Not withstanding the scholarship of Jon Krakauer's book about Colorado City -- the place is not all the different at first glance from a bunch of small towns in the area. I doubt it would really be that interesting...

As far as approach routes into Death Valley -- both are interesting. My favorite would have to be Rt-190, but the route through Shoshone is cool too.

There is actually a good chance that you will see a soaring Condor from the north rim of the Grand...