Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the hottest, driest, lowest place in North America - and about two hours west of Las Vegas, which makes the superlatives a legitimate day trip. The classic paved loop from Furnace Creek hits Zabriskie Point's golden badlands, Badwater Basin's salt flats at 282 feet below sea level, the paint-splashed Artists Drive, Dantes View a mile above the valley floor, and the Mesquite Flat sand dunes. Entry is $30 per vehicle for seven days, and the park takes no cash at all: pay by card at the self-serve kiosks or buy the pass online before you leave.

Respect the season above everything. October through April is glorious, and it's when nearly everyone comes; a wet winter can even trigger wildflower blooms. June through August is genuinely dangerous. Days top 120°F, there are heat deaths most summers, and the Park Service reduces its advice to arithmetic: outdoor activity in the early morning only, a gallon of water per person per hour. Practicalities matter here more than anywhere. Cell service is effectively nonexistent (download offline maps), gas inside the park is scarce and expensive, so fill up in Pahrump, and flood recovery still closes Scotty's Castle and several backcountry roads. Plan 8–10 hours door to door from the Strip, or take a guided tour and let someone else watch the fuel gauge.