Walking Wild & Free

Darwin Falls 1

Darwin Falls

Darwin Falls 2

Darwin Falls 3

Darwin Falls 4

Darwin Falls 5

Darwin Falls 6

Darwin Falls 7

Darwin Falls 8

Darwin Falls 9

Darwin Falls 9

Darwin Falls 10

Darwin Falls 11

Darwin Falls 12

Seek out a year-round waterfall in a desert canyon in this remote part of Death Valley. Note: The access road to the falls has been closed since August 2023. The only way to access the falls is to park along CA-190 and walk an additional 2.4 miles each way down the Darwin Wash Road to the trailhead.

Total Distance: 2.0 miles out & back	Elevation Gain: 362ft. (2,476ft. to 2,683ft.)
Difficulty: Easy	0-5 Mile Difficulty: Moderate
View Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0	Author’s Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Visitor Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0]	Visitor Difficulty Rating: (Click to rate) [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Pets: No	Horses: No
Best Seasons: October to May	Special Permits: None
Water Availability: None	Overnight Options: None
Trailhead Amenities: None	Crowd Factor: Solitude to Moderate
Trailhead Access: 1.3
Uses:	Trail Surface:
Features:	Hazards:

Mile-by-Mile: Darwin Falls

0.0 Darwin Falls Trailhead (2,483ft.). Follow the trail down into the wash. The trail uses the wash for a short distance, then makes its own way along the western side of the canyon, entering the wilderness area after 0.25 miles. If in doubt about where the trail goes, follow the pipeline that carries water to the Panamint Resort. A short distance before the end, the trail will pass the small pool where the pipe ends. A short distance further is the first falls – a small descent where water flows over a cliff face. From here, it’s a near-bushwack through the trees and across muddy spots to a small waterfall. Keep walking up the trail to the impressive 18ft. Darwin Falls. (36.327609136°, -117.514720495°)

1.0 Darwin Falls (2,677ft.). The two-tiered falls tinkles into small pool. Most people view from this vantage point to the left or slightly to the right along the cliff wall. On busy days, the area can be congested. Return to your vehicle by the same trail. (36.320834939°, -117.5240820507°)

History & More

Darwin Falls was named for Erasmus Darwin French, an army physician. After coming west in 1846 during the Mexican-American War, he prospected for silver in the mountains near the waterfall.

The amount of foliage below Darwin Falls varies depending on how recently it has been torn out by a major flash flood. When I visited, there was a lot of greenery.

Keep your eyes open for wildflowers near the falls and in the canyon.

The time of year and recent rain will determine when you’ll come to the first sight of water. The waterfall flows all year round.

I’ve heard of people climbing above the falls, but it’s very difficult and choked with brush. It’s a better idea to just enjoy the falls from below or from a rocky shelf to the left of the falls viewing area.

Download Trail Map

Coming soon!

Driving Directions

From the Panamint Springs Resort, drive CA-190 west (toward Los Angeles) for 0.9 miles to a dirt road on the left. In recent years, you’ll have to park here near the beginning of the closed road and walk to the trailhead. If the road is open, turn left on the Darwin Wash Road and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead on right.

From the west, drive 6.9 miles east of Father Crowley Vista to the dirt road on the right. In recent years, you’ll have to park here near the beginning of the closed road and walk to the trailhead. If the road is open, turn left on the Darwin Wash Road and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead on right.