Offbeat Traveler: Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley sounds like an unlikely place for waterfalls, but near Panamint Springs at the western edge of the national park, Darwin Falls flows year-round. The spring-fed falls consist of two main drops, an upper and a lower falls. In between is a grotto with a few small waterfalls.
The falls are accessible by a moderate 1-mile hike, though reaching the upper falls from the lower falls will take a hearty uphill climb. To avoid hiking in uncomfortably warm weather, wait until late October to trek to the falls. Spring is also a good time to visit, as the park's wildflowers usually start to bloom in March.
More info: www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/panamintspringsarea.htm
-- Jason La, Los Angeles Times
The falls are accessible by a moderate 1-mile hike, though reaching the upper falls from the lower falls will take a hearty uphill climb. To avoid hiking in uncomfortably warm weather, wait until late October to trek to the falls. Spring is also a good time to visit, as the park's wildflowers usually start to bloom in March.
More info: www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/panamintspringsarea.htm
-- Jason La, Los Angeles Times
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Lower Darwin Falls
Lower Darwin Falls, seen here in February, plunges about 30 feet into a shallow pool.
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As with most watery spots in the SoCal desert, be aware that it's clothing optional, especially at the upper falls.
And above the falls is China Garden Spring, near old mining diggins. Wet all year. It's the start off for a technical canyoneering adventure down to the falls described here. And the Panamint Sprgs Resort is a good place to hang; great beer selection and a fun little campground.