The tough thing about exploring is that for every amazing thing you find, like a Jamul Kiln, sometimes you find things that are just there. They're not bad, they're not good, they're just there. Take for example the Cottonwood Kilns. They are part of California's gold rush history, and were constructed in 1873 to provide charcoal for the smelters at the nearby Cerro Gordo Mine.

They are easily accessible, in that they are only ten miles South of Lone Pine, California, and only 1 mile off the I-395. However, due to vandalism, and the passage of time, only two of the kilns partially remain; and these two are fenced off to prevent further vandalism and or damage. While this is an interesting historical area; it is also a little underwhelming to visit the kilns. If you are trying to visit all of California's Historic Landmarks, or if you are interested in a quick side trip, this is a spot for you. But, if you are interested in seeing - and experiencing what such kilns looked like and walking among them, you would be better off visiting the Charcoal Kilns in Death Valley National Park, in the Wildrose Area. Or, in my opinion, if you're looking for something to visit off of the I-395 in that area, Fossil Falls is a better bet. If you do visit this area, kudos to you for being adventurous, and leaving no stone unturned in your explorations of the Owens Valley.