- Region
- CA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and re…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office
Plan with verified data
Chimney Peak Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Chimney Peak Wilderness
How to get there
From Lake Isabella, follow CA-178 approximately 30 miles east, then turn north onto Canebrake Road. Chimney Peak Wilderness lies on the left beyond the junction with Long Valley Road. Confirm the intended stopping point and current road conditions with the BLM before setting out; these directions identify the approach corridor, not a specific trailhead.
- Canebrake Road beyond Long Valley Road
The main described approach to Chimney Peak Wilderness. Traveling north from CA-178, the wilderness is on the left after the Long Valley Road junction; identify a suitable entry location before travel.
- Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway
A primitive road corridor bounding the wilderness. Use it for boundary orientation and approach planning, with current conditions and any intended stopping location confirmed before departure.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
CA, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
Desert slopes and southern Sierra woodland
Chimney Peak Wilderness occupies rugged mountain country on the eastern side of the southern Sierra Nevada in southeastern Tulare County. Its roughly 13,000 acres sit between Owens Peak Wilderness to the east and Domelands Wilderness to the west, with the primitive Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway defining its boundary. This is a meeting place of Mojave Desert vegetation and higher-elevation Sierra woodland: Joshua trees and creosote bush occupy lower ground, while pinyon pine and sagebrush characterize the rocky slopes. Chimney Peak stands in the wilderness’s northeast corner. Established in 1994, the wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Keep its scale distinct from the much larger Chimney Peak Recreation Area, which encompasses several wilderness areas, campgrounds, and trails across the southern Sierra.
Walking the wilderness and its edges
About eight miles of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through a portion of Chimney Peak Wilderness, making it the clearest named option for a trail-based visit. That mileage describes the trail within the wilderness, not a complete outing from a specified trailhead. Plan a turnaround or a longer itinerary only after checking access and mapping the intended route. The Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway offers a different perspective along the wilderness boundary rather than through its interior. The surrounding recreation area supports day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, but its collection of sites should not be mistaken for a single connected route. Rocky, mountainous terrain calls for conservative pacing, reliable navigation, and enough supplies to handle a delayed return without depending on nearby facilities.
Water, wildlife, and access checks
Chimney Creek runs along the eastern boundary and provides trout habitat, but its presence does not establish water availability along a chosen hiking route. Carry water appropriate to the outing and treat any water collected in the field. Black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and mountain lions inhabit the area; keep food secured and give wildlife room. Before traveling, check road, trail, and campground status with the BLM’s Bakersfield Field Office. A July 17, 2024 notice announced closures of Chimney Peak and Long Valley campgrounds and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail because of wildland fire danger; confirm whether any restrictions still affect the intended trip. Prepare for changing mountain weather and the exposure of sparsely vegetated desert slopes rather than assuming uniform conditions throughout the wilderness.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Chimney Peak Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 35.8550, -118.1025
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 51′ 17.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 118° 6′ 8.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Chimney Peak Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Chimney Peak Wilderness encompasses rocky mountainous terrain dominated by the pinyon pine forest and sagebrush of the Southeastern Sierra. The area is bounded by the primitive Chimney Peak Backcountry...
Key takeaways
- Region: CA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.855, -118.102
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Chimney Peak Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Chimney Peak Wilderness
Desert slopes and southern Sierra woodland
Chimney Peak Wilderness occupies rugged mountain country on the eastern side of the southern Sierra Nevada in southeastern Tulare County. Its roughly 13,000 acres sit between Owens Peak Wilderness to the east and Domelands Wilderness to the west, with the primitive Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway defining its boundary. This is a meeting place of Mojave Desert vegetation and higher-elevation Sierra woodland: Joshua trees and creosote bush occupy lower ground, while pinyon pine and sagebrush characterize the rocky slopes. Chimney Peak stands in the wilderness’s northeast corner. Established in 1994, the wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Keep its scale distinct from the much larger Chimney Peak Recreation Area, which encompasses several wilderness areas, campgrounds, and trails across the southern Sierra.
Walking the wilderness and its edges
About eight miles of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through a portion of Chimney Peak Wilderness, making it the clearest named option for a trail-based visit. That mileage describes the trail within the wilderness, not a complete outing from a specified trailhead. Plan a turnaround or a longer itinerary only after checking access and mapping the intended route. The Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway offers a different perspective along the wilderness boundary rather than through its interior. The surrounding recreation area supports day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, but its collection of sites should not be mistaken for a single connected route. Rocky, mountainous terrain calls for conservative pacing, reliable navigation, and enough supplies to handle a delayed return without depending on nearby facilities.
Water, wildlife, and access checks
Chimney Creek runs along the eastern boundary and provides trout habitat, but its presence does not establish water availability along a chosen hiking route. Carry water appropriate to the outing and treat any water collected in the field. Black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and mountain lions inhabit the area; keep food secured and give wildlife room. Before traveling, check road, trail, and campground status with the BLM’s Bakersfield Field Office. A July 17, 2024 notice announced closures of Chimney Peak and Long Valley campgrounds and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail because of wildland fire danger; confirm whether any restrictions still affect the intended trip. Prepare for changing mountain weather and the exposure of sparsely vegetated desert slopes rather than assuming uniform conditions throughout the wilderness.
Route options
- Pacific Crest Trail through Chimney Peak WildernessAbout 8 miles within the wilderness
Follow the named trail through a portion of the wilderness. The stated distance covers only its wilderness segment, not access mileage or a complete round trip. Select entry and exit points using a current map and confirm trail status with the BLM, including whether fire-related restrictions apply.
- Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway boundary drive
An alternative to an interior hike along the primitive byway that bounds the wilderness. This is a road-based outing outside the wilderness interior, not a described hiking loop. Confirm road conditions and vehicle suitability before committing to the drive.
Sample itineraries
- Pacific Crest Trail day hike · 1 day
After confirming access and fire restrictions, hike an out-and-back on the Pacific Crest Trail within Chimney Peak Wilderness. About 8 miles of the trail pass through the wilderness; choose a turnaround suited to conditions and available water. Expect rocky mountain terrain, sagebrush, and pinyon pine.
- Chimney Peak Wilderness backpack · 2 days
Plan an overnight along the wilderness's Pacific Crest Trail corridor, subject to current access and camping guidance. Hike in on day one and return on day two. Confirm the approach and water options with the Bakersfield Field Office; carry enough supplies for a self-supported trip in isolated terrain.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; conditions vary with elevation
This desert-to-mountain landscape calls for checking conditions at both the approach and hiking elevations. Pack layers for changing temperatures, and confirm water availability rather than assuming Chimney Creek is accessible from the route.
Summer
Summer; check fire restrictions before departure
Plan conservatively for heat and sun in exposed desert terrain. Wildland fire danger has prompted campground and Pacific Crest Trail closures in the recreation area. Verify current status before committing to a route.
Fall
Fall; check mountain weather and access
Prepare for temperature differences between lower desert terrain and higher mountain slopes. Carry insulation for stops and overnight travel. Do not assume fire-related restrictions have ended simply because the season has changed.
Winter
Winter; access depends on current conditions
Treat this as mountain terrain despite its Mojave Desert setting. Check forecasts and primitive-road conditions, carry cold-weather layers, and shorten plans when conditions exceed available equipment or experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; conditions vary with elevation | This desert-to-mountain landscape calls for checking conditions at both the approach and hiking elevations. Pack layers for changing temperatures, and confirm water availability rather than assuming Chimney Creek is accessible from the route. |
| Summer | Summer; check fire restrictions before departure | Plan conservatively for heat and sun in exposed desert terrain. Wildland fire danger has prompted campground and Pacific Crest Trail closures in the recreation area. Verify current status before committing to a route. |
| Fall | Fall; check mountain weather and access | Prepare for temperature differences between lower desert terrain and higher mountain slopes. Carry insulation for stops and overnight travel. Do not assume fire-related restrictions have ended simply because the season has changed. |
| Winter | Winter; access depends on current conditions | Treat this as mountain terrain despite its Mojave Desert setting. Check forecasts and primitive-road conditions, carry cold-weather layers, and shorten plans when conditions exceed available equipment or experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and restrictions with the BLM Bakersfield Field Office at 661-391-6000.
Fees: BLM lists no fees for Chimney Peak Recreation Area.
Official source: Chimney Peak Recreation Area - California · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Wildland fire danger can affect access. BLM posted a July 17, 2024 notice closing Chimney Peak and Long Valley campgrounds and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail; confirm present status before travel.
- Rocky, rugged mountain terrain requires careful footing and conservative route planning.
- Isolation increases the consequences of injury or navigation errors. Carry navigation tools and leave a trip plan with a reliable contact.
- Desert exposure and elevation changes require planning for sun, heat, and cold. Carry water without relying on unverified sources.
- Black bears and mountain lions inhabit the area. Keep wildlife at a distance and secure food and scented items.
What to pack for Chimney Peak Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline route information
- Headlamp and spare power
- First-aid kit
- Emergency communication device
- Water capacity matched to the route
- Water treatment for any collected water
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insulating layers
- Weather-resistant outer layer
- Footwear suited to rocky ground
- Shelter and sleep system suited to forecast temperatures
- Food storage appropriate for bear country
- Waste pack-out supplies
Chimney Peak Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Chimney Peak Wilderness?
- It lies in southeastern Tulare County, California, on the eastern side of the southern Sierra Nevada. BLM manages this rugged transition between Mojave Desert vegetation and higher pinyon pine country. Owens Peak Wilderness lies to the east and Domelands Wilderness to the west.
- How do you reach the area?
- From Lake Isabella, follow CA-178 approximately 30 miles east, then turn north onto Canebrake Road. Chimney Peak Wilderness is on the left beyond the Long Valley Road junction. Confirm the specific hiking access with BLM; these directions identify the area, not a trailhead.
- What is the main named hiking route?
- About 8 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through part of the wilderness. Confirm current trail access and any fire-related closures before choosing an itinerary.
- Is Chimney Peak Wilderness the same as the recreation area?
- No. Chimney Peak Wilderness is one part of the approximately 105,000-acre Chimney Peak Recreation Area. The broader area includes several wildernesses, campgrounds, trails, and the Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway. Regional facilities should not be assumed to lie inside this wilderness.
- Can Chimney Creek supply drinking water?
- Chimney Creek flows along the eastern boundary and supports trout. Confirm current availability and whether the planned route reaches it. Carry sufficient water and treat any water collected for drinking.
- Are bicycles or motor vehicles allowed inside the wilderness?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. The primitive Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway bounds the area; road access does not authorize driving into the wilderness.