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    Darwin Falls

    4.4 (12 reviews)

    Darwin Falls Photos

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    Hard to believe this is part of Death Valley
    Jessie B.

    Many things come to mind when one thinks about Death Valley. It is the hottest place in the United States. It is also the driest. One does not typically think of an oasis completed with multiple waterfalls when they think about Death Valley, but they should! Darwin Falls is an absolutely stunning area hugging the western border of Death Valley. It is, without a doubt, my favorite part of the park both because of how beautiful it is and also how much the area contrasts with the rest of Death Valley Access is fairly easy: Just a couple miles west of Panamint Springs, drive 2.5 miles down a dirt road to a parking lot where the easy 1 mile walk to the falls begins. (If you have a 4x4 capable vehicle, you can also take a dirt road 5 miles past the parking lot to China Garden Spring, which feeds the waterfalls). The hike to the falls is quite easy, it's a very flat path but you do need to cross the small stream a few times so good shoes are a must. There is some rock scrambling/climbing required to see all of the falls but it's well worth the effort. This is a beautiful area that every visitor to Death Valley should make a point to see!

    Beautiful greenish blue rock
    Melissa J.

    This is a great shorter/easier hike in Death Valley National Park. It is not very clearly marked as to where to turn off 190, in fact we missed the turn the first time and had to double back. Once you turn off 190 there is a small sign indicating you are on the right path. It is a pretty rocky, bumpy ride to the parking area which is clearly marked with a trailhead sign. About the first 3/4 mile is a pretty average walk and a little slow going due to lots of scree, however as you get nearer to the falls you will start noticing a difference in the foliage and will begin to hear the flow of water. The last part of the hike is through a cool, lush area until you reach the end. You do need to crisscross over several areas of flowing water, but there are lots of strategically placed logs to help you cross without getting wet. The falls are really pretty and make for a unique hike in the dessert. From what I read the falls flow perennially so you can go even when the weather is warmer. Overall I recommend!

    Hillside surrounding the canyon
    Eric G.

    I love desert oases. I never get tired of the contrast between the hot and dry desert and a cool and lush oasis. Darwin Falls is a great example. There are other riparian areas in the Death Valley area, but most of them are shadeless and salty. In contrast, Darwin Falls has it all: trees, mossy and grassy areas, flowers and cooler temperatures from the mist and shade. The hike starts in a hot and shadeless canyon, then you'll start to see some greenery, then hear burbling from the creek, and eventually reach a small but lush riparian area framed by the bone-dry cliffs. The falls themselves are lovely, and they feel like a wonderful reward after the short hike. My 13 year old son ranked the Darwin Falls hike as one of his top 3 moments in Death Valley. Access is via a gravel road that's easily passable by passenger cars. Just drive carefully. There are no services at the trailhead, Route-finding is easy--just stay in the canyon (or follow the water pipes). Watch out for slippery rocks, and it may take some careful maneuvering to keep your feet dry on the hike once you get into the riparian area.

    The day was perfect, could tell we were close!
    Daniel G.

    Awesome place to visit when in Death Valley. Being your swim shoes and a camera, this place was stunning!

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    Review Highlights - Darwin Falls

    The hike is relatively easy through the first part - a dry canyon similar to other places you've seen in Death Valley.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Calico Ghost Town

    Calico Ghost Town

    3.9(554 reviews)
    102.1 mi

    Calico Ghost Town is a historic ghost town and former silver mining community located in the Calico…read moreMountains of California's Mojave Desert. Founded in 1881 during the silver mining boom, the town prospered for over a decade before declining when silver prices collapsed. By 1907, most residents had left, and Calico was eventually restored and transformed into the county-operated attraction known today as Calico Ghost Town.   Situated just off Interstate 15, about 3 miles from both Barstow and Yermo, Calico has become a popular stop for travelers exploring Southern California or driving between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. We visited in February 2026 during our trip to Las Vegas and were impressed by the dramatic desert scenery, unique rock formations, and panoramic views from the surrounding hills.   Today, visitors from around the world come to experience the atmosphere of an authentic Old West mining town. The park offers a variety of amenities, including RV and group camping, cabins and bunkhouses, mountain biking trails, off-road vehicle areas, shops, and restaurants. Throughout the year, Calico hosts several special events such as Civil War reenactments, the Spring Festival with Americana music, Calico Days celebrations featuring burro races and mining-themed activities, and the popular Halloween Ghost Haunt in October.   Only minutes from Interstate 15 and a short drive north of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town makes an enjoyable roadside stop for food, shopping, sightseeing, and a glimpse into California's mining history. However, I would recommend visiting Calico Ghost Town during the spring or winter months rather than in the summer, when desert temperatures can become extremely hot and less comfortable for exploring the outdoor attractions and surrounding hills.

    Whats happened to this place ? I am sad to say that Calico…read morehas seen better days. Ive been going here since the 1980s. I miss what it felt like, even 15ish years ago. Yes its an OLD run down ghost town but it truely feels OLD and run down now. Trash everywhere. Spiderwebs and dust everywhere. Its not the Calico look, its literally no one cleaning around here. It looks so unclean everywhere we went. Also...I dont feel many workers are in Character anymore. I miss that. If they are even dressed up they are just sitting around on their phones or talking to each ither. Zero interaction. Zero immersion... just so disappointed. We keep coming back but its just getting worse.

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    Calico Ghost Town
    Calico Ghost Town
    Calico Ghost Town - Restaurant

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    Restaurant

    Mojave Lava Tubes - View of the tube from on top

    Mojave Lava Tubes

    4.7(23 reviews)
    125.5 mi

    I can't believe I forgot to review this crazy adventure from a couple years ago…read more I have visited the lava tubes in Hawaii and when I found out we had one in the middle of the desert I knew I would have to come check it out. Post pandemic, my husband and I set out on a Saturday morning to find and explore these tubes. From Las Vegas it takes roughly 2.5 hours to get there. Driving the I15 freeway, take the Kelso Road exit and make a left turn. Drive on this road till you see Aiken Mine Road. Turn here and it will take you to the tubes. Be advised this is a dirt road not maintained so it can be a challenge for a regular vehicle. High clearance vehicles are preferred. Once you arrive and park, you will see the trail that takes you to a ladder that you will climb down to enter the tube. Be careful and watch your head as you descend into the lava tube. It is very easy to hit your head on the overhead rock hanging down. If you hit the tube at just the right time, light will filter through and it's very interesting and unique. Be careful with the dust down there, it is swirling all around from foot traffic. I advise wearing a mask like I did in order to not breathe in bad air. Although not as picturesque as the Hawaiian tubes, it was a fun little adventure to seek out. Remember to follow the principles and Leave No Trace.

    Very cool spot, off the beaten path... and when I say beaten, I mean it -- think bumpy, rocky…read more.. all the things besides smooth lol! This is about a 30 min drive off 15 and then once you turn off the main road, you'll take the unpaved road about 4.5 miles to the lava tubes where you'll then walk about .3 miles or so! Super easy and straightforward to find, worth it but take a look at my tips to understand what to prepare for to make it a great experience! 1. Make sure you have a vehicle that is higher up and can with stand a bumpy road -- it is no joke! 2. Climb all the way down into the lava tube, don't just look from above, otherwise it's not worth the trip. 3. Make sure you have some kind of light source because it's dark and you will bump your head or trip if you can't see. If you only have your phone, highly recommend videoing with the flash on, it is MUCH brighter than just the flashlight. 4. There is minimal to no service so just be prepared for that. 5. The 4.5 mile road to the lava tubes is one wide enough for cars going both ways most of the time, but there are times it's really a one lane road, so be aware of who is coming at you from afar and use the pull offs if needed. 6. Optimal lighting in the tube is between 10-2. Think peak sun time. This is slightly dependent on the season as it could fluctuate a bit, but ultimately that's the best time! Hopefully my review and tips help you have a great adventure at the lava tubes! Enjoy!

    Photos
    Mojave Lava Tubes
    Mojave Lava Tubes - Entrance with staircase

    Entrance with staircase

    Mojave Lava Tubes - Unpaved road

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    Unpaved road

    Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve

    Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve

    4.4(27 reviews)
    148.0 mi

    I've been on a LOT of tours in a LOT of places around the world, and Willy is in my top 10! The…read morecaverns are pretty cool, but Willy's knowledge, humor, pacing, and care made this a five-star experience. Our group ranged in age from tween to 60s and everyone was engaged for two hours. I'm a California Naturalist with high standards and Willy knows his stuff! As a native Californian I especially loved knowing he's local, young, and a former CCC "graduate". His contributions and energy are why these government programs are so important. Must see if you're visiting the area, but be warned -- you need reservations and these fill up weeks ahead of time. The paved road, nature center, views, and well-organized everything made this a real treat!

    Tours are offered on Friday-Sunday and Holiday Mondays at 11am and 2pm from October to May. In June…read moreand September, tours are on the same days but only at 10am. Reservations are highly recommended, as tour size is limited to approximately 12 people; and reservations are only taken via phone on Mondays between 8am-5pm. Cost is $10 per adult 17+ and parking is $10, payable at the visitors center upon arrival for the tour. The tour itself takes approximately 2 hours, and is about 1.5 mile round trip. It may feel strenuous for some people walking back up to the parking area from the caverns. Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. I recommend bringing food and drinks to eat before or after the tour, as none is available. Also, leave your bags/belongings in the car. You will be asked to put these items at the entrance of the caverns, including water bottles.

    Photos
    Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve
    Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve
    Mitchell Caverns Natural Preserve

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    Kelso Depot - Outside the depot

    Kelso Depot

    4.6(28 reviews)
    138.8 mi

    My family and I were heading over to Vegas from Joshua Tree and took a route that went through the…read moreMojave National Preserve. I don't know why I have never been through here in my entire life, but it was neat to see the landscape and feeling like I was playing Frogger as I was trying to avoid all the potholes in the 2 lane road. One random stop we came across in the middle of the preserve was the Kelso Depot. I only stopped because I saw that there was a restroom that we could use, and then was surprised to see an actual visitor center to peruse. From the signage out front here's the history: "Built in 1924, the Kelso Depot housed a train station, ticket and telegraph office, restaurant, reading room, and dormitory rooms for railroad employees. It was often called the Kelso Club House, a Union Pacific Railroad term for employee boarding and recreational facilities. As railroad technology improved and fewer personnel were needed, the Depot became obsolete. It was closed in 1985, and Union Pacific planned to raze the building. Concerned citizens intervened and the building was saved. It was renovated and reopened as a National Park Service Visitor Center in October 2005." The Depot is currently under construction as of 12/2025, but you can walk around the building and peek in through the windows. Apparently the area around the depot was like a little village during WW II. It's neat to imagine what life would've been like living out here in the middle of nowhere back in the 1940's. There's no internet out in Kelso, but you can log into the NPS Wi-Fi while you're there.

    This place was a lifesaver! Bathrooms just when we needed them! We were in that Saturday I-15…read morererouted to I-40 craziness. Took us 10 hours from Huntington Beach to Vegas. We took a Waze suggestion which ended up saving us two hours. Happened upon the Kelso Depot just at the right time. We're so grateful to these guys keeping their bathrooms open even when the visitor center is closed.

    Photos
    Kelso Depot
    Kelso Depot
    Kelso Depot

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    Darwin Falls - parks - Updated May 2026

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