Hello and welcome to the R.T.A forums.

If you want more than a few "snaps" I would personally stick to plan A and take your time, it will be money well spent. Death valley is a fascinating place to photograph and there are so many opportunity's along the way. It's at least a 9 hour drive and with the shorter days you will feel rushed. You could spend a couple of hours around the shores at Mono lake quite easily.
You can also get a good view of the lake by turning off at the gas station on the junction of 395 and 120 just south of Lee vining and the road goes up the hill to a car park which overlooks the lake.