The Chimney Peak & Owens Peak Wildernesses sit at the lower end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains between the Sequoia National Forest, the harsh and hot Mojave Desert, The Great Basin, Owens Valley, and Lake Isabella. The Pacific Crest Trail even crosses through the Wildernesses and while camping there, you may see some hikers traveling through.

Chimney Peak has a primitive campground with vault toilets and lovely spots to stay for an evening or more. The campground has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, Owens Peak (8,400 feet), canyons, and meadows. You can shoot guns, do some hiking, and hear the sound of spring fed creeks. The road throughout the Wilderness is a High Clearance Vehicle one and can be bumpy and steep at times.

Chimney Creek Campground allows target shooting, which is surprising and awesome. You know, it being California and all. The campground is free and very lightly occupied. Just stay safe and don’t start any forest fires. The sad evidence for them is everywhere.

There are plenty of great views of Owens Peak and the Dome Wilderness, which is another wilderness area in the vicinity.

At the base of the mountains near Highway 178 in the Owens Peak Wilderness is a grove of Joshua Trees you can walk around and explore.