Cerca Calendar: May
Cerca country celebrates spring with a variety of outdoor events and activities.
Friday-May 4, Seligman, Ariz.: Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run. This event features a drive from Seligman to Kingman on Saturday and then to Oatman and Topock/Golden Shores on May 4. It is open to all street-legal vehicles, buses, RVs and roadsters and usually has more than 500 participants. 928-753-5001. www.kingmanchamber.com.
Saturday, 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 and a 3-mile race. 760-876-4444. www.lonepinechamber.org.
Saturday-May 5, Genoa: Genoa Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. This event features well-known entertainers, including Waddie Mitchell, Riders in the Sky, Dave Stamey, Saddle Cats and Mary Kaye. 775-782-8696. www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com.
Saturday, Chloride, Ariz.: Chloride All Town Yard Sale. The residents of Chloride go all out to offer visitors bargains on antiques and some useful and not-so-useful junk. The Historical Society also holds a bake sale. 928-565-4888. www.chloridearizona.com.
May 8, 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 10-11, 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. 775-788-2131. www.renoriverfestival.com.
May 10 and 18, Zion National Park, Utah: Rim to Floor. 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. Participants must be in fit hiking shape. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. 435-772-3264. www.zionpark.org.
May 11-18, 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. www.amazingearthfest.com.
May 20-25, Bishop, Calif.: Bishop Mule Days Celebration. Approximately 700 mules will compete in 181 events. The Mule Days Parade on Saturday is the country’s longest running nonmotorized parade. 760-872-4263. www.muledays.org.
May 23-26, 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 24, Virginia City: Memorial Day Parade. Come to one of Nevada’s most historic towns to celebrate and honor our fallen heroes. C Street. www.visitvirginiacitynv.com. 775-847-7500.
May 24, Zion National Park, Utah: The Ferns of Zion. Join botanist Steve McKee on the east side of the park to see some of Zion’s 25 species of ferns and fern allies. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. 435-772-3264. www.zionpark.org.
May 24-25, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Zuni Festival of Arts and Culture. Learn about the Zuni way of life, including their language, dance and music. Demonstrations by weavers, inlay jewelers, fetish carvers, potters and painters. Museum of Northern Arizona. 928-774-5213. www.musnaz.org.