Updated July 2026
Darwin Falls
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.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Death Valley National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Darwin Falls drops about 80 feet. That makes it the 278th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 62% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Darwin Falls Trail (Old Toll Road) reaches it about 7 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 450 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Panamint Springs. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Death Valley National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions.
Fall through spring (year-round flow). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.