Darwin Falls

It's gone. Sadly last year's floods and continual flooding since has destroyed the road leading to the trail. What used to be a 2 mile out and back trail to the falls is now 6 miles thru a recently washed out area. The falls are still amazing but without the road, I'm not sure it's worth it when considering the time. It was a long, loose footing, sandy hike. Plus it started raining so there's that. Disappointed this time but it's still amazing to see when you think about where you are.

This is one of the best hikes in Death Valley. So amazing to see a waterfall in this dry and patched desert. There are 2 parking lots, one close to the road and one at the trailhead. You will need a high suspension vehicle to make it to the trailhead parking lot, which I highly recommend, as the hike from the road is quite long. There isn't a set trail to the waterfall, you'll have to make your way there going through water, bushes and scrambling over rocks. But it is a fun hike and you can see the effects of water as the area grows in vegetation the closer you get. Even saw some butterflies, which isn't something I associate with deserts. The waterfall is such a delight to see. It is cool water, and a welcome rest place before heading back. We visited mid- February, the trees had leaf buds. A few more weeks and everything would be very green.

I don't think I will do this trail again, period. First, you have to turn to an unmarked gravel road and drive about 10-15 mins, it's actually maintained well not very bumpy as I had driven somewhere else but I would still hate if it's my car. Glad this time was a rental car. The trail is very short (1 mile) starting from the gate after the parking lot. The first 3/4 mile is mostly flat and easy even for me with a bad heart I found it quite easy. The trail is mostly covered with gravel path. There's no sign of direction, the key is : follow those water pipe.You will start noticing the surrounding slightly changed after you walk deeper into the trail. The dry desert wind is replaced by the moist cooler air.The last 1/4 mile would be a little more challenge if you can't climb up and down. It involves some creek crossing and boulder climbing. You have to figure out which way to go depends on which way you find doable or easier. If you wear sneaker, chances your shoe will get muddy and wet. Waterproof hiking shoe with good traction is highly recommended. (but if you want to know, I finished it wearing my Toms: xD)After passing all these obstacle courses you will end at a small waterfall about 20 ft, not so rewarding but the effort wasn't that great either. It's on the further side of the Death Valley (near Panamint Springs, away from all other main attractions), unless you camp nearby, I do not see it worth the drive. (If you are coming from Vegas).For detail check link : https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/darwin-falls-death-valley/

This is a great shorter/easier hike in Death Valley National Park. It is not very clearly marked as to where to turn off 190, in fact we missed the turn the first time and had to double back. Once you turn off 190 there is a small sign indicating you are on the right path. It is a pretty rocky, bumpy ride to the parking area which is clearly marked with a trailhead sign. About the first 3/4 mile is a pretty average walk and a little slow going due to lots of scree, however as you get nearer to the falls you will start noticing a difference in the foliage and will begin to hear the flow of water. The last part of the hike is through a cool, lush area until you reach the end. You do need to crisscross over several areas of flowing water, but there are lots of strategically placed logs to help you cross without getting wet. The falls are really pretty and make for a unique hike in the dessert. From what I read the falls flow perennially so you can go even when the weather is warmer. Overall I recommend!

I love desert oases. I never get tired of the contrast between the hot and dry desert and a cool and lush oasis. Darwin Falls is a great example. There are other riparian areas in the Death Valley area, but most of them are shadeless and salty. In contrast, Darwin Falls has it all: trees, mossy and grassy areas, flowers and cooler temperatures from the mist and shade. The hike starts in a hot and shadeless canyon, then you'll start to see some greenery, then hear burbling from the creek, and eventually reach a small but lush riparian area framed by the bone-dry cliffs. The falls themselves are lovely, and they feel like a wonderful reward after the short hike. My 13 year old son ranked the Darwin Falls hike as one of his top 3 moments in Death Valley.Access is via a gravel road that's easily passable by passenger cars. Just drive carefully. There are no services at the trailhead, Route-finding is easy--just stay in the canyon (or follow the water pipes). Watch out for slippery rocks, and it may take some careful maneuvering to keep your feet dry on the hike once you get into the riparian area.

Unexpected oasis in a harsh, unforgiving landscape. I've been to DV many times, but this blew my mind when I first saw it! Hike in is very easy; maybe 10 minutes from the parking area, on a flat, gravel road. Lower falls are very easily accessed; upper falls are a bit trickier, involving some climbing. Highly recommended, if you happen to be in western DV!

Many things come to mind when one thinks about Death Valley. It is the hottest place in the United States. It is also the driest. One does not typically think of an oasis completed with multiple waterfalls when they think about Death Valley, but they should! Darwin Falls is an absolutely stunning area hugging the western border of Death Valley. It is, without a doubt, my favorite part of the park both because of how beautiful it is and also how much the area contrasts with the rest of Death ValleyAccess is fairly easy: Just a couple miles west of Panamint Springs, drive 2.5 miles down a dirt road to a parking lot where the easy 1 mile walk to the falls begins. (If you have a 4x4 capable vehicle, you can also take a dirt road 5 miles past the parking lot to China Garden Spring, which feeds the waterfalls). The hike to the falls is quite easy, it's a very flat path but you do need to cross the small stream a few times so good shoes are a must. There is some rock scrambling/climbing required to see all of the falls but it's well worth the effort. This is a beautiful area that every visitor to Death Valley should make a point to see!

Nice hike to a great oasis falls. Starts off in an arid desert wash like countless others in DV. The path gradually changes and becomes hard to believe you're still in Death Valley NP when you get to the falls as the air temperature drops, the reeds spring up, and shade from real trees hovers overhead. I'd been to the lower falls before and this time decided with a few friends to climb up the the upper falls. In a word, don't do it! I've climbed on countless rocks in the past and the 4 of us spent about 15 minutes negotiating the "route" on the ledges and crumbling rocks before deciding not to risk out lives any further. I'd seen less treacherous descriptions of the climb to the upper falls and I'd guess the route must have deteriorated between those descriptions and now. Just enjoy more time at the lower falls and don't kill yourself attempting to get to the upper falls.

Let's get this straight. You go here for the novelty of seeing water in DVNP. Not because you want to see a spectacular waterfall. The hike in is along a gravel path. Probably the ugliest hike we went on in DV. Though the temperature was only in the 60s, we encountered many scantily clad women - in the hippie type of way. Kinda gross. All this to see a waterfall about 2' tall.

Awesome place to visit when in Death Valley. Being your swim shoes and a camera, this place was stunning!