Darwin Ghost Town

Large expanse of dry lake bed with some dried salt areas and sandy stony ground. Mountain ranges are on either side near Darwin Ghost Town — Owens Dry Lake

If you find yourself travelling north on Highway 395 through Olancha, and fancy a unique day trip, turn right onto Highway 190 towards Death Valley. On this scenic route, you will pass by the dry lake bed of Owens Lake, which nicely contrasts the steep rocky peaks of Mt Whitney on the left and the Inyo Mountains to the right. Continue through the sparse countryside until you see a small monument for Darwin Ghost Town.

Large granite tablet with DARWIN engraved on it. It is secured in slab of concrete and positioned on the crossroads

5.7 miles from Highway 190, where the paved road ends the ghost town begins. At an elevation of 4,790 ft. Darwin Ghost Town is hidden in the high desert between the Argus and Coso Ranges and borders closely to China Lake. Even though the sign says population 50, it would be more accurate to say 35.

Paved desert two lane road leading to Darwin Ghost Town. A mountain range is visible on the left side of the picture. to the right the land is flat and barren — Where the paved road ends, the ghost town begins

Just before entering the town, you pass the old Anaconda Mine. Which also used to be known as Defiance Mine. There are small buildings, barracks, and relics littering the mountainside wearing the ravages of time.

A few scattered, derelict buildings at the bace of a mountain range. Part of a mining community now deserted at Darwin Ghost Town — Once housing the miners and their families, now deserted

It is a pretty remarkable sight to see surrounding the old mine which we were told is about to reopen.

Remains of mining equipment on the side of the mountain. Desert brush in the foreground — Anaconda Mine

The History of Darwin Ghost Town

Silver and lead were discovered in 1874 and soon after a camp was founded. That camp was Darwin. Named after the prospector Dr Darwin French who, between 1850 and 1860, was searching for the legendary Lost Gunsight Lode. There is one possibility to this lost mine, and that is the LeMoigne’s silver mine, according to Parks History.

A few scattered houses with a mountain range in the background. The outskirts of Darwin Ghost Town — The outskirts of Darwin

A post office was opened in 1875, along with two smelters, 20 mines, and over 700 official residence soon followed. Although, it is believed that at Darwin’s peak, there could have been more than 3,500 people.

This wooden single story structure is on the corner of a cross roads. and was once the post office in Darwin Ghost Town — The Post Office

The post office closed in 1902 for a time, then reopened. We do know that it was in operation in 2009. Although now, it certainly looks well and truly closed to us!

The Eichvaum Toll Road opened in 1926 connecting the town to Death Valley. You can see the sign at Stovepipe and still travel on this road to Darwin Fall’s if you have the right vehicle.

Black and white photo c 1928 of car driving up unpaved road in Darwin Ghost Town towards a mountain range, going under a sign which stretches across the road. The sign says "Death Valley Toll Road" — **Death Valley toll road Photo courtesy of Owens Valley History**

The Park Service bought the toll road when Death Valley became a National Monument, and a new road, by-passing Darwin was built in 1937. That of course added to the demise of the town.

What Remains Today in Darwin Ghost Town

Today there are only 35 people who call Darwin home. There is no gas, food or lodging, no schools or churches. The people here live pretty much by their own rules and beliefs. It is a community filled with hippy’s, art lovers, and those who want to be left alone.

Single storey rectangular wood building with a slight pitched roof. Wooden doors and windows. Once the old school house and one of the oldest buildings in Darwin Ghost Town — Old schoolhouse

Black and white photo c1900 of the old school house. Two girls are holding a long skipping rope, there is another girl standing, appearing to jump into the skipping rope, and a little boy is sitting on the step of the schoolhouse with his head resting on one hand Darwin Ghost Town — ***Darwin School, c1900 – Photo Courtesy of the Eastern California Museum***

The old schoolhouse is one of the oldest buildings to remain. Across from that, you’ll see The Outpost, and nearby you also have Darwin Dance Hall and Darwin Station.

Single store wood building with porch. Two doors and windows in a desert ghost town — The Dance Hall

Two single storey buildings the larger one has a door with two windows and a fascia saying Station. The other is a small wooden building more like a shed with the word Library above it. In front are two picnic tables — The Library and Station

Hexagonal building the top half with windows on all sides the bottom half made of wood. There is a wooden staircase at one side. Mountains in the background at Darwin Ghost Town

All vestiges to a time we won’t ever see again but have a strong desire to reconnect with. Albeit through movies, television series or documentaries.

Two single store wooden homestead. there is a wooden picket fence on the boundary line — Homesteads

Single storey wooden structure with tin pitch roof. Large metal object in the front. Appears to be a large metal drum with has been cut in half longways and put on its side as a decoration. there is a smaller metal drum upright infront. Both are rusted

The tranquil streets are adorned with occasional pieces of artwork. Which effectively adds a touch of personality; it doesn’t look tacky, or out of place, it feels more homely.

vehicles of darwin ghost town – slide show

art and stuff – slide show

The Peace Tree
Peace

Who Lives in Darwin Ghost Town

We saw five of the residents during our visit. Three, we spoke too in-depth. Pierre Valeille, a retired ferry captain. Jay, who carves Native American-inspired petroglyphs onto locally sourced stones and sells them in Lone Pine and Furnace Creek. And a lovely lady who gave us several hand-made friendship bracelets.

Man with knitted beanie. Long hair and beard, wearing glasses. He has a long sleeved shirt on and his hands are in his pockets of his trousers — Meet Jay – a resident of Darwin for 22 years

We found the locals to be hospitable, charming, friendly and generous. None of them asked for anything in return, even offering us somewhere to camp for the night.

Our Thoughts of Darwin Ghost Town

Darwin is a place where you come to be forgotten by the outside world. Where the days can and will get away from you, but you welcome it. Somewhere you allow the chaos of the world to dissipate into the shimmering mirage on the horizon. A place you know your neighbours by name, and who are always willing to lend a hand. A setting you find joy in simple things and give yourself time to think.

A rock wall with the sun shining casting shadows

Did we like Darwin? Yes, we most certainly did and would have liked to have spent more time mooching around.

Is it a place that we could live? No. It’s not for us. Although we like open spaces and smaller towns, Darwin wouldn’t be a place we could call home. There’s too much adventurousness in us!

Would we visit again? Yes. Time permitting, we would.

in a nutshell

Address: Darwin, CA 93522
There are several ways to get to Darwin:
- Lone Pine Highway 395 to 190
- Ridgecrest Highway 395 to 190
- Olancha Highway 395 to 190
- From Stovepipe and Death Valley Highway 190
All buildings are private property, so please no trespassing and respect the residence privacy
No shops, bars, cafes or restaurants – take food and water with you
As always: Pack it in – pack it out.

location map

Google map location of Darwin Ghost Town

To discover more places of interest in Death Valley, click the link below

EXPLORING DEATH VALLEY