WaterfallHidden gem
Darwin Falls
Panamint Springs, California
Death Valley's tallest waterfall, a permanent stream and a green canyon in the middle of dry rock.
- Cost
- Free
- Booking
- No need to book
- Time to allow
- 2 hours
Darwin Falls has several cascades totalling about 80 feet, in a narrow canyon fed by one of only four permanent streams in Death Valley National Park. The surrounding rock is plutonic and the canyon holds ferns, willows and birds. Access changed after 2023 floods washed out Old Toll Road, so check park status first.
Good to know
- After the 2023 floods, park along Highway 190 and walk to the trailhead; check NPS for current access
- The water is a rare habitat; please keep out of the pools
- Go in cooler months
- Best time
- Winter and spring
- Open
- All year; best October-April
- Getting there
- Highway 190 pullout, then a walk
- Vehicles
- Campervans fine
- Dogs
- No dogs
The location is approximate. Check the official website before you go.
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
Know what the drive costs
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