Pros & cons
PROS
- Well‑maintained Jeeps purpose‑built for park backroads
- Emergency beacon, cooler with ice/water, and maps included
- Guided tours available, including an RV‑friendly option
CONS
- Pricey with a daily mileage cap and fuel not included
- Route availability depends on weather and road conditions
Overview
If you want to push beyond the paved highlights and see the park’s remote corners without risking your own vehicle, Farabee’s is the move. Based in the Furnace Creek area, they rent trail‑ready Jeep Wranglers and also run guided trips. The big draw: their vehicles are set up specifically for local backroads, and they kit you out with an emergency satellite beacon, maps, and a cooler stocked with ice and water.
What You Get With a Rental
Expect four‑door Jeep Wranglers equipped for rough, rocky roads—off‑road tires, extra clearance, and a full‑size spare. They send you off with a safety briefing, maps, a first‑aid kit, water and ice in a cooler, and a SPOT emergency locator for peace of mind where cell service is spotty.
Where These Jeeps Shine
When conditions allow, classic backcountry routes open up: Echo Canyon and Hole‑in‑the‑Wall, Cottonwood/Marble, and the Goler area from the Ballarat side. Many renters target the Racetrack and other remote sights that standard rentals shouldn’t attempt. Availability changes with weather—always check which routes are approved before you go.
Guided Tours (Good for RV Travelers and First‑Timers)
Not up for driving? Their guides handle the rough stuff and the storytelling. There’s even a shorter, RV‑friendly tour that focuses on marquee scenery like Artist’s Drive, 20 Mule Team Canyon, and Dante’s View. Water and snacks are included on tours, and the pace favors frequent photo stops.
How Rentals Work
Rentals are offered year‑round, weather permitting. A typical day rate includes 200 miles; you’ll pay per‑mile beyond that, and fuel is on you. Drivers must be 25+ with a valid license, a credit card, and auto insurance (they recommend confirming your coverage).
Wildlife
Backcountry drives can be good for chance encounters—think bighorn sheep on cliffs, coyotes, lizards, and raptors—but sightings are never guaranteed. Dawn and dusk improve your odds, especially near canyon mouths and alluvial fans.
Is It Worth It?
If your goal is scenic paved overlooks, you don’t need this. But if you’re eyeing remote canyons, mines, and playa country, Farabee’s makes it safe, straightforward, and frankly a lot less stressful than risking a flat or tow bill on your own.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season (fall–spring) books up—reserve early.
- Start at opening to beat midday heat and give yourself cushion on longer routes.
- After storms, call ahead—routes open/close based on conditions.
- For photography, early and late light is best on canyon walls and playa textures.
Where it is
36.4604, -116.8659Tips for Farrabee's Jeep Rentals
- 01Reserve ahead for fall–spring; prime dates sell out.
- 02Call the office to confirm which backcountry routes are open and approved for rentals.
- 03Plan your itinerary around the 200‑mile daily allowance and budget for fuel.
- 04Even with included water, bring extra and serious sun protection.
- 05Drivers must be 25+ with license, credit card, and auto insurance.
Amenities
Near Farrabee's Jeep Rentals
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayFurnace Creek Fuel and Auto ServiceThe park’s central lifeline for fuel, at a steep premiumGas Station · Restroom
0.1 mi awayFurnace Creek ThermometerClassic photo-op thermometer for extreme heat bragging rightsExhibit · Parking
0.1 mi awayFurnace Creek Visitor Center SignQuick photo stop with the famous giant thermometer out frontParking · Visitor Center
0.1 mi awayDeath Valley National Park Visitor CenterHub for rangers, exhibits, AC, and the giant thermometerVisitor Center · Exhibit
1.4 mi awayHarmony Borax Works Interpretive TrailA bite-size, paved loop around the 1880s borax works ruins.Easy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
1.4 mi awayMustard Canyon LoopShort loop through glowing yellow hills beside Harmony Borax WorksEasy · 3.4 mi · 1.2 hr
2.9 mi awayGolden Canyon to Red CathedralGolden walls to a red-rock amphitheater with a fun, short scramble.Moderate · 3 mi · 1.5 hr
2.9 mi awayGolden Canyon and Gower Gulch LoopDesert classic: golden narrows, badlands, and big views in one loopModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.5 hr
