Originally Posted by RichardInSF

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.