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Some of the coolest canyons, sand dunes and salt flats this side of the Rocky Mountains unfold before explorers seeing Death Valley which is in its prime during the winter time. Winter’s cool days, chilly nights and rare rainstorms (though you can see snow capping the high peaks) provide exceptional beauty for exploring the valley. The peak winter visitation goes from Christmas through Presidents’ Day weekend in February. Reservations are recommended if you plan to camp, call: (877) 444-6777, or nps.gov/deva

Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin is a surreal landscape of vast salt flats, Death Valley’s drainage system of 9,000 square miles. Sodium chloride or table salt makes up the majority of salts on Badwater Basin.

Death Valley Canyons, 3 to see: Mosaic Canyon,  Titus Canyon Narrows and Fall Canyon. Mosaic Canyon is the largest and most diverse canyon in the park. Within its lofty walls visitors can find volcanic deposits, a ghost town, Indian petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, and deep, winding narrows. Titus Canyon is accessible to high-clearance vehicles via a 26 mile, one-way dirt road beginning outside the park. The trip takes about 3 hours.