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*NOTE: The Wildrose Canyon Raod is not recommended for large vehicles or
vehicles towing trailers. |
| Charcoal Kilns |  |
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Just seven miles beyond the Wildrose Ranger Station are the Charcoal Kilns, ten conical, stone structures, each 25 feet in height. More than a hundred years ago these were used to make charcoal for miners in the neighboring and treeless Argus Mountains. Inside you'll find that the Kiln's shape affects sounds differently depending on where you stand-- you've got to try it! Shade from the surrounding forest, combined with high elevation, makes the Charcoal Kilns one of Death Valley's coolest summer spots. |
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| Thorndike Campground | |||
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High clearance vehicles can continue up the dirt road to two more campgrounds: Thorndike Campground at 7,500 feet in elevation, and Mahogany Flats, the highest spot in the Park that you can drive to, at 8,200 feet. At Mahogany Flats you can enjoy spectacular views of Death Valley to the east and the mighty Sierra's to the west. I call it a "Panorama Sandwich"! |
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| Harrisburg | |||
| Harrisburg was co-founded by the legendary Shorty Harris and a then-young Basque named Pete Aguereberry. While Shorty converted his share of the claim in to cash as soon as possible, the more practical Aguereberry worked his mine until his death in 1945 at age 71. Aguereberry's cabin, his famed "Eureka" mine, and other remnants of Harrisburg are only 2 miles off the paved road via the well-maintained dirt road to Aguereberry Point. | |||
| Aguereberry Point | |||
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Continuing up the dirt road for 4 more miles brings you to a breath-taking view of Death Valley, 6433 feet in elevation-- more than a mile and a quarter above the valley floor. 
Some books state that the road was built by an early resort owner but I believe writings that credit Aguereberry with the work. |
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| Skidoo | |||
| Larger than Harrisburg was the mining town of Skidoo. It is at the end of a nine-mile dirt road located just north of the Aguereberry Point road, but requires a vehicle with higher clearance. Little remains but the legend of Hootch Simpson, lynched for murder then, two days later, exhumed and hung again for a newspaperman's camera. | |||
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