Chimney Benchmark (BM) is located on the west end of the Camas Prairie. I decided to tackle it as a winter project alone, knowing that the snow may not be in great shape (the prior week had seen several feet of new snow).

My plan was to utilize the snowmobile road that went deep into Chimney Creek. I just needed the road to get me 1.25 miles in so I could access the east ridge.

Following the road worked well. There were many snowmobilers, but all of them were very polite as they passed and many even gave me hand signals letting me know how many were in there party.

I was lucky and even kept using tracks until about 5800'. At this point I was nearly on the east ridge and hoped for better snow on the ridge. When I reached the ridge, it was not to be. The snow wasn't horrible. I plowed on to around 6200', where the snow was great for about 20 minutes. Then around 6400' I started crossing over partially snow covered patches of chaparral. The snow was miserable with no bottom. Each step was a 20 second ordeal. Crossing 200 feet of this twice left me exhausted. I was also on a time limit, so I set my goal for a rock outcropping that enabled me to see the rest of the route to the summit.

I made it to the outcrop and could see that the peak was certainly doable. With the incredible views it offers, I am sure to be back!

Turn north (left if coming from Boise, right if coming from Fairfield) at virtual mile marker 144.2 on 800 W. Follow 800 W for 1.9 miles to 200 N. Turn left. Follow 200 N for 2.7 miles and turn right onto 1800 W. Drive 1 mile and park in the plowed lot.

From the parking lot, find the sign marked "Chimney Creek Trailhead". Beyond this is road that is used by snowmobilers. It is sometimes groomed, but always packed in. Follow this road for 1.28 miles. At this point, turn west and cross the creek. Then climb up a slope to gain the east ridge. Once on the east ridge, follow it to the summit.