Finally going to Death Valley in the winter. Going to drive down Feb 3rd and spend two to three nights. I plan on driving Titus Canyon, and seeing the main tourist spots, Visitors Center, Zabriskies Point, Artist Drive, and Dantes View if it opens. Is it worth the trip to see the mines or Charcoal Kilns? What else should I put on the list?
Only other item on my list is Dinner at the Inn. We have had dinner at all the major National Parks and have enjoyed it even if a little expensive.
Bill, since this will be your first winter trip I think it best to stick to the big ticket items you mention and not rush it.
Where will you be staying? Furnace Creek campground (get reservations) puts you within walking distance of the visitor's center and the visitor developments at Furnace Creek, cafe, saloon, etc. The big Sunset Campground across the road is also within a walk and you can always find a spot. Texas Creek has more of a campground feel than Sunset, but not really pleasant walking distance. The Inn and the special dinner are within walking distance of any of these for Julie and me.
Recommendations - make Titus Canyon your entry into the Park and end the day at your campsite. You can find dispersed sites out near the beginning of Titus Canyon Road. Zabriskies is a sunrise spot. You'll join the hordes of photographers so make it fun. Move on to Dantes while the sun is still in the east. Do Artist Drive late afternoon - but before the sun sets over the Panamints - for the best light and colors. Consider the short walks up Natural Bridge Canyon and Golden Canyon for the in between time. You must visit Mosiac Canyon for beautiful water polished rock - in the first set of narrows. The Mesquite Sand Dunes are nearby and make a great early morning stop for the light and before the crowds.
If you start adding the kilns and mines and Racetrack and Ubehebe Crater, you are adding too much and will just be sitting on your butt driving. Let a relaxing trip to Death Valley set the hook and you'll return again and again.
Take advantage of the Visitors Center. They have hand outs on the nearby walks such as Golden and Natural Bridge.
Remember to walk away from camp and neighbors and such in the night to experience the vast desert sky and quiet. If you're thinking about Badwater and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, make this your night experience. Walk out on the salt flat and take in the grandeur.
If you'd like to disperse camp near Furnace Creek, Echo Canyon Road and Hole in the Wall Road offer the closest options.
Have a great trip and Julie and I are anxiously awaiting one of your wonderful trip reports!