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Darwin Falls Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Darwin Falls Wilderness

Darwin Falls Wilderness is one of 120 wilderness areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, throughout California. The BLM manages this area to keep it beautiful and accessible for multiple uses. People commonly come to Darwin Falls Wilderness for the picturesque landscape that makes for great hiking and horseback riding. It’s also a great place for Bureau of Land Management camping, though it’s rugged, backcountry camping. There is little vehicular access to the wilderness area, so plan to enjoy it from the edge along state route 190 or expect to get out and explore it on foot.

Darwin Falls abuts the southeast edge of Death Valley National Park. In fact, the actual falls are located in the National Park and not the BLM-managed wilderness. Travel about 240 miles to the south, and you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road

The Darwin Falls trail is north of the Darwin Falls Wilderness in Death Valley National Park. The popularity of the falls combined with the relative ease of the trail means you’ll likely encounter other hikers along your adventure.

Length: 1.9 miles out-and-back

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Swimming

The area around Darwin Falls is known as Death Valley because it’s so hot and dry. However, you’ll find a nice little pool at the Darwin Falls at the end of the trail, though swimming isn’t allowed. For fishing, you’ll have to travel about 125 miles southwest to Lake Isabella, where you’ll find largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, Kokanee salmon, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Looking at a map, you may see that Searles Lake and Owens Lake are closer, but both are dried lakes. You’ll also notice North and South Haiwee Reservoir, but fishing is not allowed here.

Wildlife Viewing

Darwin Falls Wilderness is an incredible place to view a unique blend of wildlife. There are over 80 bird species, including quail, hawks, eagles, roadrunners, and prairie falcons. You also find feral horses, burros, badger, bighorn sheep, porcupines, and raccoons. Plenty of reptiles typically associated with the desert, including gopher snakes, eastern shovel-nosed snakes, and rattlesnakes are found here we well. Head into the Death Valley National Park, and you may also run into mountain lions, bobcats, and jackrabbits.

Stargazing

The Death Valley area, including Darwin Falls Wilderness, is among the best places in the country to stargaze. Death Valley National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, and it has been awarded the gold certification thanks to its clean and dry air and a relatively flat skyline.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

While there is no designated BLM RV camping available within the Darwin Falls Wilderness, there are a couple of relatively close options. About ten miles to the northeast, you’ll find Panamint Springs RV Park, which offers a few full hook-up sites complete with water, electricity, and sewer. There are also several more dry sites with no hookups at all. Head about 35 miles west on State Road 190 and you’ll come across Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground, featuring basic RV sites with electric hookup and free Wi-Fi and cable television. You’ll also find a variety of family-friendly activities on the nearly 100-acre property.

Free Camping

Darwin Falls Wilderness offers Bureau of Land Management free camping through dispersed camping. There is only one road suitable for any vehicular traffic into the wilderness, which is accessible from Darwin Rd to the south of the wilderness. You’ll need to travel about five miles along this road, but you’ll arrive at a nice flat area in the heart of the wilderness where you can set up camp. Take it slow and be adventurous, and you’ll enjoy a unique experience that only Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can offer.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Darwin Falls Wilderness BLM trip

Before heading out for BLM RV camping, it’s important to thoroughly prepare. Dispersed camping takes you away from civilization and all the safety that comes with it, so be sure you have a substantial first aid kit with you, including a snake bite kit. The valley has recorded some of the hottest temperatures on the planet, including the record: 134.1 degrees in Death Valley. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and make sure the air conditioner in your RV is working. The temperature swings as much as 30 degrees from the daytime high to the evening low, so pack some warm clothing for the evening, too. Make sure you also have plenty of sunscreen and bug repellant. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When you search for “BLM camping near me,” it’s important to consider the impact of your camping experience on the surrounding ecosystem. This is why you should endeavor to follow the Leave No Trace principles. While this includes taking all your trash with you and avoiding dumping, it goes much further. Choose camping sites that have durable surfaces such as gravel and vegetation-free dirt for an RV. Leave behind what you find and refrain from taking natural souvenirs with you. Exercise caution when building a fire, only using firewood from downed trees and using pieces that are no larger in diameter than your wrist. Finally, respect the wildlife in your camp area, and allow them plenty of room since you’re visiting their home.

Darwin Falls Wilderness Location

To get to Darwin Falls Wilderness from Las Vegas, head north on US 95 for about 117 miles to Beatty, then head southwest on State Route 374. This turns into Daylight Pass Rd at the California border. Turn left on Scotty’s Castle Rd, then turn right on State Route 190. Follow this to Darwin Rd and turn left. This will take you to Darwin, CA where you’ll have access to the trail that leads into the wilderness.

From Los Angeles, you’ll head north on State Route 14. It’ll intersect US 395 in Brady and continue north. In Olancha, you’ll turn east on State Route 190. Take this to Darwin Rd and turn right.

Ready to visit Darwin Falls Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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