Darwin

Tucked into Inyo County, California, Darwin is a former mining community that has dwindled to a handful of residents — just 36 people counted in the 2020 census, down from 43 a decade earlier. The U.S. Census Bureau formally recognizes it as a census-designated place, a designation that reflects its minimal but persistent presence on the map.

Visitors drawn to Darwin find a quietly fading settlement roughly 22 miles southeast of Keeler. What remains is a sparse, remote landscape where the evidence of a once-active community lingers in scattered structures and the wide open terrain of Inyo County. This is not a polished heritage site — it is a genuine remnant, best approached with realistic expectations and a spirit of quiet exploration.

Access is straightforward by car, though the surrounding desert environment means summer heat can be punishing. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit. There are no formal facilities or maintained interpretive stops, so self-sufficiency is essential.