If you are not into gambling or the desert, then not too sure why you would want to go to Las Vegas.

You mention Death Valley- You do realize that the hottest recorded air temp in the world was recorded in Death Valley in the month of July (134 degrees). And on that note, Vegas will not be much better in July either.

I think I would focus on California and some national parks there and maybe fly into Albuquerque and do a round trip from there to Grand Canyon (see some Native American sites as well), and if lakes, mountains and small towns are your thing, you could spend a few days in the White Mountains of Arizona exploring and communing with nature on your way back to ABQ.

<I still have about 10 days. What are my options>

You could easily spend 10 days just exploring California, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a large and diverse state.

Or you could fly to Hawaii from SFO or LAX. 10 days is plenty to see 1-2 islands there.

Wanna spend a few nights in a very unusual, beautiful town surrounded by The Topa Topa Mountains...try Ojai. Look it up. About 25 miles south of Santa Barbara. Lodgings are plentiful, great restaurants, and scenic, friendly and architecturally unique. Population 8,000.

America's truly outstanding Ojai Valley Inn may be outside of your budget parameters, but pleasant to visit the property.

Give us a look.