Depending on where you are coming from, this area of Death Valley might be a bit remote and therefore quite a drive, but it's absolutely worth the effort. The first highlight are several restored charcoal kilns and if you continue on, you will be more than rewarded. At the end of the road starts Telescope Peak trail and if you hike for about a mile you have a georgeous view over the southern part of Death Valley as well as Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park (11,049 feet).
Once you've entered Wildrose Canyon, the road turns into a gravel road after a few miles, ending at a small parking area in front of the restored charcoal kilns. Those kilns have been used to produce charcoal for the various gold and silver mines in the area. In order to drive further up the mountain a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Telescope Peak trail starts close to Mahogany Flat, a campground that can be reached via a 2 mile, sometimes pretty rough dirt road (just drive on after you have reached the charcoal kilns).
Now you're done with driving, whatever you do now means hiking (in rather high elevation). The best you can do (if you don't want to hike all the way to Telescope Peak - 7 miles) is to follow the trail for about a mile in order to enjoy the spectacular view over the southern part of Death Valley as well as Telescope Peak. During spring, you will see snow on the peak and at the same time the salt flats in the valley below - quite an experience.
When leaving Wildrose Canyon, I recommend to drive down to Panamint Valley (take a left at the intersection with Emigrant Canyon Road) and then take 178 North to Panamint Springs where you will be back again on 190. Have a drink at Panamint Springs (you might need it) and if you still have some time, take 190 East and try to locate a small dirt road about 4 miles east of Panamint Springs (2 miles east of the intersection of 178 and 190). Turn left and drive a few miles north to have a closer look at the Panamint Dunes.
Directions
Starting at Furnace Creek, take 190 North for about 24 miles until you reach Stovepipe wells. Stay on 190 (now going West) for another 10 miles and then turn left into Emigrant Canyon Road. Follow the very scenic road for about 20 miles and then turn left into Wildrose Canyon Road. You will reach the charcoal kilns after about 7 miles, 2 additional miles will take you to the Mahogany Flat campground.
