Death Valley. Quite pleasant this time of year. Over to Reno or Tahoe and down 395--headed south with the Sierras on your right, sometimes you have to pull over, get out of the car, and stare at the mountains and clouds with your mouth hanging open. At least one night needs to be spent looking at the stars in the middle of nowhere, where you can see the galaxy above your head.
I went to DV a few weeks ago, driving from Las Vegas. I love the desert.
