Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway — Canebrake Road to Chimney Peak via Lamont Peak Divide
Southern Sierra desert ridge with zero crowds.
Drop south off Highway 178 near Canebrake Road and you’re immediately in a different California — not the postcard version. This BLM byway climbs through the Piute Mountains into genuine Southern Sierra high desert, winding past the jagged volcanic plug of Chimney Peak itself before cresting the Lamont Peak divide at nearly 7,400 feet. The road is well-graded gravel most of the way to the Chimney Peak Recreation Area, then transitions to rougher two-track as you push toward the divide. Dispersed camping off the byway is first-come, first-served and genuinely remote — you may not see another soul midweek.
This is an easy-to-moderate run in dry conditions, accessible to most high-clearance 2WD rigs in summer, but rain turns the clay sections into a toboggan ride and winter snowpack closes the upper road entirely. Best season is April through October. No permit required. Fuel in Kernville or Ridgecrest before you leave — there’s nothing between those two towns on this route. Cell service drops to nothing past the Canebrake turnoff. Bring your own water; there are no reliable surface sources along the byway.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7400 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (dry) / 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Kernville, CA |
| Land manager | BLM Bakersfield Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this without any lift?
Yes, a stock high-clearance truck handles this fine in dry conditions. The route is a designated Backcountry Byway on maintained dirt and gravel — no rock crawling, no extreme articulation required. If it's wet, add 4WD to that equation.
When does snow close the upper section near Lamont Peak Divide?
The route sits between 4,000 and 7,400 feet, so snow can hit the upper elevations from November through March. April through October is the reliable window — early spring and late fall require a weather check before you commit.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit required. This is BLM land managed by the Bakersfield Field Office and dispersed camping is allowed under standard BLM rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section and what does it actually feel like to drive it?
The Lamont Peak Divide section has the most exposure — narrow shelf road, loose gravel, and steep drop-offs on one side. It's not technical, but it demands attention and confident driving. Not the place to be if you're white-knuckling moderate two-tracks.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is 35 miles enough to worry about range?
Kernville is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 20-25 miles from the Canebrake Road start. The full route is 35 miles of byway — top off in Kernville before you head in, especially if you're towing or running a thirsty rig.
Trail track
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