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PARKS
Death Valley National Park
Telescope & Wildrose Peak Trails
The only two marked backcountry trails in the largest national park in the lower 48. Neither are sedate. Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet is the highest point in Death Valley National Park. The elevation gain from the valley floor to the summit is over 11,300 feet. This extreme elevation change is exceeded in the United States by Mt. Rainier at 11,600 feet, Mt. Fairweather in Glacier Bay National Park at 15,300 feet, and Mt. McKinley's north slope at 17,000 feet.
Telescope Peak Trail
Trailhead: Mahogany Flat campground
Length: 7 miles....one way
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Time Required: 6 to 9 hours....round trip
Topo Maps: 7 1/2 min. quad # 870 - Telescope Peak or Trails Illustrated map
Cautions: Carry water as none is available along the main trail. The trail may be snow covered and icy from November through April
The hike starts from Mahogany Flat campground in upper Wildrose Canyon, elevation 8,133 feet. There is no water available at the campground or along the main trail. The views along the trail are spectacular and varied. Mt. Whitney and the High Sierra, the White Mountains, and the Panamint Valley are visible to the west while Death Valley and Mount Charleston can be seen to the east. The trail will pass through pinyon and limber pine forests, with ancient bristlecone pines predominating near the summit. Backcountry camping is allowed two miles beyond the end of the road. This trail is usually snow-free from early May until mid-November and during this time may be hiked by anyone in reasonably good condition. Hiking boots are recommended.
Snow and ice usually make this trail too hazardous for all but well-equipped climbers during the winter months from mid-November until mid-April. For safety it may be necessary to avoid the begining of the trail and stay along the ridges. Climbers should be experienced and equipped with ice axes, crampons, winter clothing, boots, ropes and be prepared for sub-freezing weather. Winter climbers are asked for their own safety to check in at the Wildrose Ranger Station before and after climbing. During winter the road above the Charcoal Kilns is often closed by snow, adding 3 miles to the round-trip distance of the hike.
Wildrose Peak Trail
Trailhead: Charcoal Kilns parking area
Length: 4.2 miles....one way
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Time Required: 3 to 5 hours....round trip
Topo Maps: 7 1/2 min. quad # 861 - Wildrose Peak or Trails Illustrated map
Cautions: Carry water as none is available along the trail, may be snow covered at times from mid-November until mid-April
Wildrose Peak at 9,064 feet is well worth visiting especially if your time is limited or when winter storms prevent hiking the Telescope Peak trail. The trail goes through a pinyon pine and juniper forest with spectacular views available beyond the two mile point. Backcountry camping is allowed two miles past the trailhead. GORP also has a full description and map of this spectacular trail.
Hiking in Death Valley
Longer Hikes |
Shorter Hikes |
Surviving the Heat
Telescope & Wildrose Peak Trails
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