, open country, nice water for children.
Dangers: Steep slopes on the way to Smith lake.
Best season: Any time the road is open to Angel lake. The stream crossing may have low water later in the summer.

Trivia Question: The tallest peak in the Ruby Mountains is ruby Dome. The tallest peak in the East Humboldts is Hole in the Mountain Peak. How do the two peaks compare in height?

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