As much fun as I was having at Spring Mountain, I had a desert and a major mountain range to cross. If you have the inclination, remember this route: North from Spring Mountain on 160 until 372. Go west out of Nevada to California's Shoshone. When you hit 127, head north to 178, then turn east directly into the center of Death Valley. These roads are largely empty of traffic and anything else resembling life. In other words, perfect.