Hiking Around Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park
 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. |
 Hiker atop the sandy boulder (view E) |
 Hiker sliding down the sandy boulder (view E) |
 Hiker back to the shady cascade rest stop (view NE) |
 Hiker crossing the stream on wet rocks (view E) |
 Hiker crossing the stream on tippy branches (view E) |
 Hiker crossing the stream on tippy branches (view E) |
 Hiker crossing the stream on a board (view E) |
 Hiker on shady trail with lots of streamside vegetation (view E) |
 Back to the gaging station (view E) |
 Common Chuckwalla Lizards along the trail (view N) |
 Hiker passing the last wet spot on the trail during 2021 (view E) |
 Lincoln Sparrow at a puddle in the trail |
 Water pipe runs along rock wall (view E) |
 Hiker back in the full sun (view E) |
 Hiker approaching the last of the shade (view NE) |
 Hiker back in the full sun leaving the canyon area (view NE) |
 Desert Iguana in the wash (view NE) |
 Hiker passing a very tall Creosote Bush (view N) |
 Hiker on firm trail along Darwin Wash (view NE) |
 Hiker on firm trail along Darwin Wash (view NE) |
 Hiker descending the sandy Darwin Wash (view NW) |
 Hiker exiting the sandy wash towards the trailhead (view NW) |
 Hikers near the trailhead (view NE) |
 Returning to Darwin Falls trailhead (view NE) |
Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 210710
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