The public portion of Stonewall Canyon Road is a chalky dirt road that heads west from its intersection of Highway 146 at about mp 9. The Chalone Vineyards are sign-posted at the intersection. The road traverses rather arid hills, passing vineyards, until there is a 3-way gated intersection. There will be times when all the gates are closed. The left-hand gate goes to a private hotel and is not open to the public; the middle gate closes what used to be a public road through a canyon but not abandoned by Monterey County to private, inaccessible property. The right-hand gate provides access to Chalone Vineyards Winery, when it is open, and scattered oaks among grasslands and vineyards. There is a picnic ground at the winery, and a tasting room (fee for tasting or tours).

The oaks and other trees around the picnic area, adjacent to the winery, can have Phainopepla. Look for trees with mistletoe. Spring and summer is best. The intersection of Stonewall Canyon Road and Highway 146 can have flowering wildflowers, and sometimes abundant fiddleneck, which, in some springs, attract Lawrence's Goldfinch. Watch for eagles, hawks, and falcons overhead. In some winters, barren vineyards can attract Mountain Bluebirds.

If one visits Chalone Winery when it is open, and the visitor pays to taste wine, there are public restrooms. The tasting room is open from time to time; check their website