Chimney Peak Wilderness
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Chimney Peak Wilderness is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range of California.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The wilderness area covers 13,271 acres and offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rugged and remote landscape. The area is known for its challenging hiking trails, stunning mountain views, and unique geological formations.
One of the main attractions in Chimney Peak Wilderness is the Chimney Peak, which is a prominent rock formation that can be seen from miles away. The peak is accessible by a moderate hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Another popular hiking trail is the Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses through the wilderness area.
The wilderness area is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including black bears, mountain lions, and several species of birds. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, and photography opportunities.
The best time to visit Chimney Peak Wilderness is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the crowds are minimal. Summer can be hot and crowded, and winter can be harsh with heavy snowfall in the higher elevations.
Overall, Chimney Peak Wilderness is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure in a rugged and remote environment. The area offers stunning natural beauty, challenging hiking trails, and unique geological formations that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chimney Creek
|
||
Chimney Peak Campground
|
||
Long Valley
|
||
Walker Pass
|
||
Walker Pass Campground
|
Sacatar Trail Wilderness
National Wild and Scenic River Kern, California
Scodie Park