Charcoal Kilns Road
Historic mining kilns with Death Valley views
Charcoal Kilns Road climbs nine miles through Wildrose Canyon to ten perfectly preserved stone kilns built in 1877 to supply charcoal for silver smelters in the Argus Range. These beehive-shaped monuments to mining ambition stand at 6,800 feet, offering sweeping views across Death Valley’s salt flats to the distant Funeral Mountains. The dirt road gains serious elevation through pinyon pine and juniper forest, a stark contrast to the desert floor 5,000 feet below.
Any stock vehicle with decent ground clearance can make the climb, though the steep, rocky sections demand careful throttle control and functioning brakes for the descent. Winter brings snow that closes the upper reaches, while summer heat makes the climb brutal despite the elevation gain. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed near the kilns. It’s a perfect introduction to Death Valley backcountry that rewards drivers with legitimate history and killer photography opportunities.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 9 mi / 14.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Lone Pine, California |
| Land manager | Death Valley National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle Charcoal Kilns Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance SUV like a 4Runner or Wrangler handles this fine. Low-clearance cars and sedans will scrape on the rougher gravel sections — don't chance it.
When is Charcoal Kilns Road accessible, and does it snow up there?
Best window is October through April. The road tops out near 6,800 ft in the Panamint Range, so winter snowfall is real and can close the upper sections — check NPS road conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive this trail?
Yes, Death Valley National Park charges an entrance fee — currently $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. No additional permit is needed for the road or dispersed camping along it.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The climb up Wildrose Canyon gets narrow and the gravel gets looser the higher you go. Nothing technical, but the exposure on the switchbacks and the tight two-track passing room will keep you honest — take it slow if you're towing or running wide tires.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water at the trailhead?
Lone Pine is roughly 40 miles out and is your last reliable fuel stop — top off before you head in. There is no water at the trailhead or along the route, so carry everything you need for the day plus extra.
Trail track
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