Hiking the Darwin Falls Trail in Death Valley National Park
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Darwin Falls Trail in Death Valley National Park is a relatively short and easy day hike, located on the far western edge of the park. For this reason, Darwin Falls is one of the least-hiked trails in Death Valley compared to other popular adventures closer to Furnace Creek, such as Artists Palette.
In any case, the 18-ft (5.5 m) Darwin Falls, located at the very end of the 1.0-mile (1.6 km) trail, is a great year-round adventure because the waterfall is spring-fed, not rain-fed.
This means that even in the hottest parts of the summer months, visitors can still enjoy Darwin Falls, which I recommend visiting it either on the way to or when leaving Death Valley from the eastern Sierras, as the trail is a bit out of the way from most other areas in the park.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Darwin Falls Trailhead Parking
Getting to the Trailhead
When turning off of Highway 190, the first part of Old Toll Road across Darwin Wash tends to be the roughest/ muddiest.
If you make it across the wash, most two-wheel drive vehicles should be able to make it down Old Toll Road if you go slow.
Parking for the Darwin Falls Trail is located in a small dirt parking lot off of Old Toll Road.
Do not park in front of the gate like the car in the photo below. Darwin Falls is Panamint Springs’ main freshwater source, and the residents may need to drive up the wash to service their water supply. They did when I was visiting, and this car was blocking their exit.
Google Maps Directions: Darwin Falls Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Death Valley
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Death Valley National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Darwin Falls Trail
Darwin Falls is not dependent on snowmelt, meaning that the spring-fed waterfall will be flowing all year-round.
The trail starts out at the bottom of Darwin Wash for the first 0.4 miles (0.6 km).
There may not seem like a distinct trail at first, but as long as you are hiking up stream, all trails eventually converge later on.
After this fence, the trail will come together on a more distinct gravel road.
At this point, it becomes easiest to follow the wash for much of the remaining trail.
Even though staying in the stream may seem more difficult than hiking on the banks, the overgrowth along the banks make it much more difficult than remaining in the stream through this narrow stretch.
The other side of this small waterfall is much easier to navigate than the side I’m standing.
This boulder may not look like much in the photo I have here, but it does take a small amount of scrambling to get up.
Darwin Falls
After just 1.0 mile (1.6 km), the trail ends at the 18-ft. (5.5 m) tall Darwin Falls.
More Death Valley Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Death Valley National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
For obvious reasons, Death Valley National Park is widely known for its extreme temperatures and extreme temperature swings, as the park spans from -282 ft. (-86 m) at Badwater Basin to just over 11,000 ft. (3,353 m) atop Telescope Peak.
That being said, the National Park Service recommends visiting in October - April, but even then, exposed hiking during October and April can be pushing it. However, November - February are easily the most desirable months to hike in Death Valley, with the best spring flowers peaking from late March to early April.
Additionally, there are three venomous snakes in Death Valley, as well as scorpions and black widow spiders, meaning it’s important to be mindful where you place your hands and feet—especially when scrambing in the canyons.
In all, always hike with 2-3L of water per person and never take the extreme weather conditions lightly, as the heat has claimed many lives over the years!
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Death Valley National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
