Yeah, I know what's it like, but I also know you will make the right choice's in getting the balance right, it's just a case of putting it out there and letting you chew on it.

But Yes, the way you slotted the "Million dollar highway" in was the way I was thinking.

Goosenecks ? I think you can camp up there but is remote and not much more than a large parking lot with a good view of the river. I would imagine it to be eerily quiet at night as not many people seem to venture there, but it's only a short diversion to visit. If you get away from Moab early enough you still might be better going on to Monument valley.

As you know I don't do Hotels, but as you are travelling the Tioga pass and heading to Bodie between Yosemite and DV, I would have thought Panamint springs or Stovepipe wells would be good lodging options. Why ? Well it will be getting on in time when you arrive in DV and trying to get to Furnace creek might leave you feeling a little rushed to explore the park, and as like me you don't like back tracking, Furnace creek might be a little too close to Vegas.

[That took ages to post, I got distracted by a snow avalanche from the roof that tried to make it's way through the conservatory roof and made me jump out of my skin ! Lol]