Owens Peak Wilderness Road — Indian Wells Valley to Chimney Peak via Nine Mile Canyon

Nine Mile Canyon Road cuts north out of the Indian Wells Valley floor and climbs hard into the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, threading a tight canyon that forces you to earn every foot of elevation. The wash crossings pile up fast — expect six to ten depending on recent runoff — and the canyon walls close in around you as pinyon pine replaces creosote. The route eventually spills you onto the BLM backcountry bench near Chimney Peak, a dramatic volcanic spire rising above 7,990 feet that locals have been using as a landmark since the Kawaiisu people traversed these hills. From the bench you get a genuine 360 — Owens Valley north, Mojave south, Sierra crest west.

This is a high-clearance 4WD route with genuine rock ledges and washed-out sections. A lifted truck or capable SUV with skid plates is not optional. Stock rigs will bottom hard. Best run spring or fall — summer heat in the lower canyon is brutal and winter can drop snow on the upper bench. No permit required. No reliable water on route; carry at least four gallons. Cell service is gone once you drop into the canyon. Dispersed camping on BLM land is free and wide open. The payoff is complete solitude in terrain most people blow past on US-395 without knowing it exists.