There was a tragic story in the Sacramento Bee two days ago. It recounts a story told by one of the rangers and the person she rescued, who relied only on GPS to explore Death Valley. She was lost for five days and the story is tragic.

We won't share the details here, but Death Valley managers are becoming more vigilant in warning people away from hazards that don't necessarily appear on cell phone units and GPS equipment. In some cases, rangers have even asked companies to remove closed and hazardous roads from their systems. According to the article, about 50 have been removed all together.

The solution is a good theory to keep people off certain roads, but can also leave people even more lost if they take an unmarked road anyway. And Death Valley isn't the only national park to see an uptick in people who have become lost guiding themselves by GPS.

"Even before GPS and cell phones, one of my friends decided to take the back roads through Death Valley as an alternative route," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "It took six hours to find a safe road out, but even more striking about his story was that once it got dark they came across a stranded four-wheel drive. Those people were lucky. They might have had to wait for help overnight or worse, well into the next day."

Hoke says that there have always been two kinds of adventurers from Las Vegas. Those who book with tour companies and those who rent cars and attempt to travel with a GPS. A few years ago, he said, there was an audio series that guided people through Death Valley and the Valley of Fire.

"It was a good idea, but not such a good idea," said Hoke. "The not good part was that the company never considered that few people stick to the audio instructions. They get taken in by the allure of abandoned back roads, especially because the area plays tricks on them. What seems like a straight diversion often ends up in a scare."

Hoke said Death Valley is especially popular as a one-day destination from Las Vegas. In addition to always being a favorite among German visitors, the area has captured headlines several times over the last few weeks. The unexpected snowfall earlier this year. Scientists discover a 34,000-year-old living bacteria trapped in ice crystals. The recent inclusion of a grand piano as part of an indie film art project.

All of it, Hoke says, is part of the allure of Death Valley. Furnace Creek Inn is reported to be haunted. There are no shortage of ghost towns, including Rhyolite. And although there is a scientific explanation, it's still bizarre to see evidence of rocks that move by themselves.

"The proximity to Area 51 also leaves no shortage of things we might imagine about Death Valley," said Hoke. "Any place in the world where few people travel is a place where people feel things happen when they are not around."

Hoke adds that all of the areas are rich in natural wonders and places worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. However, he underscores the importance of thinking twice before setting off into the unknown on your own. TourGuy.com operators are much more familiar with hundreds of must-see areas after leading hundreds and thousands of tours to Death Valley.

"All of our operators strive to delver the best possible experience that no one will forget," said Hoke. "But more than that, they are experienced drivers who are trained to deal with emergencies, are always prepared, and have good relationships with many of the rangers. Above all, we want people to be safe."

With the weather being near perfect for Death Valley from Las Vegas, TourGuy.com says its 10-hour day tour is especially popular. The tour, which includes stops at Rhyolite, Badwater, Salt Lake, and the Sand Dunes among other sites, is offered on Monday and Wednesday.

Another popular tour before summer temperatures set in is the Valley of Fire From Las Vegas. The Valley Of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and includes stops at several striking rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.

Most excursions offered through TourGuy.com include complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from Strip hotels. For reservations and other Las Vegas attractions, visit the site or call toll free 1-888-801-1575. Tours range from just under two hours to two days. Group tour arrangements are also available.