California - From SFO to LAX via Yosemite & Sequoia NP - is it OK?

Hello, I am planning an itinerary of my trip from SFO to LAX. It’s my first trip to the US so I am trying to find out as much information from every possible source as I can and I would be very grateful if anyone could check my plans and give any comments.

We are coming on 6 November late evening to SFO.
11/7-8- I want to spend following 2 days in San Francisco, in the afternoon of the second day I plan to pick up a car and go to Merced. Here spend a night.
11/9- The other day go to Yosemite NP by public transport (by yarts.com). It seems to me better to go to the park by public transport as I do not know in which condition the roads will be this time and they are also narrow and in mountainous area. In the afternoon or evening we get back from the NP and either continue to Fresno or Visalia depending on time or stay another night in Merced.
11/10- If we stay another night, we go to Visalia early in the morning and continue to Sequoia NP. I am especially afraid of the condition of roads leading to Sequoia NP from Visalia in early November. May there be snow on the road 198? Do I have change the tires to have winter ones? I do not intend to go across the park, just to the Sherman Tree and the Tunnel Sequoia.
Then back from the NP to Visalia and stay over the night.
11/11- From Visalia to Bakersfield and further to Barstow. There spend a night.
11/12- Go to Baker and visit Mojave NP. Stay over the night at Baker.
11/13- In the morning go to Death Valley and then back to Baker, a night stay.
11/14- We go to Joshua Tree NP though Mojave NP from Twentinyne Palms, in the afternoon we get to Los Angeles.
11/15- A stay in Los Angeles
11/16- Los Angeles, in the afternoon airport and going home


The main questions are: Is possible to make that trip? Is the timing OK?
As I am used to European driving and not much experienced in long-distance driving I don’t want to put myself under pressure when driving. Not to mention that I will be the only driver on the trip. I am on the trip, not a race, so I want to do at around 55 mph.

In Yosemite and Sequoia is winter in November but there are not much people. In case the weather was bad, wouldn’t it be a better idea to do Big Sur and H-1 instead? But I am not sure about the weather conditions as in my travel guide they say that in winter the sea may be wild and even damagea part of the road. Is it true?

Do I need any special winter equipment for car; does a car from a San Francisco rental company have winter tires?

Thanks a lot for any hints.

P.S. I know there are two similar threads on SFO-LAX but I did not find answers to my questions at all. So I started mine own.

... The main questions are: Is possible to make that trip? Is the timing OK?
As I am used to European driving and not much experienced in long-distance driving I don’t want to put myself under pressure when driving. Not to mention that I will be the only driver on the trip. I am on the trip, not a race, so I want to do at around 55 mph.

In Yosemite and Sequoia is winter in November but there are not much people. In case the weather was bad, wouldn’t it be a better idea to do Big Sur and H-1 instead? But I am not sure about the weather conditions as in my travel guide they say that in winter the sea may be wild and even damagea part of the road. Is it true?

Do I need any special winter equipment for car; does a car from a San Francisco rental company have winter tires?

Thanks a lot for any hints...
Yes, it is very possible to make this trip and I do not think you need to worry about special equipment like tire chains or snow tires.

Understand that early winter in the Sierra is unpredictable. It CAN snow in Sequoia in July but it happens rarely. Right now (mid-October) the weather in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia is very pleasant with shirtsleeve temperatures in the daytime. A couple of days last week we had thunderstorms and snow in the high country but that has passed and it is nice again. My best guess is that the first week of November will still be very nice but that could change if a weather front moves in. The good thing about your plan is that you are staying "down the hill" in Visalia - about an hour's drive from the park. If the weather is bad when you get here, you can just make a change of plans and stay in the lower foothill regions of the park area and avoid any snow. Your chances of getting up to the the big trees and other major sites in early November are very good.

There is an area of roadwork on the main highway into the park from Visalia. If you haven't found it yet, I posted a travel advisory in this forum, here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/california/1118716-travel-advisory-sequoia-national-park.html . Unless the weather is simply atrocious (in which case, I'd say just stay out of the park - visit Three Rivers), the work will not stop you from visiting the park. Just allow some extra time and expect a "flagman" delay partway between the entrance station and Giant Forest. If you get stopped for a few minutes, it makes a good opportunity to read the brochure they give you at the entrance station.

Although I don't expect it, even if there is a light dusting of snow, it should not stop you from enjoying Sequoia National Park. The roads clear quickly and a little snow just makes the scenery more beautiful. The ranger at the entrance station will advise you.

Have a great time in my "backyard" park.

Then back from the NP to Visalia and stay over the night.
11/11- From Visalia to Bakersfield and further to Barstow. There spend a night.
11/12- Go to Baker and visit Mojave NP. Stay over the night at Baker.
11/13- In the morning go to Death Valley and then back to Baker, a night stay.
11/14- We go to Joshua Tree NP though Mojave NP from Twentinyne Palms, in the afternoon we get to Los Angeles.
11/15- A stay in Los Angeles
..

I think you are overstretching your desert travel without adding anything substantial. Skip Mojave - after Death valley there is nothing to see there, skip Baker (quite possibly you are the first person I know who is willingly planning to stay in Baker), Barstow is also kinda questionable as a stop (although much better than Baker)
In november it's gonna be dark quite early so you'll have to end your sight seeings by 5 or so leaving you with a few hours to move to your next location. Therefore I would suggest driving from Sequoia farther beyond Visalia (to Bakersfield perhaps). Spend one night in Death valley rather than driving in and out. After Death Valley go to Palm Springs and overnight there before exploring Joshua Tree if you want to go there.

Take another look at logistics, as it seems to be a lot of driving with not much to see in the second half of your trip

... Therefore I would suggest driving from Sequoia farther beyond Visalia (to Bakersfield perhaps)...
This is the only part of this post with which I disagree. The OP will already have a room in Visalia from the night before. With the road work, the drive down from the park will be longer than normal. After a full day tromping around the big trees and all, another night in Visalia makes more sense to me than driving down 99 and trying to find a new hotel in a strange town after dark. I'd suggest just getting up early the next morning and make the drive over the Tehachipis refreshed. The drive from Visalia to Barstow will only be about 4 hours.

Welcomd to FT, Mandrinka!

There are no good places to stay or eat in Barstow, unless it's improved radically since the last time I passed through. It's a grimy town, but a thriving metropolis compared to the nothing that is Baker. Do not even think of spending the night in Baker, let alone two nights!

Also, although East Mojave and Joshua Tree definitely have their attractions, for a first time visitor, they are second rate compared to Death Valley. Instead of a day trip to Death Valley, I'd spend more time there and skip both East Mojave and Joshua Tree. You could easily spend three nights in Death Valley and still not see everything.

Europeans tend to underestimate distances and times in the US. These places aren't that close together. Death Valley national park is approximately 1.4 MILLION hectares in size. Pay the extra to stay in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells.

The road to Kings Canyon is a dead-end road. It is a nice drive but closed in winter and mainly designed as a trailhead for hiking. I presume you mean Sequoia National Park only, not Kings Canyon.

Also I just noticed this is your first trip to US so I would strongly suggest skipping Mohave, Joshua Tree etc and after spending a couple days in Death Valley continue to Las Vegas (you'll get there in time for dinner) for another couple days before heading back to LA.

BTW rent a comfortable car - you'll clearly need it and stay away from Baker ;).

Welcomd to FT, Mandrinka!
Do not even think of spending the night in Baker, let alone two nights!


I was in Mojave N.P. recently and the ranger was trying very hard to tell us not to stay in Baker without actually saying that because he says that they cannot actually make recommendations.

In the end we stayed at Longstreet Casino on the Nevada state Line which was adequate.

Thank you all for the tips. I will skip Baker, it was supposed to be a town for sleep only but I now I think I can always find motels along the motorway.

The original name of the topic was "From SFO to LAX - is it OK?" But someone - probably the moderator - changed it to "From SFO to LAX via Yosemite & Kings Canyon - is it OK?" But yes, I meant Sequoia NP, not Kings Canyon.

Do some careful on-line shopping around on car rental among the major companies like Hertz, Budget, Alamo, National, and Thrifty - especially if you are doing a one-way dropoff (pickup at SFO and dropoff at LAX) and confirm that it's unlimited mileage (with side trips between various points of interest, it's easily 1,000 miles) We did this once a while back with Hertz, got an excellent discounted AAA rate, unlimited miles for 10 days, and with lowered taxes, fees & surchages then - was a bargain even lowered gasoline prices - on a practically just arrived new car with less than 1,500 miles on it - returned it to SFO with 3,100+ miles on the odometer.

Gasoline prices is rising here in the US and higher in California (SFO/LAX) so it might made sense with rent something like a Toyota Camary, which is usually loaded with extras, automatic transmission, cruise control & ABS - with great MPG mileage in real life driving situation. And, having a GPS device with updated maps and your POI (points of interests) or addresses programmed in at the start of the trip will make it so much easier while you are driving here in the US - with the "proper" unlocked Nokia smartphone, you can download free maps & use it free since no data download/access required. Otherwise, consider bringing your own GPS (Garmin, etc.) or rent one at an extra daily fee from the car rental company as part of the confirmed reservation - my other half now concentrate on the scenic roads & attractions instead of trying to read the maps, check the road signs & markers for exit #'s and all that without us getting lost in strange & unfamiliar places, or stopping unless we need to for a rest.

As for the major freeways or highways that you will be on, actual cruising speed is often at 70-75 plus MPH (despite posted speed limit of 65 MPH) or easily in the 120-130 kmh range - slower than Europe's autobans with its superior road surfaces, but still could be an adjustment for some drivers used to an easy going drive - of course, roads leading to/from Yosemite are windy & twisty at places, so speed will be down in the 40-50 mph ranges and when in traffic as some of these single or two lane roads, when in doubt - just stay with the flow of cars & keep right for the speeding ones to pass on the left. CHP/police uses marked & unmarked patrol cars as well as motorcycles to do speed enforcement (plus aircrafts in the wide open desert) and not always using just laser/radar alone.

Drive safely & always buckle up.

Thank you all for the tips. I will skip Baker, it was supposed to be a town for sleep only but I now I think I can always find motels along the motorway.

The original name of the topic was "From SFO to LAX - is it OK?" But someone - probably the moderator - changed it to "From SFO to LAX via Yosemite & Kings Canyon - is it OK?" But yes, I meant Sequoia NP, not Kings Canyon.

Once again, be careful. There is a lot of nothing out there in the desert and you should not assume that there is a place to stay at every exit. There are sections of freeway that don't even have gas stations for long distances, and if someone has the only gas station for 50 or 100 miles, you can bet that they know it and consider that in setting their prices.

Driving in the desert, even on the freeways, is not like Europe and it is not like the drive from New York City to Washington DC. Please plan in advance, especially on weekends and peak season.

Once again, be careful. There is a lot of nothing out there in the desert and you should not assume that there is a place to stay at every exit. There are sections of freeway that don't even have gas stations for long distances, and if someone has the only gas station for 50 or 100 miles, you can bet that they know it and consider that in setting their prices.

Driving in the desert, even on the freeways, is not like Europe and it is not like the drive from New York City to Washington DC. Please plan in advance, especially on weekends and peak season.

I keep in mind that there is not a gas station round every corner. Hence I would probably not avoid refueling on entering Death Valley even if it were more expansive. It is far away from everywhere. And I cannot take the risk going around Death Valley without a full tank.
What do you suggest as for a place to stay over the night on the route from Bakersfield to Death Valley? I skip Mojave and Baker. According to Google maps there is another option insted of going via I-15 taking US-395.

Agree largely with much of what's been said here already, although, FWIW, we personally do have a bit of a favorable bias toward Joshua Tree, particularly if you like hiking, bouldering, etc.

That said, if you decide to try to stay in Death Valley, you should work on getting accommodation ASAP... late fall through early spring is peak season there. You may already be out of luck on that count.

One other idea you might consider, since you'll be in the neighborhood anyway, is spending at least a little time visiting a few of the quaint little towns along the Gold Country Highway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_49). There's a lot more the California than just National Parks, and our gold rush history is a pretty big deal. However, if you should decide to do that, don't underestimate the time required to travel along route 49... it takes a while.

Have a great time!

What do you suggest as for a place to stay over the night on the route from Bakersfield to Death Valley? I skip Mojave and Baker. According to Google maps there is another option insted of going via I-15 taking US-395.

There are a few places to stay inside Death Valley. Another option I've used many times is the town of Lone Pine, along US Route 395 west of Death Valley. There are several budget oriented motels there, and bit of history as well. The Alabama Hills just west of Lone Pine were used in filming a number of classic western movies.

From Bakersfield to Lone Pine the all-season route is CA 58 east to Mojave, CA 14 north to US 395 north. Along CA 14 you will pass Red Rocks State Park, which is worth a part day visit if you have time.

An alternative route from Bakersfield is to take CA 178 through the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada. It's normally passable in November, though it'd be wise to check conditions the morning you leave. It's a more scenic route than 58.

BTW, I second the overall advice others have given here, particularly:

1) Think critically about how much time you want to spend each day on driving vs. sight seeing. Check distances on a map -- don't just guess. Consider your own energy level and tolerance for driving.

2) Try to reduce the number of different places you visit and spend more time in each one you do visit. Trying to hit too many places is a common mistake. With the deserts, especially, I feel it takes more time in each place to appreciate their subtle beauty. A whirlwind trip through the desert will leave you with the impression of little but endless rocks and scrub brush.

3) I suggest focusing on Death Valley and Joshua Tree. Not to diss Mojave NP too much, but the other parks are more interesting. And if you had to choose between favoring Death Valley or J-Tree, I think I'd actually suggest J-Tree. It's more manageable to visit as it combines a number of interesting, tourist friendly attractions in a more compact area.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

I travel for business in Merced and Visalia, and find that Motel 6 in Merced and Tulare (near Visalia) offer adequate, clean, and safe accommodations at a great price. You can use this corporate code on the Motel6 site : CP545856.

There are, of course, other motels in these towns.

You are likely to have no trouble with the roads this early in the year, but there is always the possibility of a heavy storm which could close the roads. You won't know till you get there.

Have a nice trip. It is beautiful country.

I keep in mind that there is not a gas station round every corner. Hence I would probably not avoid refueling on entering Death Valley even if it were more expansive. It is far away from everywhere. And I cannot take the risk going around Death Valley without a full tank.
What do you suggest as for a place to stay over the night on the route from Bakersfield to Death Valley? I skip Mojave and Baker. According to Google maps there is another option insted of going via I-15 taking US-395.

There are gas stations at two locations in Death Valley: Furnace Springs and Stovepipe Wells. The Furnace Creek Chevron station may be the most expensive in the country; for some reason, Stovepipe Wells -- although operated by the same company -- is generally cheaper but doesn't have premium fuel, only regular.

If you take 58 from Bakersfield to get to Death Valley, there is a bypass road from 58 to 14 that avoids Mojave entirely. You can get gas and groceries in Ridgecrest. Consider buying a cooler and some ice, the restaurants in Death Valley are crowded, expensive, and generally nothing special. The last gas prior to Death Valley on this route is in Trona on route 178. Last time we passed through we were stunned to see that Trona had TWO open gas stations, business must be booming!

The route is state routes 58 to the bypass to 14 to 178 to 190.

I do not think I'd recommend staying in Lone Pine to visit Death Valley, it seems like quite a distance away. Contrary to what is reported above, I've usually been able to get motel space within the Park even a few days in advance EXCEPT Nov 10 - 14, which is the annual "Death Valley 49ers Encampment" when usually everything is sold out. (There is a "pre-encampment" from Nov 7 - 9)

Note this period overlaps your proposed trip. I strongly suggest you change the order so that you do not try to visit Death Valley during this period. The Valley is too big to ever feel busy, but the facilities will all be full to overflowing.

-I'm not clear what part of the trip you'll do by public transportation and what by rental car. I don't see a need to go to Yosemite by public transportation (roads should be fine), but if you do, you only go from Merced to Yosemite by YARTS company bus. You can go from San Francisco to Yosemite via Amtrak (Amtrak bus to Emeryville, then Amtrak train to Merced, then YARTS bus to Yosemite, all booked through Amtrak) or Greyhound (Greyhound bus from SF to Merced, then, booked separately, YARTS bus to Yosemite).
-If you don't feel comfortable driving to Yosemite, skip Sequoia. Roads no better, and virtually impossible to get to by public transportation. And you will already have seen the best mountain scenery, in Yosemite (even redwoods).
-If you have a car and IF Tioga Pass is oen, best to drive from Yosemite to Hwy. 395 and south from there.
-You need to do a lot more research on roads, car rentals, lodging prices, etc.

-If you don't feel comfortable driving to Yosemite, skip Sequoia. Roads no better, and virtually impossible to get to by public transportation.

The Visalia-Giant Forest bus service is alive and well, as is the Sequoia NP shuttle bus service.

The Visalia-Giant Forest bus service is alive and well, as is the Sequoia NP shuttle bus service.

I stand (figuratively) corrected. But much of the rest of their trip (e.g., Joshua Tree, Death Valley) wold be awfully tough via public transit, and OP did mention driving.

... But much of the rest of their trip (e.g., Joshua Tree, Death Valley) wold be awfully tough via public transit, and OP did mention driving.
Agreed. Tough doesn't cover it. Well nigh impossible is probably more accurate.

I think the OP was planning on driving a rental car for the whole trip but leaving the car in Merced in favor of riding the bus into and out of Yosemite on a day trip. That is probably a good plan as the roads are a bit challenging for someone who has never done mountain driving. SR 198 from Visalia to Giant Forest in Sequoia NP is also under repair in at least one place but shouldn't present any real problems, barring really bad weather. The flag station will just slow things down a bit, perhaps making the drive less stressful for the inexperienced. I just wanted to point out that he/she could use the bus as an alternative for Sequoia as well as Yosemite. It just isn't quite as well advertised or as easy to locate as the YARTS service from Merced.

There are gas stations at two locations in Death Valley: Furnace Springs and Stovepipe Wells. The Furnace Creek Chevron station may be the most expensive in the country; for some reason, Stovepipe Wells -- although operated by the same company -- is generally cheaper but doesn't have premium fuel, only regular.

If you take 58 from Bakersfield to get to Death Valley, there is a bypass road from 58 to 14 that avoids Mojave entirely. You can get gas and groceries in Ridgecrest. Consider buying a cooler and some ice, the restaurants in Death Valley are crowded, expensive, and generally nothing special. The last gas prior to Death Valley on this route is in Trona on route 178. Last time we passed through we were stunned to see that Trona had TWO open gas stations, business must be booming!

The route is state routes 58 to the bypass to 14 to 178 to 190.

I do not think I'd recommend staying in Lone Pine to visit Death Valley, it seems like quite a distance away. Contrary to what is reported above, I've usually been able to get motel space within the Park even a few days in advance EXCEPT Nov 10 - 14, which is the annual "Death Valley 49ers Encampment" when usually everything is sold out. (There is a "pre-encampment" from Nov 7 - 9)

Note this period overlaps your proposed trip. I strongly suggest you change the order so that you do not try to visit Death Valley during this period. The Valley is too big to ever feel busy, but the facilities will all be full to overflowing.

Very helpful, you are much better than my Rough Guide to West US and GPS.

From the NPS web I found out about the event. The only problem is that I hardly can do anything about the itinerary. I arrive in SFO but leave from LAX. So within 6 to 16 November I have to get from the north to the south and going from SFO right away to Death Valley would not make much good. I will have to stay somewhere near Death Valley on 395. There are some recommendations http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/lodging.htm

Agreed. Tough doesn't cover it. Well nigh impossible is probably more accurate.

I think the OP was planning on driving a rental car for the whole trip but leaving the car in Merced in favor of riding the bus into and out of Yosemite on a day trip. That is probably a good plan as the roads are a bit challenging for someone who has never done mountain driving. SR 198 from Visalia to Giant Forest in Sequoia NP is also under repair in at least one place but shouldn't present any real problems, barring really bad weather. The flag station will just slow things down a bit, perhaps making the drive less stressful for the inexperienced. I just wanted to point out that he/she could use the bus as an alternative for Sequoia as well as Yosemite. It just isn't quite as well advertised or as easy to locate as the YARTS service from Merced.

Yes, I am planning renting a car and only to Yosemite go by public transportation as it seems to me more convenient. As I metnioned I will be the only driver.

The rest of the trip - Joshua Tree NP, Mojave NP I dicided to skip. If there is some time left we will do it but our priority goes to Death Valley.

Please, if there is a public transportation option to Sequoia as well, I would be grateful for more details - a name of provider or a web page. Although I did my reaserch on it, I found only that there is a summer service shuttle bus.

I wouldn't leave a car in Merced and go by bus from there unless weather conditions are really bad. The road from Merced to Yosemite through Mariposa and El Portal largely follows the Merced River and is an easy, pleasant drive. Not a big highway, but easier than the road to the north that goes through Groveland or the one to the south through Fishcamp. Easier than the road into Sequoia, IMHO (the southern road from Sequoia to Three Rivers and Visalia is a slow one-- lots of switchbacks). In Yosemite, Tioga Pass is open right now. If it is somehow still open when you're there, I'd seriously consider going out that way, then down Hwy. 395. One of the most scenic drives in California. No worse than 198.

BTW, there is no Mojave NP. There is a Mojave reserve. Not that much you could see by regular car, as far as I know. Have a great trip.

... Please, if there is a public transportation option to Sequoia as well, I would be grateful for more details - a name of provider or a web page. Although I did my reaserch on it, I found only that there is a summer service shuttle bus.
Sorry I got your hopes up. The Sequoia Shuttle service is closed for the season. I thought they operated until first snowfall but it seems I was mistaken. This late in the year you will need to drive.

Most all the locations mentioned outside Death Valley, with the exception of Panamint Springs Resort and Death Valley Junction, are not very close to the Park. Many of them are probably a 2 hour drive each way to Furnace Creek.

Panamint Springs Resort is not a resort in any sense of the word. However, I haven't bothered to check out any of the rooms as I would never consider staying there based on what I have seen.

Death Valley Junction, even if the motel is still operating, is also seriously weird and VERY basic.

Stateline on Nevada route 373 and Beatty are about the closest but they really aren't places worthy of much consideration, either.

Given the encampment is on during the only time you can visit Death Valley, maybe you should not go there on this trip after all and pick a lesser, but available, park like Joshua Tree. Or spend a few nights in the Palm Springs area.

Yes, I am planning renting a car and only to Yosemite go by public transportation as it seems to me more convenient. As I metnioned I will be the only driver.

I recommend driving your car to Yosemite unless you strongly dislike driving and are looking for a break. None of the Western entrances (routes 120, 140, and 41) are tough driving. Having your own car in the park will make it easier to get around. Yes, in peak season parking is tight and I would recommend considering public transit, but November is hardly peak season. Parking will be no trouble. Also, you should try to stay much closer than Merced.

The rest of the trip - Joshua Tree NP, Mojave NP I dicided to skip. If there is some time left we will do it but our priority goes to Death Valley.

Given the special event RichardInSF warned about you might consider skipping Death Valley and visiting Joshua Tree. I urge you not to think of it as a booby prize. Joshua Tree is a worthy place to visit. In addition to enjoying the well marked tourist areas, I'm a fan of clambering around in Rattlesnake Canyon and visiting all of the palm tree oases marked on the map.

After visiting Joshua Tree you could swing through Palm Springs, head south to the Salton Sea (a man-made mistake -- its surface is 220 feet below sea level!), Anza Borrego Desert State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=638), and/or visit the Algodones Dunes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algodones_Dunes). There's plenty of desert in Southeastern California to make up for missing Death Valley.

What is the matter with the encampment that I should skip Death Valley? Of course there will be plenty of people and cars but isn't it a vast place? My point is that once I fly miles to get to the west coast I think the encampment should not stop me from visiting that place. My next visit to the USA may be in years and probably to different places. Moreover it could be interesting even for a tourist. and the timig is also godd - autumn. We don't mind given these circumstances if we sleep about 2-hour journey from the entrance to the park, we do not even need a Hilton, just a bed and a shower and a roof over our heads.
As for Joshua if we have some time, we will go there too.
What's so interesting about Palm Springs? It's a holiday resort as far as I know.

... What's so interesting about Palm Springs? It's a holiday resort as far as I know.
+1. ;)

Overrated, overhyped and overpriced. If you are not into golf or high-priced shopping, not worth the time.

As I noted earlier, Death Valley is huge and even being the busiest it ever gets won't mean the sights are super crowded, except maybe Scotty's Castle (whch I would avoid as it can only handle a limited number of people each day).

But what will be full to overflowing are the few campgrounds, hotel rooms, restaurants, stores, gas stations, ranger stations, and visitor centers. You'll have a hard time getting any services in the park without a significant wait and the nearest other services are miles and miles away.

But go for it if you want to. To maximize your touring, just make sure you have a rental car which has a large tank, buy a cooler and picnic goods, and take your own food and drinks with you.

If you rent a 4wd vehicle, are a moderately experienced off-pavement driver, and have a GPS with maps, try coming into the Park from Big Pine via Ca168, Waucoba Road, and Death Valley Road. It will be the highlight of your trip. I guarantee that won't be crowded but there are no services -- or even buildings, electricity, or cellular service -- for maybe 130 miles (200km). Do not accidentally turn off to Saline Valley.

What's so interesting about Palm Springs? It's a holiday resort as far as I know.

There's more to Palm Springs than playing golf amongst the ghosts of has-been celebrities. I enjoy it for its nearby wilderness. There's the aerial tramway, Murray Canyon, Mecca Hills, and plenty of other great places for hiking.

If you rent a 4wd vehicle, are a moderately experienced off-pavement driver, and have a GPS with maps, try coming into the Park from Big Pine via Ca168, Waucoba Road, and Death Valley Road. It will be the highlight of your trip. I guarantee that won't be crowded but there are no services -- or even buildings, electricity, or cellular service -- for maybe 130 miles (200km). Do not accidentally turn off to Saline Valley.

I second this idea of exploring the northern section of Death Valley, but with a few differences of opinion: 1) I disagree that this route requires 4wd. I've done it several times in vehicles ranging from a lifted 4x4 SUV to a sports car. My recollection is that the road surface is, at worst, graded dirt and gravel. It is a maintained route. If you are familiar with driving on gravel roads, or are confident you can deal with that terrain, you will be okay. 2) DO NOT MISS Eureka Dunes. It's a slight jaunt south off Waucoba Road. The Eureka Dunes field rises 800 feet above the valley floor and is surrounded by high mountains ridges. It's one of the iconic sights of Death Valley but it's so remote that few people see it or even know of it.

Despite these points on which RichardInSF and I differ, I do want to reemphasize that you should not attempt this route without a good map, a full tank of gas, a day's worth of food and drink, and a healthy tolerance for adventure.

Actually I agree that normally this road (including the wonderful detour to Eureka Dunes) does not usually require 4WD for someone experienced with desert driving. 4WD or at least a non-slip differential may be required in winter on rare occasions on the last stretch connecting to the Ubehebe Crater road.

If you have a spare crankshaft, bring it along, and add it to the collection at Crankshaft Junction!

But let's be honest, a first time visitor is not very likely to take this route. Don't mind us, we're just expressing our love for this wonderful national park, which I still wouldn't visit during the Encampment.

Guys! As much as we like the side roads of Death Valley, the OP says he/she is inexperienced in western-type driving and will be in a rental car. Probably not a good idea.

Guys! As much as we like the side roads of Death Valley, the OP says he/she is inexperienced in western-type driving and will be in a rental car. Probably not a good idea.

This is not idle chatter. OP wants to visit Death Valley as a centerpiece of his/her trip through California. One thing to understand about Death Valley is that most of its roads are unpaved.

The fact that a road is unpaved does not mean that it requires a specialized vehicle or is off-limits to rental cars. A good many of the dirt and/or gravel roads in Death Valley are well maintained and are specifically intended to be suitable to ordinary passenger cars. Official park maps categorize the roads well, as do any number of regional maps you can find.

I estimate that 75% of the sights worth seeing in Death Valley require at least a short drive on unpaved roads. If you restrict yourself to only the few paved roads you are severely limiting your options. Sure, you can snap a picture of your family in front of the "Elev. -282 ft." sign without driving farther off road than the gravel parking lot. But if you want to see any of the numerous slickrock canyons, or Saline Hotsprings, Eureka Dunes, or the even more iconic Racetrack Valley, you have to be prepared for dirt roads.

Regarding the driving I am more concerned about driving on higways / motorways especially jammed ones and missing a merge / an exit on higways with more lines. The condition of roads in my country is not superb so bumpy roads in Death Valley should not be that big problem. But what a problem might be is that the car will be rented so I must (or should) follow the terms and conditions of the contract.

.. But if you want to see any of the numerous slickrock canyons, or Saline Hotsprings, Eureka Dunes, or the even more iconic Racetrack Valley, you have to be prepared for dirt roads.

I need to revisit Death Valley.