2021 Map of Chimney Canyon

About this map

Los Padres National Forest encompasses much of this interior landscape, where the rugged drainages of the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the high ridges of the California Coast Ranges. The southern portion of the map is defined by the Cuyama River, which serves as a natural boundary between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Evidence of human passage is found in the extensive network of fire roads and backcountry trails, such as Shaw Ridge Rd and the Buckhorn Ridge Trl, which navigate the steep elevations between Shell Peak and the deep incisions of Chimney Canyon. The presence of reliable water sources like Buck Cove Spring and Willow Spring indicates the critical points of relief in this arid terrain, while names like Charlie Valley and Pine Canyon hint at the local topography that once supported ranching or early homesteading efforts.