The Bureau of Land Management initiated a byway program in 1989 in response to recommendations in the report from the President's Commission on American Outdoors. This program designates "back country byways" consisting of a system of low standard roads and trails that pass through areas of public lands having high scenic or public interest value. When the first byway was designated in 1989, Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan described these roads as "Adventure Routes" into some of America's last wide-open spaces.

Chimney Peak Scenic Byway passes through more than 50,000 acres of wilderness in a transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevadas. The predominant pinyon-juniper woodlands contain habitat for black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, and mule deer. The remoteness and solitude found in the area lends a feeling of the old west and provides a glimpse into a past era. Along this byway route are numerous examples of the diverse resources found on public lands including wildlife habitat, livestock grazing, wilderness, cultural resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

About 95% of the area along the byway are public lands. The Chimney Peak Scenic Byway is most easily reached from State Hwy. 178. Canebrake Road ascends to Lamont Meadow and then, along with the Kennedy Meadows Road and the Long Valley Loop Road, circles around Chimney Peak and back to Lamont Meadow. This 38.5-mile byway is mostly made up of narrow, slow speed, secondary roads and is recommended for high clearance vehicles. A normal passenger car can usually travel the route by using a little extra care in a few places. Parts of the road are washboard-like at times and some sections may be impassible in winter and early spring.

An interpretive brochure is available at the kiosk located on Canebrake Road just off of Highway 178 or from the BLM office in Bakersfield.

Distance: 38 Miles

Directions: From Canebrake, CA, The Chimney Peak Scenic Byway is most easily reached from State Highway 178.

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