Thorndike and Mahogany flat are likely 'snowed in' just now.  They're best
in late spring or fall or even summer since they don't get THAT hot.  You
may want to review the 'camping' regulations for the park, West Side Road
Darwin Canyon, China Spring,  Echo canyon, Hunter mountain road, Saline
valley.  Lots of primitive camping likely near wherever you want to go.
Similar to "Land of No".  Greenwater road comes to mind.  Take a fire pan if
you do fires and bring your own wood. If you bring it in, pack it out, after
all you have a TRUCK.  Leave it cleaner than you found it or the ghost of
the old ranger will thump yer haid.  Call the visitor center, pass my
regards to J.T. (park superintendent) and ask about backcountry camping.
www.nps.gov/deva will get you to the phone numbers.  Buy a Golden Eagle
pass, the upfront money goes to the parks and lordy they need it with all
the public funds going to support macho moves in the middle east so I can
afford gasoline or should that be gasolien.  Visit the desertsurvivors site
for more details on etiquette, and do bring a battered teapot to donate to
the shrine.