Hike Wildrose Peak Death Valley National Park, CA

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Death Valley National Park’s punishing heat can be left behind in the warmer months by hiking in the higher-elevation Panamint Mountains, best known for Telescope Peak. Nearby, the somewhat popular hike to Wildrose Peak serves as a good warm-up for my trip, though “popular” is relative, since it’s a long drive from the more crowded areas of the park. While the hike is shorter and less awe-inspiring than the ultra-prominent Telescope Peak, it’s a worthwhile and well-maintained trail with great views into the valley below.

The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns mark the start of the trail, and the site is reachable with any vehicle. These ten beehive-shaped structures were built in the 1870s to turn wood into charcoal for nearby silver smelters.

The trail to Wildrose Peak begins at the far left end of the kilns and is clearly marked. It climbs through a forest of pinyon pines and juniper, slowly gaining elevation toward the ridgeline. The views open up early on, with Wildrose Canyon dropping away, though the trail itself isn’t anything special. It’s wide most of the way, climbs steadily without being brutal, and just kind of does its job.

About three miles in when I reached the ridgeline, I got my first real view of Death Valley. It’s just a preview of what’s coming, but it’s a good one. From there, the trail kept ascending, kindly avoiding unnecessary lumps along the crest, then started switchbacking through slowly thinning trees. The view across the valley opens up even more as the terrain steepens.

The trail crosses a small patch of alpine tundra near the summit area and continues to the high point. From there, it’s an incredible panorama. Mount Whitney and the Sierras are off to the northwest, and Death Valley stretches out to the east. Telescope Peak stands tall to the south.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Wildrose Peak

9064 ft

1344 rise

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Wildrose Charcoal Kilns.

Starting along the trail, Wildrose Canyon seen on the left. That's the road I drove in on.

The Wildrose Peak Trail continues along the slope toward the ridge seen center. It's not particularly interesting.

Along the Wildrose Trail, much of it covered by trees.

At the ridgeline, looking back the way I came. Wildrose Peak seen top right.

Views into Death Valley as the trail wraps around ridgeline bumps.

Pretty scenery overall, with occasional views.

View back along the trail, looking south toward the taller peaks of the Panamint Mountains.

Some more forest walking.

Wildrose Peak ahead.

View back into Death Valley as the views begin to improve.

The trail steepens as it heads up to Wildrose Peak.

Telescope Peak poking out in the distance, seen from along the Wildrose Peak Trail.

Nearing the summit, view down into Death Valley.

Final few switchbacks.

View south. You can see the road leading to the Mahogany Flat Campground and Telescope Peak in the distance.

Short alpine tundra walk to the summit.

Wider shot of Wildrose Peak's summit.

Wildrose Peak summit, view south toward Telescope Peak and Death Valley.

Wildrose Peak summit, view north.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!