Originally Posted by
RichardInSF
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.