Chalk Bluff is a straight escarpment, 5 miles long and around 300 feet high, that forms the south edge of the Volcanic Tableland, named for its light-colored, chalk-like rocks, all of which are rhyolite tuff, associated with the Long Valley Caldera. The Owens River flows just below, at the edge of the vast flats of Owens Valley, and the narrow strip of land between the river and the foot of the bluffs provides a course for Chalk Bluff Road - a wide gravel track, just a little bumpy in places but fine for all vehicles.

The route is 6 miles long and is reached by paved roads at either end, Five Bridges Road in the east, off US 6, and Pleasant Valley Dam Road in the west, off US 395. Along this latter route is a Nye County campground (no hook-ups), scenically situated beside the river, with fine views in all directions.

Chalk Bluff Road is mostly used by rock climbers, since along the escarpment are over a dozen short, perpendicular ravines littered with huge volcanic boulders, little caves and sections of cliffs, all ideal for bouldering; the two most popular locations are the Sad Boulders and the Happy Boulders, so called since the first is rather enclosed and gloomy, the latter lighter and more open.

The second point of interest hereabouts is the rock art; there are several large, well preserved panels etched onto the boulders, plus many smaller designs, the two most famous panels being Sky Rock, an intricate group of designs on a flat surface facing the sky, and the 13 Moons, thought to have been used as a lunar calendar.

Along the road are around two dozen pullouts, for anglers and hikers. Opposite some are paths that ascend the escarpment, the two busiest, both with BLM trailhead notices, are to the Happy and Sad Boulders. Primitive camping would seem also to be permitted.