Chimney Peak Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by:
The Bureau of Land Management’s Bakersfield Office
Additional resources can be found on:
The Bakersfield Office Wilderness Pages
The Chimney Peak Wilderness was protected by the 1994 California Desert Protection Act. This wilderness is covered primarily by pinyon pines in rocky mountainous terrain. Some areas of riparian vegetation and sage brush are also present. Its 13,700 acres encompass the 7,994 foot Chimney Peak. The Chimney Peak is home to a wide variety of bird life along with small and large animals. Black bears have been observed in the area as well as mule deer, bobcats, and mountain lions. Two spring developments are located on the periphery of the wilderness at Fox Mill along the PCNST on the north and Big Foot Spring along the Long Valley Loop Road on the south. A guzzler (water capture device for wildlife) and an area of crushed brush is located in the northeast corner of the wilderness area.
Hiking, walking and hunting are a few recreational activities the visitors can enjoy. About eight miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST) travels through the area and offers the hiker or equestrian an opportunity for solitude among pinyon pines. To restore naturalness, a trailer house was removed from near the center of the wilderness. The old roadway to the site will be allowed to recover naturally.
Enjoying the Chimney Peak Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Camping is permitted without a permit, but visits are limited to 14 days. Campsites must be located at least 100 feet away from water sources.
Campfires
Gathering wood for campfires is limited to dead and down materials. Live vegetation can not be cut. Why?
Pets
Domestic pets are allowed so long as they are under control and do not harass wildlife.
Other Considerations
- Access to these areas is from Canebrake Road off State Highway 178 or Nine Mile Canyon Road off U.S. Highway 395.
- Long Valley Loop Road travels between much of these two wilderness areas and provides access to the wilderness areas and to Long Valley and Chimney Creek campgrounds; nearby off Canebrake Road.
- Removal, disturbance, or attempting to remove archaeological materials is a felony. Selling, receiving, purchasing, transporting, exchanging, or offering to do so is prohibited by law.
Contact
Bakersfield Field Office
3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 391-6000
Fax: (661) 391-6040
