Rather than hitting Death Valley twice, I suggest going over Highway 120 in Yosemite, catch 395 south for a few miles and back on 120 east into Nevada and then go east on 6 at Benton. Be sure to gas up in Tonopah, but stay on 6 east until you get to NV 375 at Warm Springs NV. This takes you on the Extra Terrestrial highway right past Area 51. Rachel NV is the Area 51/alien place for a quirky stop. Plus the way described is very open Nevada at its best. From there I suggest aiming your way for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and then following your whims down into NM.
For boondocking, look into getting permits from the Indian reservations you will be passing through.
Tom
Sacramento CA
2003 Eagle Cap 850 Camper
2019 Ram 3500 SRW 6.4 L Gasser
