Take precautions; The boundries of Death Valley are huge, and the west side of the boundry can be reached by taking this exit onto Highway 190. Carry a lot of extra water, and some clothing for hot and cold temperatures. Make sure the car is in good running condition.  A good supply of snack foods could be important if you have to stop and wait for any help.  This is a regularly traveled route so it will not be long between passersby.   STAY SAFE FIRST!

Take 190 East:  Whether you are traveling from the north of Caifornia or to the north from southern California  a nice drive and a very scenic drive will take you to Death Valley.  The route passes through the Owens Valley and Panamint Mountain Range.  Along this route will bring you the opportunity to visit  Darwin Falls.  It is a short drive and hike off 190. 

Visit Panamint Springs Resort:  This resort is located on Highway 190, about half way to Death Valley Furnace Creek resort area.  There is a restrauant, camping, rv parking and camping, and a small cluster of rustic cabins that can be reserved in advance.  Or if it is the off season. LIKE HOT SUMMER.  There could be a cabin open for a night stay.   Stopping here is fun and there are many photos on the inside walls of the cafe that depict the times and places of Death Valley.  And if spirits are something that your taste buds savor, check out the cool bar with a wide variety of beer choices.  Be watchful of those old ghost spirits too.  

Stovepipe Wells:   The next stopping spot for camping is just a few more miles toward Death Valley will be Stovepipe Wells.  There is a rest stop, and some camping prior to arriving to Stovepipe Wells Resort area.   This is the entrance to Death Valley that fees will start to be charged if you plan using the desert area and any park camping etc.   At Stovepipe wells you can pay fees at the ranger station, and if you are over age 62, get the Golden Age Pass, which is good for all National Parks admission.  There is a fee for this card, but only is paid once.  The receipt will be good till you receive your physical card in the mail.  

YOU ARE ALMOST THERE:   Now that you have gotten past Stovepipe Wells, you are entering some of the most beautiful and amazing spots on the floor of Death Valley National Park,  each area is unique, like the shifting dunes, or the Devils Cornfield.  A few more miles will bring you toFurnace Creek, and there is gas, lodging,  and shopping at the gift shop and museums, and of course not far from there are more areas to visit, but remember to be prepared with all needs for a short hike or drive into areas open to visit freely.  

Another southern route is Highway 179 East out of Ridgecrest, Ca.  This is an easy drive also:  You pass the Trona Pinnacle State Park, (a movie making site used often).  The Searles Valley which  hosts the Searles Valley Mineral Plant, and the annual  GEM-O-RAM Festival, ALWAYS  held the 2nd weekend in October.    Follow this link to more info on the Gem and Mineral Show, 2009

Wildrose Charcoal Kilns:  Another place to visit on this route:  These kilns were used to make charcoal fuel for the mining ventures of the valley in the 1800's.  NO,  the pioneers weren't  that into barbecue.   Sometimes the road is rough going up to the kilns.  But worth the effort.