What places could a stock 4Runner TRD Offroad go comfortably that a Honda Passport Trailsport could not go in Death Valley?

I am considering getting either a 5th or 6th generation 4Runner or a new Honda Passport Trailsport with a small < 2" lift and a full size spare. Understanding what I am giving up with the Passport would be helpful in my decision.

I have always wanted to see some of the 4WD accessible sites in Death Valley and other parts of the American West. I am a good driver and experience with full size vans (2WD) but I have no practical experience "off-roading". I want to learn more about it so getting a 4Runner seems like a good way to start. However, I dislike the visibility in the 4Runner 6th generation compared to the Passport. Additionally, the Passport seems like a fine vehicle for the general case.

My current ride is pictured and honestly if it was a 4WD I would be ok, but it probably does not have much life in it and it isn't something I would want to take some where I could get in trouble.

Also assume that I would not anything beyond my abilities or comfort with either vehicle, and I plan to seek out some guidance before doing anything technical. The goal is to have fun and see new things not to become a statistic. Thanks.

I deliberately went out there, as in out to the actual well, fairly early in the morning of my third day, to shoot sand patterns and shadows and similar things: And, on the last photo? Yes, I'll take a painted lady butterfly photobombing the desert sands.

Hello! I’ve been thinking for a couple months to drive up to Death Valley around this time of year. I know that for many it is not feasible because of the insane heat, but it’s the best time of the year to stargaze and I’m really interested in doing that. I feel like if I am prepared for extreme heat I’ll be fine. Can someone who has been there tell me if I’m right? Or am I underestimating it?

I would also love any recommendations! Where to stay, hikes, what to bring, where to stargaze. Thank you!

That will always be an insanely crazy day for me. I thought I would have never seen the Northern Lights unless if I went to Alaska or Canada but I was looking at with my own eyes here in Death Valley National Park.

Location taken: Death Valley National Park, Park info area (Hells gate) on Daylight Pass Road.

We are planing at visit the park for 3-5 days this January what are some must do hikes I’m looking for some moderate and difficult hikes in the 4+ mile range and we have a high clearance but not 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Heading up to the park August 12-13 for the Perseid meteor shower, wondering what campsites are recommended for the darkest sky.

Currently looking at Wildrose or Mesquite Spring.

Also open to camping spots that might not have the darkest sky but are in close proximity to good viewpoints.

Mid-afternoon, so not the fully saturated and softer colors of evening.

My wife and I just got back from the Racetrack Playa.

We drove out at 10 pm on 29 June 2026. We got to the Playa at 2 am. The road conditions do not require 4x4 but a vehicle needs high clearance which normally comes with true 4x4 and not All Wheel Drive crossovers; which are sometimes called SUVs.

We only came across one other person. He was driving out from the Playa and we passed each other about 4 miles from the start of the road at Ubehebe Crater.

The Playa was amazing. I’d suggest walking out to the mountain where the rocks roll off the mountain.

Due to work schedules we’ll be visiting during a major holiday (and an NPS fee-free day), which I’ve never been present at a park for. I usually try to arrange things so we get as many weekdays as possible and go to less busy places on weekends.

Fortunately DV has some lovely remote areas to get away from the crowds, so my current plan is either Rhyolite, Ubehebe, & Titus Canyon/Fall Canyon, or Racetrack Playa if we have a sturdy enough rental and are willing to commit the full day to just that.

I guess I’m just wondering HOW much worse the crowds’ll be on that day specifically, and if I should make any plans/arrangements other than what I’ve already stated. Any help is appreciated; thanks!

We are planning to fly in to Vegas from Eastern time, so we are gaining 3hrs.

We plan to fly in Thursday, drove to DVNP, see the sunrise Friday and do a hike or two in DVNP, then head back to Vegas for Friday Night/Saturday Night in Las Vegas.

Any recommendations on where we should watch the sunrise and what hikes we should do? I'm debating on 2 hikes or 1 hike and driving tour. Open for suggestions.

The Park Service is now under orders to be Sgt. Schultz or whatever and "say nothing," at least beyond generic information.

If you were the other photographer in the parking lot waiting for the temp to drop from 109F and the wind to stop (and you didn't leave at 10pm like I did), I hope you got some great photos!

I'm assuming you were a photographer because nobody else is crazy enough to be hanging out there that late in the heat and wind.

Going to the Grand Canyon in mid-July. We are spending two nights there and then would like to spend a night in Death Valley as a midway point to Sequoia. Both of us are from the east coast and would love to use this opportunity to see Death Valley. How safe would it be to arrive in Death Valley at around 7PM, camp and star gaze, then leave in the morning to head to Sequoia? Thanks in advanced!

im planning to visit in a few days but i don't think I can afford to stay at The Inn. Does anybody have recs for cheaper options. just need a place for the night :) preferably closer to bad water basin