Darwin Falls is a spring-fed, year-round waterfall (combined drops totaling about 80 feet) on the western edge of Death Valley National Park near Panamint Springs, creating a rare desert oasis of ferns and willows. Flooding from Hurricane Hilary in 2023 washed out much of the access road, lengthening the approach hike.
At 80 ft, it stands above roughly 63% of the 775 documented falls in this guide.
Its water comes from Darwin Canyon. You'll find it in Inyo, California. It is protected within Death Valley National Park (NPS).
This is a moderate hike waterfall: a longer day hike, roughly one to several miles each way. Plan for a moderate hike; sturdy shoes, water, and a little time on the trail are worth bringing. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 7 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Panamint Springs, the closest town.
When to go: Fall through spring (year-round flow). Like most waterfalls, Darwin Falls runs highest after snowmelt or heavy rain and can thin out in late summer, so it's worth checking recent streamflow and the land manager's conditions page before a long drive.
