bikepsych ~ Bruce, what you should search is click on Jefe4X4's profile and look through his posts. Especially the ones pertaining to something he pioneered; XTC It is within these, you will find many places to explore in California and fodder for discovering your own locations to investigate. If you are interested in Utah, look for SeldomSeenSmith, Whazzo and Sheepcamp and a new one up and coming, trackhead, for Arizona.
Just those people alone should keep you busy and the topography companies well feted with your money.
Death Valley is a wonderful land to explore, just like many of the National Parks. Most just see 2% of the parks by staying on the paved roads. What is unique about Death Valley there are only about 150 of paved roads in America's 2nd largest national park. What is remarkable, is there is over 1,100 miles of back roads to explore with some of the most spectacular scenery still to see. That is one of the things that has brought me back to this park 5 times out of the last 6 years. And there is more to see!
Have fun and make sure someone knows where you are and where you are going and when you will be back. Plus, you can afford to fix anything you break and have the money that can tow you out.
b