Wildrose Charcoal Kilns would probably be one of the most visited attractions in Death Valley if they were not in such a remote location. The charcoal kilns were built in 1877 to provide a reliable source of charcoal for mining operations at Lookout City in the Argus Mountain Range.
Due to the Charcoal Kilns’ remote location, graffiti artists and vandals have spared the historic ovens. The kilns are in remarkable condition and look much like they were back in 1887. Besides the kilns, there is not much to see at the site. But if you are a history buff, this is a must-do on your next Death Valley National Park visit.
Tent Town Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
At its peak, the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns employed about 50 workers, including woodcutters, charcoal burners, cooks, and mule-train packers. When in operation, the kilns could hold 42 cords of wood that were slowly burned inside the kiln for two weeks, producing about 2,000 bushels of charcoal.
Lookout City
The charcoal was loaded onto mules from the Kilns and hauled down Wildrose Canyon, across Panamint Valley, and up to a steep pack trail to Lookout City. Lookout City boasted a ten-stamp mill, two 60-ton furnaces, several saloons, a general store, and cabins for the workers during its peak.
Lookout City’s smelters produced bars of silver from the ore produced at nearby mining operations. The furnaces used massive amounts of charcoal and depended on the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns to provide it. When more economical sources of charcoal were discovered, the Wildrose Kilns were no longer needed.
Lookout City Ghost Town is about 15 miles southeast of Panamint Springs and requires a 4WD vehicle and a short but strenuous hike. The foundations of a few buildings and a section of the pack trail used to transport the ore and charcoal are still visible today.
Wildrose Peak Trail
Suppose you decide to take the two-hour trek up from the floor of Death Valley to see the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. We recommend hiking at least part of the Wildrose Peak Trail. Even if you do not reach the summit, the trail features fantastic views of the canyon and the Panamint Mountains.
Getting to Wildrose Charcoal Kilns
Head West on Highway 190, a little over 9 miles from Stovepipe Wells. Turn left on Emigrant Canyon Road. The drive-up canyon is about twenty miles until you reach Wildrose Campground. Continue past the campground 8 miles to the Kilns. The last two miles are gravel but can be easily traveled by a passenger car—more info.
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