Death Valley National Park

It's big, it's desolate, and it's a fascinating place. Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the continental United States, and this vast expanse of territory includes history (ghost towns, charcoal kilns, remnants of borax mines, and a "castle"), natural beauty (sand dunes, multi-colored cliffs, panoramic views, pupfish), and a reputation for being unforgiving to the unprepared. Part of Death Valley's power lies in its untamed nature, which means that before you plan an excursion here, be sure your vehicle's in good working order, that you have plenty of water, and that you have a good map. Plenty of tour companies in Las Vegas also offered guided tours into this fascinating place, which is only a few hours' drive from Las Vegas.