Binoculars or a spotting scope are helpful for viewing birds from the roadside.

Smith Lake water levels are seasonal, and at times the lake may be dry. It sits adjacent to NM-371. The highway is fenced with barbed wire, and the turnoff west, to Red Rock and Gallup is similarly fenced. Access will be difficult except along the roadside unless you have local contacts who can assist. Everything on the west side of NM-371 at Smith Lake is tribal land. There are no public restrooms, except at the Chevron Station across the highway from the lake bed.