Start your adventure in Baker, California, where you can visit the World's Tallest Thermometer, standing at a height of 134 feet. Then, drive to Stovepipe Wells, where you can explore Artist's Palette, a colorful mineral deposit site, and Zabriskie Point, offering a stunning view of the Badlands from above.
Drive to Darwin Falls, an oasis in the midst of the desert. A 1-mile hike to the falls provides a shaded respite from the hot sun. The water can be chilly, but it is a lovely place to cool off after a long drive.
Explore the remote Saline Valley Road, which provides access to several hot springs, abandoned mines, and the fascinating site of the old Wilson Ranch. This is a very rugged backcountry road, and a 4WD is highly recommended.
End your adventure with a visit to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a surreal landscape of 100-foot tall sand formations. Then, drive to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the park's history and geology.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Racetrack Playa, where rocks move across the desert floor, or taking a scenic drive along Titus Canyon Road. If you have less time, skip the Saline Valley Road and focus on the highlights of Death Valley instead. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as many of the sites are remote and have limited facilities.