There are no entrance kiosks on the west side of Death Valley, and the closest visitors center is at Furnace Creek. You will need to research the park on the web at the NPS site before you go. The site will have everything that you will need to plan your visit, electronically. If you wish to speak with a ranger, stop at Furnace Creek.

I'd recommend you take the Trona Wildrose Road and Panamint Valley Road into the park from Ridgecrest.