death valley with older folks - one or two days?
 

i am taking my parents there who can walk on level ground but could not to uphill or rugged hiking. i was planning on leaving vegas early morning, spending one night in death valley and then leaving late the next morning to drive to lake tahoe (about 6 hours drive i think). if that enough time considering their hiking restrictions (ages are 75). or would there still be enough to do if we spend two nights?
i don't think we can afford the furnace creek inn. is the ranch still nice? we are not fancy people just need a clean, quiet place to stay. however, i don't want to regret not staying at the inn if it is worth an extra $50-$100. thanks for your opinions.

For your parents, there isn't need for any hiking - you can have plenty of enjoyment and scenery from level ground. They may enjoy Scotty's Castle, and it just depends how much you want to see and drive.
The Furnace Creek Ranch is just fine, and they will enjoy it. I would suggest "deluxe" rooms which are two story, motel type buildings. We stayed in them several years ago, and they were comfortable. The cabins are a bit small and your parents may not find them as comfortable or as pleasant.

The drive to Tahoe - depending what side of the Lake - will take 6-7 hours depending on the number of stops.

It is a very unique place, and your parents will enjoy it.

thanks for the reply.
do people think one night is sufficient or should we plan on two? thanks.

I would imagine that 1 night would be enough. As Jun20 writes, you could take in plenty from just driving around and walking a short distance to the lookouts.

What time of year? If you're driving to Lake Tahoe (more than 6 hrs I'll wager) the next day, can I presume that means <i>not</i> during winter months?

The reason for asking is obvious. They don't call it Death Valley for nothing. Between around May through October, it's often so hot on the valley floor that any outdoor activities need to be planned carefully, or curtailed. I'd think that would especially be the case for elders. You might need two mornings/evenings (in summer it can stay in the 90s until late) just to have sufficient time to see things in the valley.

thanks again - haven't pinned down the dates but it will be between march 11-april 15