On our way to climb Mount Whitney we were wondering what to do with ourselves, not wanting to arrive in Lone Pine too early. Most of the DV stuff seems to be in the 12-16 hour range, but then I zeroed in on Darwin Falls Canyon 3BII (YES!)
Even the approach hike was pleasant by canyoneering standards with part road and part trail. No scree slopes, no thick thorny brush. (YES again!)
Cresting the saddle the Oasis appears before us.
There was some bush whacking involved, but even that was pleasant by canyoneering standards. It was very thick and tall – something out of Jurassic Park or Field of Dreams.
The dragon flies were huge and colorful
Even the traverses were pleasant with low risk
We could not find an anchor at the first rap. We couldn’t even find the tree that is listed in the beta. We slung a rock to the right of the water course. Only carrying two pieces of webbing and not knowing the condition of rap #2, I was not able to extend it over the edge. This made for a risky pull. It also brings you really close to the hanging garden so be careful on the way down.
Even in June the water is still chilly, but pleasant by canyoneering standards.
With this rap location you are only in the water toward the bottom, but even then you can avoid it.
As Kelli is doing here.
The anchor was in place on the lower falls
We had a small audience at Lower Darwin Falls and had them snap a pic of the group.
All in all it was a fun little canyon. So if you find yourself near Panamint Springs in DV, go check it out.