Death Valley National Park is huge. Do not try to see everything - it is impossible - and concentrate on quality time over quanity. Pick a few things and then immerse yourself. Suggestions - come in from the north. Take Big Pine/Death Valley Road from Big Pine on 395 and spend a night or two at Eureka Dunes. Drive Death Valley Road down into Death Valley and Ubehebee Crater. Travel south to Stovepipe Wells and hike Mosaic Canyon - one of the prettiest canyons in the Park. If you want 4x4, then do the drive into Marble Canyon from Stovepipe. Hike Marble Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon. Dispersed campsites up that way.
Back out on 190 and Badwater Road are all the big ticket items. Busy, maybe/yes, but are worth seeing.
Be aware that the soaking pools at Saline Valley are empty and closed due to the pandemic.
Our main guides have been Digonnet's book, mentioned above, and Jim's birdandhike.com.
Think about gas. The cheapest gas (regular unleaded only) is at Stovepipe Wells in the Park.
The best way to view our blog for locations is here -
and scroll down to Death Valley
Be sure and read in depth all the information on backcountry travel and backcountry roads on the Death Valley website and follow every one of the regulations to the letter.
Julie and I have been exploring Death Valley for a couple of decades and have only scratched the surface.
Be safe, have fun.
Thank you. All amazing.