This scenic, easy day hike leads to a waterfall oasis in the desert.
Yes, you saw this right, it's a waterfall in Death Valley. This magical oasis has water flowing year round and is found in the driest place in North America. Death Valley is full of amazing places, but this should be on everyone's to-do list! It's a short hike that quickly rewards you with a place to escape the heat and a beautiful secluded area.
While there is no official trail to Darwin falls you can find the trailhead along Old Toll Road just west of Panamint Springs. The turn off is from Highway 190 and there is a small brown sign that says "Darwin Falls" and a 2.5 mile dirt road you follow and turn right into the trailhead parking lot. It's not too hard to find if you know what you're looking for. The trail starts off rather level at a canyon opening that narrows after about 0.7 miles to a small opening of lush willows and cottonwoods. You'll have travel another 0.3 miles over creek crossing and small rock scrambles to reach the 20 foot waterfall at the end. It's totally worth the trip!!