Carved into numerous shallow depressions and canyons and holding a variety of stark volcanic rock faces, the Darwin Plateau stands guard in the northern portion of this Wilderness. In the south, Darwin Falls spills down spectacular Darwin Canyon. Lined with willows and cottonwoods, the water rises to the surface from a permanent spring outside the northeast Wilderness boundary inside Death Valley National Park. A creosote bush community dominates much of the landscape, giving way to Joshua tree woodlands higher in the hills. Among other desert wildlife, prairie falcons are often spotted. Two springs on the eastern boundary supply additional water.

For more information about this wilderness, please visit Wilderness Connect.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). For more information on any of the principles listed below, please visit Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Rules and Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Via State Highway 190 through Panamint Valley approximately 30 miles east of Olancha and along the road into Darwin or down the Darwin Canyon Road.