Basics
- Length:
- 4.2 miles
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Time:
- 4 to 6 hours
Description
Wildrose Peak is the northernmost summit of the Panamint Mountains' highest section. A rewarding hike on its own, it is also a good alternative when winter conditions prevent hiking Telescope Peak.
The trail starts at the north end of the charcoal kilns and climbs steadily up a drainage thick with pinyon pine and juniper. Watch for weathered stumps of trees cut more than 100 years ago to be made into charcoal at the kilns. The final two miles of trail meanders along a forested ridge and switchbacks up the peak, revealing increasingly spectacular views. Other than a few scattered stands of limber pine, the rounded summit is exposed and windswept.