Darwin Falls
Inyo County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Inyo County, California
- Access status
- Road closed; longer walking approach
- The walk
- 7 miles return
- Ground & access
- Gravel wash, rocky canyon, stream crossings, dense vegetation and slippery rocks.
Road access is closed. NPS permits a longer walk from the highway to the spring-fed falls; this is an unmarked route.
Plan your visit
Unmarked wash and canyon route from CA-190
NPS currently gives 7 miles round trip, including the walk from CA-190. Do not use the former trailhead-based distance.
Gravel wash, rocky canyon, stream crossings, dense vegetation and slippery rocks.
Where to start
NPS directs hikers to the CA-190 shoulder because the former access road was destroyed; no parking coordinates or guaranteed spaces are verified.
Timing & water
Road closure confirmed October 27, 2026 from the October 25 road report: expected to last until summer 2027, not a guaranteed reopening. NPS discourages summer hiking after 10 a.m.
Before you go
Current day-use booking requirements are not specified in the opened sources; confirm with the park.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
