Chipmunk Meadow

Chipmunk Meadow is a high-country stop in Sierra National Forest, north of Bass Lake, reached off Beasore Road as it climbs through the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway toward Central Camp. Sitting at roughly 6,800 feet, it's one of the quieter meadows along this stretch of the byway — a spot you find because you're already driving through, not because it's marked with trailhead signage.

Getting There

The last leg in is an unmaintained two-track spur, a little over a mile long, that splits off Beasore Road near Central Camp. High-clearance or 4WD is recommended — it's not a route for a low sedan, and not one to attempt in wet weather or after dark.

When to Go

Like the rest of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, the high country around Chipmunk Meadow is normally buried in snow from late fall into late spring. The road is generally driveable from around June through October, and it's worth checking current Sierra National Forest road conditions before you head out, since the unpaved sections aren't plowed and can wash out.

What to Expect

There's no trailhead kiosk or parking lot here — just a meadow tucked into the pines, the kind of stop that rewards travelers already exploring the byway rather than a destination on its own. Carry your own water and a paper map or offline GPS track, since cell service along Beasore Road is unreliable at best.