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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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
