We left the Wildrose campground in the frigid early morning air to make our way to the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns in Death Valley.
Initially, the road was quiet and paved; then, as we climbed into the mountains, it became gravel and more treacherous. The snow was still blanketing the ground and areas were icy. That was too much for our minivan to handle.
A friendly passer-by said it was around a half-mile walk from the point the road became impassable for us. We decided to park and hike the rest of the way.
THE WALK UP
It took quite some time navigating the icy road, and both of us ended up on our butts giggling like school kids!
Even though it was cold, we were warmly dressed. I had just purchased a pair of steel-toe, non-slip, “men’s” work boots, which are one hundred per cent waterproof. Fortunately, they are incredibly comfy. Steve has had a pair for quite some time, using them while hiking in Canada, Joshua Tree and Echo Mountain.
The skies were blue, the air crisp and the scenery beautiful. The only sounds heard were the crunching of the hard-packed snow beneath our feet. That makes for a nice change from the bustling city. We even were treated to a small family of deer.
FIRST GLIMPSE
After an hour or so, we rounded a slight bend and then, the ten, 25-feet high, “beehive-shaped” Wildrose Charcoal Kilns came into view.
It’s quite amazing that these stone structures have been here since 1877. They are still in such excellent condition, although the remote location and them being in use for only three years will have something to do with it.
wildrose charcoal kilns slide show
We started to explore and made our way inside each of them. You can still smell the creosote inside. Plus the shape provides some unique acoustics to have some fun with while inspecting the interior.
inside a kiln – slide show
THE HISTORY
Pinon pine, abundant in the area, was chopped into logs and fed into the kilns. Each kiln held four cords of wood. It took six to eight days to reduce the wood to charcoal, and another five for them cool.
Producing 2,000 bushels of charcoal, wagons and jackass pack-trains transported the loads to the Modock Mine furnace smelter, approximately 20 miles away. It was then used to extract silver and lead.
These limestone kilns are constructed from local outcroppings and mortared with lime, gravel, and sand. The kilns became abandoned when the mines shut down due to poor quality ore, and the forty or so men who were employed had to look elsewhere to make a living.
Preservation of these sites is a must; we were incredibly happy to see these kilns standing as if they are still in use today.
WHAT’S AROUND
There is a small car park and a pit toilet on the other side of the road. Several cars were parked, but we only saw a few people. Two guys who were hiking up one of the nearby mountains and another couple arrived as we were leaving. The rest of the vehicles were empty.
OUR TAKEAWAY OF THE WILDROSE CHARCOAL KILNS – DEATH VALLEY
I have an intense love affair with Death Valley National Park, and part of that reason is places like this. You find a lonely old road and wonder where it goes, and you come across fascinating artefacts. Then you turn and look back down the mountain into the valley and become awestruck.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Address: Emigrant Canyon Road, 28 miles from Highway 190.
- Free – no Park Pass is required
- Suitable for all vehicles (usually) 2.1 miles are gravel
- Road subject to storm closures – Check Parks Road Conditions before visiting
- No cell service
- Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Dress in layers (Snow in winter, high temperatures in summer)
- Bring plenty of water (even in cold weather, you can become dehydrated)
- Leave no trace – Pack it in, pack it out – Preserve this site for others to enjoy
location map
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