Chimney Rock Trail

Getting to trailheads is the hard part; then begins the fun and easy part! If you take a Shuttle Bus from Downieville, then you’ll be able to fly down the trails in time for dinner in Downville. The wild Canyon Creek lays miles below your feet to the north, and you’ll recognize volcanic Chimney Rock and Needle Point.

For hikers, this experience is best if you can arrange transportation on the other end after dropping down the Empire Creek Trail, but tracking back to your vehicles just lets you enjoy the grand views twice.

You can also come up the Empire Creek Trail to access the Chimney Rock link. Note: to access from this road network the nearby Devils Postpile Trail lying to the northwest, veer to left at the five-way (3-way on map) intersection continuing on Saddleback Road until reaching FS Road #25 at old Eureka Diggings. Turn right up that road and follow to Devils trailhead.

To Chimney Rock Trail

Topographic Map: Mt. Fillmore. From the east see Empire Creek Trail. From the west it’s a slow drive, or an easy bus shuttle, and worth it. From Downieville backtrack on Hwy 49 for about 0.2 miles to Cannon Point (E), and turn right (north) on narrow Saddleback Road (S509). Follow for 8 miles until reaching five-way intersection (only three shown on map). Continue straight through and begin following road 25-23-1 (shown on map as 25-23). You will go by the local landmark referred to as "The Bee Tree." After 0.3 mile head straight through the "Y." At the next "Y" in about 1 mile, again head straight through, and travel for 1.0 mile to the intersection of road 25-23-1-2 posted "dead end -- road not maintained." Don’t panic, it’s okay. Follow for 0.6 mile and continue for less than 0.1 mile through another intersection where the Poker Flat OHV Trail crosses and heads left. Stay right and continue for 1 mile to the base of Bunker Hill. Park 2WDs here, 4WDs can drive the last 0.6 mile to the trailhead.

Communities

• Downieville

OHV Routes

• Fir Top