Drive to Wildrose Charcoal Kilns, Death Valley National Park, California

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Odd beehive-like structures of the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns stand 25 feet tall and preserve the history of Death Valley in their walls. Built in 1877 by American Indian, Hispanic and Chinese workers, the kilns provided a source of fuel suitable for use in two smelters at nearby lead-silver mines until 1900. They’re more remote than the park’s more popular sites but are one of the best preserved and unique attractions. Visitors today can explore the kilns and hear the stories of the people who built them. The Charcoal Kilns, at 7000 feet, are an excellent summer destination. The Wildrose Charcoal Kilns were used to reduce Pinyon and Juniper tree wood to charcoal in a process of slow burning in low oxygen. This fuel was then transported to mines in Death Valley to feed smelting and ore extraction operations. Although the mines themselves were worked intermittently until about 1900, there is no clear evidence that the charcoal kilns were operational after 1879. They were restored by Navajo Indian stonemasons from Arizona in 1971. The kilns were located here as the trees Single-leaf Pinyon Pine and Utah juniper dominate the landscape in the upper Panamint Mountains. Other historic charcoal kilns in the United States include the Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns at Owens Lake, the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns in Wyoming, and the Walker Charcoal Kiln in Arizona. Vehicle needed: Most vehicles on unpaved road section to kilns, then high-clearance on final 1.6 miles to Mahogany Flat. 4WD may be necessary beyond Thorndike Campground due to steep sections and ruts. No RVs or trailers. Expect snow and ice during winter and spring. Distance: pavement ends 5 miles, 7 miles to kilns, 8.7 to Mahogany Flat. Start: Wildrose Campground. Camping: Only in designated campgrounds.

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