I spent four days in Death Valley. On day two we hiked to Wildrose Peak which stands tall at 9,064 feet. This was a beautifully maintained trail but it was a tough 4.2 miles one way. The trail has a few areas where you can soak in the views of the entire valley below. The weather was nice, a little chilly at the summit but we had spectacular views of the snow-capped Eastern Sierras.
The trail head is also known for its Charcoal Kilns. They were all neatly spaced in a linear path along the parking area.A bit of history: they were built in 1877 and produced charcoal. Workers filled the stone kilns with pinon pine logs and fired them. Burning reduced wood charcoal took 6-8 days and cooling took 5 days. Wagons then hauled charcoal to the furnace smelter where it was burned to extract silver and lead.
The kilns were pretty cool. We went inside to look around and they make a good place for shelter.
Stats: 9 miles, 2200' gain
The kilns were pretty cool. We went inside to look around and they make a good place for shelter.
Stats: 9 miles, 2200' gain
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