Getaways Calendar: May
Wednesday through Saturday, Laughlin: 34th annual Laughlin River Run. More than 50,000 bikers descend on this Colorado River town each year for entertainment, poker runs and competitions. Visit the booths of thousands of vendors set up throughout the area. 949-502-3434. www.laughlinriverrun.com.
Thursday through Saturday, Reno: Reno Jazz Festival. This event features competitions, clinics and more than 300 performances by amateurs and professionals alike. University of Nevada, Reno campus. 775-784-4046. www.visitreno.com.
Thursday through May 1, Genoa: Genoa Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. This event features entertainers including Richard Elloyan and Steve Wade, Mike Beck, Wylie and the Wild West, Trinity Seely and Larry Maurice. 775-782-8696. www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com.
Friday through May 1, Prescott, Ariz.: The Whiskey Off-Road. Mountain bikers of all skill levels compete in this three-day event. The race starts on pavement and then climbs into the Prescott National Forest on fast single track and fire roads. Vendors, live entertainment and giveaways are also featured. 520-623-1584. www.epicrides.com.
Friday through May 1, Seligman, Ariz.: Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run. This event features a Fun Run drive from Seligman to Kingman on Saturday and then to Oatman and on to Topock/Golden Shores on Sunday. It is open to all street-legal vehicles, buses, RVs, roadsters and usually has more than 500 participants. Entertainment is also included. 928-753-5001. www.azrt66.com.
Saturday, Alamo: Carp Rodeo. Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a morning fishing competition. Games for kids, crafts and a free barbecue lunch for the first 100 attendees. Children 12 and older will need a fishing license. Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. 775-725-3417. www.lincolncountynevada.com.
May 6, Zion National Park, Utah: Rim to Floor or Rim and Back. This 10-mile ranger-led hike starts at the East Rim and travels down into Zion Canyon while exploring the geology, botany and desert ecosystems along the way. If vehicles are not available, the group will just hike to the rim and back. Participants must be in fit hiking shape. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. 435-772-3264. www.zionpark.org.
May 7, Lone Pine, Calif.: Wild Wild West Marathon. This event takes place in the foothills of Mount Whitney and throughout the Alabama Hills. There is a race for all ages and abilities, including a 50k, a marathon, 10-mile and 3-mile fun run. 760-876-4444. www.lonepinechamber.org.
May 7-8, Reno: Reno River Festival. One of the nation’s top kayaking competitions will also feature product demonstrations, instructional clinics and live music. Truckee River Whitewater Park. 775-851-4444. www.renoriverfestival.com.
May 8-14, Kanab, Utah: Amazing Earthfest. This festival celebrates public lands through scientific and cultural presentations, arts and entertainment, and guided hikes and tours. Various venues throughout the area. 435-644-3735. www.amazingearthfest.com.
May 14, Virginia City: Chili on the Comstock. Thirty of the best chili cookers in the West will compete for a spot in the International Chili Society World Finals later this year. Chili tasting and a kids zone are also featured. 775-847-7500. www.visitvirginiacitynv.com.
May 19, Zion National Park, Utah: Thursday Trek. Join a naturalist and learn about the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of Zion. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. 800-635-3959. www.zionpark.org.
May 24-29, Bishop, Calif.: Bishop Mule Days Celebration. About 700 mules will compete in 181 events. The Mule Days Parade on Saturday features the country’s longest-running nonmotorized parade. 760-872-4263. www.muledays.org.
May 27-30, Gerlach: Black Rock Rendezvous. This is a weekend of camping, restoration, celebration and education. Sponsored by Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Nevada Outdoor School, Friends of Nevada Wilderness and other regional groups. 775-557-2900. www.blackrockdesert.org.
May 28, Caliente: Lincoln County Homecoming. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a barbecue, parade, art exhibits, craft fair, children’s games, talent show and even a paranormal look into the old Caliente Depot. 877-870-3003. www.lincolncountynevada.com.
May 28, Virginia City: Memorial Day Parade. Come to one of Nevada’s most historic towns to celebrate and honor the nation’s fallen heroes. C Street. 775-847-7500. www.visitvirginiacitynv.com.
May 28-29, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture. Learn about the Zuni way of life, including their language, culture, dance and music. Demonstrations by weavers, inlay jewelers, fetish carvers, potters and painters. Museum of Northern Arizona. 928-774-5213. www.musnaz.org.
