Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

Historical landmark · Inyo County

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

Historical landmark · Inyo County

1

DEATH VALLEY, CA 92328

Photos

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by http://www.flickr.com/photos/redteam/24971... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/redteam/2497100786/)
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by http://www.flickr.com/photos/16268809@N04/... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16268809@N04/1831888605)
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Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by http://www.flickr.com/photos/21202718@N00/... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21202718@N00/2396581670/)
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null
Wildrose Charcoal Kilns by null

Highlights

Built in 1877, these beehive-shaped kilns were used to create charcoal for local mining operations.  

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DEATH VALLEY, CA 92328 Get directions

nps.gov

Information

Static Map

DEATH VALLEY, CA 92328 Get directions

+1 760 786 3200
nps.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to America's National Parks

"In 1875, lead ore was discovered in California’s Argus Range. Shortly after its discovery, George Hearst (future Senator and father of William Randolph Hearst) purchased the land and formed the Modoc Consolidated Mining Company to mine the ore for silver from the area. After the company depleted most of the area’s limited supply of wood, Hearst ordered the construction of ten kilns to make charcoal from pine logs. The kilns were completed in 1877 and built 25 miles from the mine in a more wooded area. The 25-foot high limestone kilns, constructed from local outcroppings and mortared with lime, gravel, and sand, employed around 40 men in the production and transportation of charcoal bushels to the area near the mine. After only two years of operation, the mines were shutdown and the kilns abandoned due to worsening ore quality. Located in what is now Death Valley National Park, the well-preserved beehive-shaped kilns can be freely explored by visitors." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/ultimate-guide-to-national-parks
View Postcard for Wildrose Charcoal Kilns

Rodney Thompson

Google
Some of the best preserved kilns in the Southwest, mainly because they were only used for three years. The drive into here was amazing, I I hiked Wildrose as well

Mel anie

Google
These are amazingly well preserved kilns they used to make charcoal back in the 1870s. We visited in January and it was very snowy and icy. I think it would safe to say you’d need 4x4. We only saw jeeps, trucks and a Subaru in the parking lot. I believe it’s up near ~7000 feet. Beautiful views and drive to this area as well.

Ramya Sadagopan

Google
The acoustic is AMAZING! Be sure to prepare a song to sing and record. Stand in the middle of the kilns and keep the phone away from you when you record. What an amazing architecture ❤️. Drive to and back was a bit of a rough road. Make sure you have a 4-wheel drive. Wouldn't recommend sedans either. Road was closed beyond this spot, so we couldn't drive past this location. We were there on Jan 20th. Bit of snow, but it wasn't too bad.

Claire Audette-Bauman

Google
While the kilns are beautiful, the real reason to drive an hour from Stove Pipe Wells is to hike the Wildrose trail, which starts to the left of the kilns! The hike was absolutely stunning with beautiful views of both sides of the valley, interesting foliage, and beautiful rocks and we only saw a handful of peopleon the trail. Hiked in a little over 3 hours, it was exactly 4.2 miles from trail head to summit, with about 2,400 feet elevation gain so moderate to start but definitely a difficult last 1.5 miles. We went in late April, and it was about 50° at the trail head but was snowing at the summit, so make sure to accommodate for the drastic weather change at 9,100 feet at the top! There is also a very well maintained bathroom at trailhead.

Lindsey

Google
Visited in late December. Road was snowy with ice and multiple cars were on the side of the road (to hike up when they could no longer drive). One guy in a hatchback needed a push. No prob for 4wd with good tires (please be responsible and know your limits!). These kilns are in beautiful condition compared to every other I've seen. Amazing views on the drive. I do agree with other reviews that it's not necessarily the most spectacular destination in and of itself unless you're really into kilns and mining history (I am!). If you're around the area, check it out! Make sure to talk and make noise inside to experience the acoustics. Fun for kids.

Ken and Alicia Lund

Google
This is a fantastic, relatively unknown location in Death Valley National Park. The climate here is much better than in Death Valley itself. The temperatures are very pleasant. The kilns are fascinating. This is a great stop for a picnic and strolling around the ruins. Great trip to take to get relief from the hotter temperatures in Death Valley. Highly recommend.

Dennis Peery

Google
These were amazing to see in person, I was stunned by the scale of them. I had always imagined them to be a fraction of their true size. Was there in February and it was downright frigid. Road was clear all the way up, but 40° cooler than down in Furnace Creek. Be prepared. Have a hard time wrapping my head around the folks that worked these kilns and mines. A hardy bunch indeed.

John Tamagawa

Google
Long ride to see the kilns but very well preserved and interesting to see. About 2 miles of the road is unpaved. We were glad we stuck it out and saw the kilns. Burros along the way were a bonus. We were happy there are clean restrooms available.