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Chimney Peak Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Chimney Peak Recreation Area

Located just east of the Sequoia National Forest, Chimney Peak Recreation Area consists of the better part of Bakersfield Field Office's Southern Sierra Recreation sites and wilderness areas, including Owens Peak Wilderness, Domelands Wilderness, and Chimney Peak Wilderness. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency, helps maintain and manage the 105,000-acre Chimney Peak Recreation Area, stretching from the north of California State Highway 178 to the edge of the field office near Kennedy Meadows. Many visitors during the summer find their way to the recreation area for hiking, horseback riding, and to absorb the solitude and beauty of the land.

The Chimney Peak Recreation Area sits less than 200 miles northeast of Sequoia National Park and less than 100 miles southwest of Death Valley National Park. Other national parks nearby are Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

Starting at the lowest elevation point of 5,246 feet at Walker Pass, the trail comes to a roadless and picturesque area, catching a glimpse of a dead-end road to the east. It holds the dry crest as it passes through the Chimney Peak Wilderness before arriving and journeying through to the South Fork of the Kern River close to Kennedy Meadows.

Length: 8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway

The Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway reaches a high elevation of 1,561 feet, providing stunning picturesque views of the mountainous landscape, wildlife, and vegetation. It's an excellent trail for off-road driving.

Length: 11.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Whiskey Flat Trail

Whiskey Flat Trail begins at Burlando Road and ends at Fairview. It goes up and down the drainages as it winds along the Kern River. Many travelers use the trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Length: 12.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Fishing and boating are available at the nearby Sequoia National Forest. There are 222 miles of wild and scenic rivers, as well as streams, ponds, and lakes for fishing and boating. Anglers will enjoy casting a line in hopes of catching rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and occasionally golden trout. Hume Lake has a boat launch for non-motorized vessels and is the ideal place for shoreside fishing. Water-skiing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and kayaking are some great outdoor recreational activities available here that water enthusiasts may enjoy.

Climbing

You can climb across any mountainous wilderness area at the Chimney Peak Recreation Area. Owens Peak Wilderness' highest point is over 8,400 feet, making it very popular for mountaineering. The terrain features expansive canyons with springs and riparian vegetation. Chimney Peak Wilderness's highest point is 7,994 feet, offering a spectacular vantage point view of the surrounding area. You can walk among pinyon pines and by the eye-catching springs and streams.

Wildlife Viewing

You're sure to come across quite a few types of wildlife throughout the Chimney Peak Recreation Area. The mountainous area is home to deer, coyotes, marmot, and black bears. Steller's jay, mountain chickadees, Clark's nutcracker, junco, and red-tailed hawk provide a cacophony of nature sounds to visitors' ears.

Picnicking

Many of the campgrounds found at Chimney Peak Recreation Area have picnic tables at the campsites. If you're the type that can lay a tablecloth down anywhere to picnic, you can take advantage of just about any spot within the Chimney Peak Recreation Area. However, it would be best if you did not picnic in restricted areas where wild animals roam.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping at Chimney Peak Recreation Area is possible at Chimney Creek Campground, which features 36 sites with plenty of room to park a 28-inch long RV. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and potable water is available during the summer months near site 36. If you're looking to park your RV outside of BLM public land, you'll be happy to know there are several sites within a 50-mile radius of Chimney Peak Recreation Area. The closest is Lake Isabella/Kern River KOA, poised midway between Southern California and Yosemite or Death Valley and offering water and 30-amp electric hookups. A majority of their sites also have sewer connections. Other campgrounds you may want to check out nearby are Lake Isabella RV Resort and Haven RV Park.

Free Camping

Bureau of land management free camping spots are offered throughout California, including at Chimney Peak Recreation Area. Dispersed camping can be more rugged, and for the most part, California is somewhat limited to tent camping. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within the Chimney Peak Recreation Area include Walker Pass Campground and Long Valley Campground. Both offer dispersed tent camping, and Walker Pass has two sites for car camping.

RV Rentals Near Chimney Peak Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chimney Peak Recreation Area BLM trip

You'll want to be prepared to get the most out of your upcoming Bureau of Land Management camping trip to Chimney Peak Recreation Area. During the summer, pack enough water for the day or more, even if you do not plan on exploring that long. You might want to pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a lightweight jacket, and weather-appropriate clothing. It's also important to bring a snack or food with you, but be sure to follow the BLM guidelines on packing for your safety.

BLM RV camping can be hard to find, and most are handed out to those who get there first. If you arrive and the spaces are taken, you'll have to find an alternate campground until the campsites become available. If this should happen, look up "BLM camping near me" to try and find a list of alternative places to stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whether you're there to camp or simply explore the land's incredible beauty, it's required for visitors to clean up after themselves. Introducing trash to the Chimney Peak Recreation Area ecosystem can leave devastating consequences for the animals. When you're in nature, you need to leave things as you found them so that you do not disturb the natural habitat. Otherwise, you may take away an animal's food or home without realizing it. The objective is to enjoy the outdoors without disrupting nature.