Wildrose Peak
Conquer Wildrose Peak for breathtaking 360° views of Death Valley, a challenging hike with historical charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, less extreme heat
Wildrose Peak
Best Time
Cooler temps, less extreme heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Wildrose Peak for breathtaking 360° views of Death Valley, a challenging hike with historical charm.
"A gorgeous but strenuous hike with incredible summit views that make the effort worthwhile."
Pack Microspikes/Crampons
Essential for winter hikes due to potential snow and ice on the trail. :snowflake:
Bring Ample Water & Food
This is a strenuous hike; don't underestimate your needs. :water_pistol:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views of Death Valley
Summit of Wildrose Peak
Panoramic 270-degree views of Death Valley, Telescope Peak, and the Sierra Nevadas.
Wildflowers in Bloom
Along the Wildrose Peak Trail
Discover surprising bursts of wildflowers, adding vibrant color to the desert landscape.
Historic Charcoal Kilns
Base of Wildrose Peak Trail
Explore these fascinating historical structures, remnants of Death Valley's mining past.
Summit Logbook
Summit of Wildrose Peak
Sign the summit book and read about other adventurers' experiences at the peak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildrose Peak
Remote Trailhead & Vehicle Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Microspikes/Crampons
Essential for winter hikes due to potential snow and ice on the trail. :snowflake:
Bring Ample Water & Food
This is a strenuous hike; don't underestimate your needs. :water_pistol:
Check Vehicle Condition
Remote trailhead requires a reliable vehicle. No cell service for much of the drive. :car:
Layer Up for Summit
Temperatures drop significantly at 9,700+ feet. Pack warm gear. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Microspikes/Crampons
Essential for winter hikes due to potential snow and ice on the trail. :snowflake:
Bring Ample Water & Food
This is a strenuous hike; don't underestimate your needs. :water_pistol:
Check Vehicle Condition
Remote trailhead requires a reliable vehicle. No cell service for much of the drive. :car:
Layer Up for Summit
Temperatures drop significantly at 9,700+ feet. Pack warm gear. :cloud:
Allow a Full Day
The hike and drive can take most of the day. Plan accordingly. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers consistently praise Wildrose Peak for its challenging yet rewarding nature, offering spectacular panoramic views of Death Valley and surrounding ranges. The presence of wildflowers and historic charcoal kilns adds to its appeal. However, visitors note the strenuousness of the hike, the need for significant water and warm gear, and the remote trailhead with limited services.
"Superb hike, with great vies of Death Valley from the summit and amazing wildflowers along the way.
About 5 hour round trip and was freezing cold at the summit despite being 80 degrees down in the valley at 7pm that evening."
Devin Ramdutt
"This is a gorgeous but strenuous hike to the top of Wildrose peak. There are 2 gorgeous views along the path. The first view is about 2 to 2.5 miles in and is of death valley. It's not particularly open but still is a unique view of the valley that I feel few people get to appreciate. The second view is at the summit of wildrose. It's a very strenuous hike to the top and may require microspikes/snowshoes/crampons during winter. The view is incredible. You can see telescope peak in all it's splendor to the North, the Sierra Nevadas to the west and death valley to the east and south. There is a summit marker and summit log to check in at and very few people at the summit. I hiked this in late February and only around 4 people were at the summit with me. I used microspikes on the way up which I feel were fairly necessary. Be sure to pack cold weather gear because at 9700+ feet the air can get cold, I'm really glad I had my winter coat and gloves. Round trip took me 4.5 hours poorly acclimated but in fair shape."
Martin Weaver
"Great hike of about 5 hours and 8.4 miles round trip. Will take you about 2 hours to drive there from furnace creek. Nice a cool the higher you go not like the valley at all. You will have 270 degrees of visibility at the top and look out over death valley and the adjacent valley. Make sure you have a mechanically excellent vehicle because the trailhead is remote and no cell service exists for much of the drive. A breakdown could be life threatening. Watch for little Burrows they like to stand in the road."
Mitch Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is remote and requires a drive from Furnace Creek, taking about 2 hours. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition as there's limited cell service and a breakdown could be dangerous.
While some mention a 'mechanically excellent vehicle' is needed, many visitors with standard cars can access the trailhead. However, it's always wise to check current road conditions and be prepared for rougher patches.
The drive involves winding roads and can be quite scenic. Be aware of potential wildlife, like burrows, that might stand in the road.
No, there is very limited to no cell service for a significant portion of the drive to and around the Wildrose Peak trailhead.
While there isn't designated camping directly at the trailhead, there are campgrounds within Death Valley National Park, such as Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek, which are good bases for exploring.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wildrose Peak is located within Death Valley National Park. An entrance fee is required for the park, but there are no additional fees for hiking the Wildrose Peak trail itself.
Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring (October to April), to avoid extreme desert heat.
No specific permits are required for day hiking Wildrose Peak. However, if you plan on any overnight backcountry camping, you would need to obtain a backcountry permit.
The entrance fee for Death Valley National Park is typically per vehicle and valid for 7 days. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 8.3 miles round trip and typically takes about 4.5 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the summit.
The elevation gain is around 2,400 feet, making it a strenuous hike.
You'll get incredible panoramic views of Death Valley, Telescope Peak, and the Sierra Nevadas. There are also unique views of the valley floor along the trail.
Due to its length and elevation gain, it's considered a strenuous hike and may be challenging for absolute beginners. However, those with moderate fitness can complete it.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing (as temperatures vary greatly), and sun protection. In winter, microspikes or crampons might be necessary.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic vistas. The trail itself provides unique perspectives of Death Valley, and the historic charcoal kilns are also photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the desert landscape. The summit views are stunning at any time, but consider the sun's position for your desired shots.
Yes, if you visit during the spring bloom, you'll find beautiful wildflowers that make for excellent photographic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for distant peaks and a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
There are two notable viewpoints along the trail before the summit, offering unique perspectives of Death Valley. The summit itself provides the most expansive photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛰️ Peak Baggers & Serious Hikers
Consider combining it with nearby Telescope Peak for an even more ambitious adventure. Be prepared for variable conditions, especially in winter, where snow and ice can add an extra layer of challenge and require specialized gear like microspikes. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wildrose Peak Trail Experience
The trail offers two distinct viewpoints before reaching the summit, providing unique perspectives of Death Valley that many visitors miss. Key Takeaways:
- Distance: 8.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~2,400 feet
- Estimated Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Many visitors recommend packing plenty of water and snacks, as this is a remote area with no services along the trail.
Summit and Beyond
Upon reaching the summit of Wildrose Peak, hikers are greeted with breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views. You can see Telescope Peak to the north, the Sierra Nevadas to the west, and Death Valley stretching out to the east and south.
The sense of accomplishment and the sheer beauty of the landscape make the challenging climb well worth the effort. +1Navigating Death Valley's Climate and Conditions
Climate Considerations:
- Summer: Extremely hot; not recommended for this hike.
- Winter: Cooler temperatures, potential for snow and ice; ideal for hiking.
- Spring/Fall: Pleasant temperatures in the valley, but can still be warm at higher elevations.
Beyond temperature, the remoteness of the Wildrose Peak trailhead is a critical factor. Cell service is scarce, and the drive can be challenging. This emphasizes the need for a reliable vehicle and thorough preparation, including carrying sufficient water and food, as you are far from any services.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit