Darwin Falls 3CII, Death Valley National Park

Darwin Falls 3CII is just off a 2-mile road past Panamint Valley in Death Valley NP — a wet canyon with year-round spring water and hanging gardens. We hiked up and around the mountain for a valley view and dropped into the top of the canyon. First drop: 110ft through a fluted waterfall with hanging gardens and cool (not freezing) spring water.

Second rappel: ~50ft to the canyon floor where hikers approach from the trailhead below. Spring water brings lush vegetation — grass, reeds, cottonwood trees — entirely unlike the surrounding Death Valley desert. One of the most unique wet canyons accessible from Las Vegas. Check ropewiki.com for current beta.