CERCA CALENDAR

May is the fairest month of all in Southern Nevada, say longtime residents. And the energetic will find much to do in the countryside of Nevada and neighboring states.

Friday, Seligman, Ariz.: Historic Route 66 Fun Run. This three-day event travels 140 miles from Seligman to Topock/Golden Shores. This run is open to all street-legal vehicles; buses, RV's, roadsters and usually has more than 500 participants. (928) 753-5001, www.kingmanchamber.org.

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 three-mile race. (760) 876-4444, www.lonepinechamber.org.

Saturday-May 6, Rachel: The X Rides...The Road is Out There, a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Features two rides, one for road bikes at night on the ET Highway, and an off-road mountain bike ride to the Area 51 security perimeter. (800) 565-2704, www.bikethewest.com.

May 10, Zion National Park, Utah: Energy Alternatives: Solar Power in Zion and Beyond. This workshop explores the economics of solar power and the ecological implications of it. The group will tour several buildings in the park that use solar energy. (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.

May 10-13, Reno: Reno River Festival. One of the nation's top kayaking competitions will also feature product demos, instructional clinics and live music. Truckee River Whitewater Park. (800) 367-7366, www.renoriver festival.com.

May 11-13, Fallon: Spring Wings Bird Festival. Held at the height of spring migration to the Lahonaon Valley wetlands, which become a temporary home to 260 species of birds. (775) 428-6452, www.springwings.org.

May 12, Cathedral Gorge State Park: Time in a Bottle. As part of Nevada's Historic Preservation and Archaeological Awareness month, learn how old bottles found in the desert and area ghost towns tell an important story about Nevada's past. Campground Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m. (775) 728-4460, www.parks.nv.gov.

May 12, Kingman, Ariz.: Route 66 Race for runners and pedestrians includes 10K/5K race and a three-mile walk. Prizes will be awarded to the top 10K and 5K finishers for each age group and by gender. Powerhouse Visitor Center. (928) 757-0664, www.kingmanchamber.com.

May 12, St. George, Utah: St. George Triathlon. Besides Olympic-distance triathlon, there's also a sprint. Sand Hollow State Park. (435) 770-3122, www.utahstgeorge.com.

May 12, Zion National Park: Edible Plants. Join a naturalist and learn how to identify edible plants in the field and discuss the ethics and legalities of wild plant collection. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.

May 13, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Mother's Day Fest at Lowell Observatory. This evening presentation features indoor and outdoor programs including numerous telescopes set up for viewing. Mothers admitted free. (928) 233-3211, www.lowell.edu.

May 17-19, Panguitch, Utah: Cowboys Ain't Dead Yet Festival. Watch a rodeo, listen to cowboy poetry and participate in other Western activities. There will be a dinner on Friday night to honor a local cowboy and family. (435) 676-8949, www.brycecanyoncountry.com.

May 19, St. George, Utah: Spring Tuff Kids Triathlon. This event emphasizes kids getting active, not just competing, and everyone who enters receives a medal. Each child will need to bring a bike, helmet, swimsuit and athletic shoes. Ages 7-16. Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. (435) 634-5860, www.utahstgeorge.com.

May 19, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Gary Ladd's Grand Canyon. A lecture by the award-winning wilderness photographer. Museum of Northern Arizona. (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.

May 22-27, Bishop, Calif.: Bishop Mule Days Celebration. Approximately 700 mules will compete in 181 events during the nation's premier mule show. Mule Days Parade on Saturday features the country's longest running nonmotorized parade. (760) 872-4263, www.muledays.org.

May 24, Zion National Park, Utah: Thursday Trek. Join a naturalist for an introduction to the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of the park. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.

May 25-26, Escalante, Utah: Escalante Heritage Days Festival. Arts and crafts, magic show, entertainment and food. Escalante Heritage Center. (435) 826-4542, www.brycecanyon country.com.

May 25-26, Williams, Ariz.: Rendezvous Days. Celebrate the town's Western heritage with a black powder shooting competition, lumberjack show, local crafts, a rodeo, carnival and a Memorial Day Parade. (928) 635-1418, www.williamschamber.com.

May 26, Zion National Park, Utah: Topographic Maps and GPS. This workshop will provide basic instruction on how to read topographic maps and save locations or routes on a GPS receiver. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (435) 772-3264, www.zionpark.org.

May 27, Beaver Dam State Park: Sunday Walk with a ranger. Learn about the history, geology and flora and fauna in the park. Expect to hike about three miles. Campground A, 10 a.m. (775) 728-4460, www.parks.nv.gov.

May 27, Flagstaff, Ariz.:Memorial Star Fest. Speaker Kent Colbath will present "Dinosaurs, plankton and asteroids: the science of studying mass extinctions." Numerous telescopes will be set up for viewing throughout the Lowell Observatory campus. (928) 233-3211, www.lowell.edu.