Hello Everyone,I just booked a trip to Death Valley for the third week of February. We will check into the Ranch at Furnace Creek on the 24th and are currently booked through the following Sunday. I need to book my return flight and am struggling with the number of days. We are two senior couples who travel together all the time and like to really see and experience where we are visiting. We want to book a Farabee Jeep tour for the moving rocks which will take one full day. Do we need another 3 or 4 days to really experience the park? We like to be on the move but also want to enjoy the experience. I would love to hear feedback on my question. I am guessing this is a common question but am one month out and am feeling very unprepared.

After leaving DVNP we will drive through the Mojave and spend two nights at Joshua Tree. I have enough of an understanding that the bulk of our trip should be spent at DV but just want to make sure I hit the sweet spot of feeling that I really experienced the park. I should add that we love Ranger led talks and hikes and would welcome any thoughts on any that are a must not miss.

We plan on eating lots of PB&J's and bring food in for breakfasts. If there any restaurants that we should make a point of going to for dinner only would love to hear those as well.

Thank you in advance for any advice or insight given to me.
Heather

IMO three full days (i.e. 4 nights) is good for Death Valley. Where are you staying for Joshua Tree?

We have not booked yet for Joshua Tree, any suggestions on lodging or how many days, was thinking two full days?

Partly it will depend on how much hiking you want to do. The park is huge so you could easily spend 3 or 4 days and not cover everything.

Take the road that leads to Beatty up to the place that gives a fantastic overview of the valley.

3 or 4 full days is perfect for Death Valley, especially with a full-day Jeep tour planned.

With some experience driving in and around Death Valley in winter, I’m wondering from what direction are you approaching the park? Higher elevations, especially to the west, can have some treacherous spots in cold weather.