I have this urge to go there, and I can get there for pretty cheap. Anyone been there, or have anything to say about it?

I would love to go, it's always been on my list. I'll get there someday. I wish I had first hand experience to share with you...

I've not been into the NP, but we go camping/riding in the desert very near there. Right now and around October are the best times to visit, temerature-wise. I know a few years back, they made a big deal because they had more flowers blooming than anytime in recent memory. Some species they hadn't seen in years. This year should be good as well, because we've had a good deal of rain.

One of these days I'll make it over there.

I've been there years ago when we did you 5,500 mile 8 day road trip.
Here's the loop we did:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...474609&t=h&z=5

It was hot, and a giant sand trap/box. It was interesting, but certainly not our favorite spot on the trip. We drove through it spending about 3 hours there tops. Yosemite is "right down the road" though, as is LV (which puts you near the damn and GC), so you could hit those up as well.

This was all in my film days, so no pics for you unless you come up to RI...

I just got back, a few hours ago.

Some pictures: http://www.williwood.com/gallery/?album=death_valley

(actual pictures of the park start at picture 17)