Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is an eye-catching volcanic plug of breccia that resulted from the cementation of fragments of rock material that have been broken by volcanic action.
In short, it’s eye catching and the formations are photogenic.
The short crossing has a high pucker factor...
DESCRIPTION:
The resultant rock reminds me of ragged cement with large chunks of gravel mixed throughout but now showing on the exterior due to subsequent erosion. In short, it’s eye catching and the formations are photogenic.
The short OHV trail of less than two miles leads to the gated trail and a parking area where 4WDs or ATVs must be left. Only the last mile east of Democrat Peak requires 4WD. The walk to the first formation is about a mile and can be walked with little difficulty in a half to three-quarters hour. In addition to the rock formations, the views down into the Downie River basin towards Downieville or north into the nearly roadless Canyon Creek are marvelous.
The OHV trail has only one challenge, where a dip angles sharply downhill with nothing but sky and canyon below, The short crossing has a high pucker factor – especially for vehicles with higher centers of gravity.
DIRECTIONS:
To Chimney Rock
Access the Saddleback Road along Highway 49 at "Cannon Point" - yes there actually is a cannon there - about 1/4 mile west of Downieville. Follow the Saddleback Road north uphill to where it intersects with the road west to Cal-Ida. Continuing right up the main road takes you to the Lookout that is accessed by a road to the right about 8 miles from Highway 49. Continue by the Lookout for roughly 2 miles of fairly good road until you reach the right-hand junction with the Chimney Rock access road. If you were to continue straight at the junction, you would access the Poker Flat OHV trail.
The Saddleback area can also be accessed via the Cal-Pine Road that turns north off of Highway 49 in the Indian Valley area. Follow the signs; much of this road is paved.
ACTIVITIES:
OHV - 4-Wheel Drives (Rating: Good)
Combine this with Fir Cap or Poker Flat OHV routes to enjoy a major backcountry trek. Or visit Saddleback Lookout or the Devils Post Pile to have a pleasant day’s outing.
OHV - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) (Rating: Good)
No ATVs beyond the parking area about a mile from Chimney Rock. Combine this with Fir Cap or Poker Flat OHV routes to enjoy a major backcountry trek. Or visit Saddleback Lookout or the Devils Post Pile to have a pleasant day’s outing.
OHV - Motorcycles (Rating: Exceptional)
Motorcycles are permitted on the Chimney Rock Trail and users can continue east to Needle Point, another great volcanic plug. You can also continue on to Rattlesnake Peak and then down the Empire Creek Trail and on to Downieville. The views along the trail are awesome.
