Hiking Wildrose Peak
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Hiking Wildrose Peak

We had a nice hike to Wildrose Peak (elev 9064'). But before we could start our ascent, had to hike down the road to the charcoal kilns. And then at the end of the day we had to trek 2 miles back up the hill from the kilns and gain about 1500 feet in elevation. But we made it and had a spectacular view at the top!

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These kilns were used to make charcoal for nearby borax mines. The kilns were designed by swiss engineers, built by chinese laborers, and worked by indian laborers. They have been so well preserved because they were only used for a few years.

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Having made it to the trailhead, we can start our ascent in earnest

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Starting to get some great views!

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Looks hot down there.

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We saw lizards everywhere on our Death Valley hikes. They were constantly skittering off the trail just ahead of us.

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We started to see more flowers in the higher elevations.

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USGS marker. We thought it was odd that the elevation was left blank.

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Gorgeous view from the top.

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We made it!

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Signing the logbook.

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This pit toilet awaited us at the kilns. This type of bathroom, which seems to be in all the Death Valley campgrounds, is well designed because the skylights on the walls (windows?) let light in night or day as long as there's a bit of sun or moon light.

Copyright © 2009 by Giselle Hicks & Bill Ross

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