01
Best desert oasis hike
Darwin Falls Trail
West Of Panamint Springs Along Ca-190 • Short Canyon Hike To A Year-Round Waterfall • Best For First-Time Visitors
A short, mostly easy walk leads from dry desert wash into a shaded canyon and the unlikely cascade of Darwin Falls.
The first half of the route follows a sandy wash with classic Death Valley views before the walls close in and the air cools. As you hop rocks and cross the stream, cottonwoods and ferns crowd the banks until you arrive at the small but lush falls. Go early or late in the day for quieter conditions and softer light on the water.
02
Best big-sky overlook
Father Crowley Vista and Star Wars Canyon
Rim Of Rainbow Canyon Above Panamint Valley • Roadside Overlook With Informal Rim Paths • Best For Wide-Open Views And Easy Sunset Strolls
From the overlook, short use paths trace the rim for sweeping looks into Rainbow Canyon and across the Panamint Range.
Park at the main viewpoint, then follow the well-worn dirt tracks out along the cliff edge to change your angle on the canyon and valley below. On clear days the light and colors shift constantly, from harsh white midday glare to deep purples and reds at dusk. Bring a wind layer, as breezes can rip across the exposed rim even on warm afternoons.
03
Most adventurous outing
Darwin Canyon Route
Backcountry Canyon West Of Darwin Plateau • Rugged Wash And Canyon Scramble • Best For Experienced Desert Hikers
An unmarked route follows a rocky wash into narrowing walls, with boulders, dryfalls, and grand desert quiet for company.
This is more route than trail, ideal for hikers comfortable picking their way up washes, around ledges, and over the occasional dryfall. In return you get a deep sense of isolation, subtle rock colors, and echoing silence broken only by your footsteps and the wind. Start early, carry more water than you think you need, and be ready to turn around if an obstacle feels beyond your comfort level.
04
Best half-day summit hike
Jack Gunn Maltese Peak Trail
High Ground South Of Darwin • Steady Climb To A Panoramic Desert Peak • Best For Strong Legs And Big Views
This longer, more sustained climb gains a modest summit with 360-degree views over Darwin, the Inyo Mountains, and far-off desert basins.
The route climbs steadily on old tracks and use trails, weaving through low scrub and scattered rock outcrops as the views slowly open up. From the top, the tiny grid of Darwin and the sweep of surrounding ranges give a satisfying sense of how remote this area really is. Expect sun exposure for most of the day and bring layers, as winds can be surprisingly cool on the summit even when the desert below bakes.
05
Best long, lonely walk
Saline Valley Road Desert Ramble
Graded Backroad North Of Darwin • Open-Road Desert Walk Through Wide Basins • Best For Solitude And Distance Training
Using the wide shoulder and side tracks along Saline Valley Road, you can turn this remote backroad into a long, meditative desert hike.
Pick a quiet stretch and walk out-and-back along the road margin or parallel two-track, watching the subtle change in light and shadow on the surrounding hills as the miles pass. The wide-open views and big sky make it feel more like a high-desert pilgrimage than a typical trail outing. Keep an eye and ear out for occasional vehicles, and plan for complete self-sufficiency with water, sun protection, and a turnaround time.