Shutterbugs unite! The sunrise light at Zabriske Point will make even the average photographer look like a pro. Join other photo-happy revelers and watch the sun make its entrance, slowly washing over the golden badlands at Death Valley's signature viewpoint.
Afterwards, head to the northern end of the valley to check out Ubehebe Crater. Two thousand years ago it was a volcano; today it's a 770-foot-deep crater in a moonscape environment. You have three options: hike down into the crater (super steep), walk 1 mile around the crater (not recommended for those with vertigo), or hike 1 mile to Little Hebe Crater (recommended). (If you like a little history with your outdoor adventures, make a trip to nearby Scotty's Castle—a Spanish-style "castle" built by a wealthy Chicago businessman in 1922 as a home base for his gold prospecting. The only problem: There was no gold.)
Take a long weekend... and discover why we think Death Valley is heaven on earth.
Zabriske Point is 3.5 miles east of Furnace Creek on Hwy. 190. The viewpoint is a short walk uphill from the parking area. Ubehebe Crater is 8 miles west of Scotty's Castle in the northern end of the park. The inside of Scotty's Castle is only accessed through a tour ($11 per person).