Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park

Darwin Falls

A waterfall in the desert, Darwin Falls tumbles 80 feet over a series of ledges and pools in the Panamint Valley.

Plan Around Darwin Falls

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Darwin Falls Details

A waterfall in the desert, Darwin Falls tumbles 80 feet over a series of ledges and pools in the Panamint Valley. The falls are fed by the Darwin Creek and tumble through a narrow canyon near Panamint Springs. Visitors can see the waterfall by taking Highway 190 to the Darwin Falls Road turnoff just west of Panamint Springs. The road is unpaved but relatively smooth, suitable for driving with a standard 2WD vehicle. A hiking trail lead into the canyon, which grows more lush and narrow as you approach the falls: a trickle become a stream before widening into a deep pool at the foot of the falls. Resist temptation and obey park rules prohibiting swimming in the pool.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

2 miles

Estimated time

45 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Darwin Falls

Compare nearby parks around Darwin Falls when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

38.8 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

149.9 mi away

Yosemite

National Park · CA

166.2 mi away

Joshua Tree

National Park · CA

202.6 mi away

Pinnacles

National Park · CA

259.3 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

263.7 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

Nearby Points of Interest Around Darwin Falls

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Darwin Falls while the map context is still fresh.

2.3 mi away

Father Crowley Vista

A scenic overlook with views of Rainbow Canyon and a volcanic landscape.

4.3 mi away

Panamint Springs Resort

This remote resort features 14 guest rooms and one cottage.

4.3 mi away

Panamint Springs Resort Camping and RV

Panamint Springs Resort offers a range of camping and RV options on the western edge of Death Valley National Park

6.5 mi away

Panamint Valley

The Panamint Valley is a secluded place occasionally riven by the roar of low-flying jets.

6.7 mi away

Panamint Valley Road

The Panamint Valley Road runs south from Highway 190 just east of Panamint Springs.