According to the National Park Service, "Smith Spring is one of several springs along the base of the Eastern escarpment. There is no reliable water in the high country. When it rains, water quickly enters a series of cracks and joints in the limestone, later emerging in springs like this below the escarpment. The water from Smith Spring goes underground just a short way below the spring, later reemerging at Manzanita Spring. At this point you have entered a lush riparian (streamside) woodland. This beautiful oasis is made possible by the water emerging from the spring. Because of this abundant water, trees can survive here that could not live in the open desert."