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Darwin Falls Trail -- Return to the Trailhead
Hiking Around Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
Darwin Falls Trail
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker departing Darwin Falls (view E)

Overview

Darwin Falls Trail is a pleasant, fairly easy trail that starts out in a desert wash, runs up through a rocky canyon with high cliffs on both sides, and ends at a perennial waterfall. Along the way, hikers are introduced to desert wash vegetation, desert cliffside vegetation, and desert oasis riparian vegetation. In the narrow upper canyon, hikers must navigate wet rocks, stream crossings, sand-covered smooth rocks, perhaps a little bit of easy scrambling, and perhaps wet feet. During spring and early summer, the riparian corridor provides habitat for lots of birds. Western toads and various species of lizards are also common in the riparian area.

Darwin Creek provides drinking water to Panamint Springs Resort. Therefore, swimming and dogs are prohibited on this trail. These rules are intended to safeguard the quality of the water provided to downstream humans.

Presented here are photos of the return. For a detailed description of the route, including directions, maps, GPS coordinates, and photos, see Darwin Falls Trail.

Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker atop the sandy boulder (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker sliding down the sandy boulder (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker back to the shady cascade rest stop (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker crossing the stream on wet rocks (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker crossing the stream on tippy branches (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker crossing the stream on tippy branches (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker crossing the stream on a board (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker on shady trail with lots of streamside vegetation (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Back to the gaging station (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Common Chuckwalla Lizards along the trail (view N)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker passing the last wet spot on the trail during 2021 (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Lincoln Sparrow at a puddle in the trail
Darwin Falls Trail
Water pipe runs along rock wall (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker back in the full sun (view E)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker approaching the last of the shade (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker back in the full sun leaving the canyon area (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Desert Iguana in the wash (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker passing a very tall Creosote Bush (view N)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker on firm trail along Darwin Wash (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker on firm trail along Darwin Wash (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker descending the sandy Darwin Wash (view NW)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hiker exiting the sandy wash towards the trailhead (view NW)
Darwin Falls Trail
Hikers near the trailhead (view NE)
Darwin Falls Trail
Returning to Darwin Falls trailhead (view NE)

Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 210710

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