telescope peak or wildrose peak

i%26#39;m trying to decide which one of these to hike, can anyone tell me which one you liked better and why? also we%26#39;ll be in a rental car so is it not a good idea to drive to telescope peak? thanks!

telescope peak or wildrose peak

I have to confess that I have never topped either one. I am more of a hiker than a climber, and I live at sea level so climbing is a challenge for me. But I can give you some info based on my knowledge of the park and other people%26#39;s experiences.

Wildrose Peak is a shorter trail, but looking at the topographical maps, it may be just as challenging as Telescope because of the sharper elevation gains. The trailhead is at the end of the graded gravel road to the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. As you know, most rental car contracts forbid off-pavement use. Graded gravel is often a judgment call. The Kilns road is usually OK for cars, but this is snow-melt season and it could be muddy.

Telescope Peak is about a 7-mile trail. It varies between steep elevation gains and more gradual ridgeline ascents. The trailhead is

at Mahogany Flats, which is a couple miles beyond the Kilns. It%26#39;s rough and often suitable only for 4WD.

There can be snow and ice on the higher elevations of Telescope Peak until well into spring, even into June. Check on current conditions for both roads and trails at the Visitor Center, and be prepared for wind and cold. The rule of thumb is that every 1000%26#39; of elevation means about 5潞F difference, so if it is 95潞 at Furnace Creek, it could be 40潞 or less on top of Telescope Peak.

Here is the park%26#39;s info sheet on these two hikes.

nps.gov/deva/鈥?0Peaks-2.pdf

telescope peak or wildrose peak

do you know how long the graded gravel section is? also do you think it could still be muddy in three weeks (we%26#39;ll be there around may 24)? also i think we%26#39;re going to stay at wildrose campground, is it usually crowded there? i mean will we have trouble getting a site? thanks so much for the info!

Hey Pluto,

We have hiked to the top of Wildrose. It is a beautiful hike, around 8 miles up if I remember correctly.

There is no climbing involved, just a jaunt in the park so to speak. We drove a rental car to the trailhead, no problem. Actually, we have been to DV many times and always in a rental. As long as you are careful, know beforehand the road conditions, you can go many places on dirt roads with no trouble at all. Of course, the key thing is two cans of fix a flat, lots of water in the car, and food, and be ready to wait for rescue in case something happens. We have never had a problem.

Wildrose is a beautiful hike and we highly recommend it. We have never done Telegraph Peak, so I cannot comment.

Many folks stash some water about one quarter to one third of the way through the hike so they don%26#39;t have to carry it all the way up, and then they have some for the way back

Cell phones do not work many places up there, so just be prepared. Have fun!