How to Drive Chimney Peak Back Country Byway

Chimney Peak Back Country Byway is located near Bakersfield in south central California. The byway follows a 39-mile circular route through the Chimney Peak Wilderness Area. The road is graded dirt and sometimes narrow, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Hiking, camping, picnicking and wildlife watching are all available near the byway. Depending on the weather, you can drive straight through in 1 to 2 hours or you can spend an afternoon exploring the pinyon-pine covered area.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Call the Bakersfield BLM Field Office for road conditions and maps of the area before you begin your drive.
2. Turn onto Canebrake Road from California State Highway 178 near Bakersfield.
3. Enter the Chimney Peak Wilderness Area. Watch for black bears, bobcats and mountain lions living in this mountainous area.
4. Drive through Lamont Meadow and pull over where the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses the byway. Spend some time hiking the trail that stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.
5. Stop at the Chimney Creek Campgrounds. Spend the night at this free camping site, or just have a picnic and rest before continuing your drive.
6. Follow the byway around 7,994-foot Chimney Peak and head back towards Lamont Meadow.
7. End your drive on Chimney Peak Back Country Byway where you started on State Highway 178.

Tips & Warnings

• A kiosk with maps and brochures sits beside the road at Canebrake Road and Highway 178.
• Water is not available at the camping site. Remember to carry your own.