As winter wanes in Cerca Country, energetic travelers find opportunities for cool-season fun in the rural retreats, museums and unspoiled spaces. See if some of these events tickle your tastes.

Sundays through March 25, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: Let's Go Snowshoeing. Join a naturalist and tour scenic areas of Big Bear Valley on snowshoes to learn about winter ecology and natural history. Snowshoes provided. Big Bear Discovery Center, (909) 382-2790, www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com.

March 3, Lone Pine, Calif.: Early Opener Trout Derby at Diaz Lake. Sign-up starts at 8:30 a.m. Fishing continues until the 3:30 p.m. weigh in. Cash and other prizes. (760) 876-4444, www.lonepinechamber.org.

March 3, Death Valley, Calif.: Death Valley Century and Double Century. This intense bike race travels from Furnace Creek through Badwater, then over the mountain passes to Shoshone and back. Two competitions, 100-mile and 200-mile. www.adventurecorps.com.

March 3 and 10, Big Bear Lake, Calif.: Eagle Tours. Take a tour with a naturalist to view bald eagles in their natural habitat. Telescopes and binoculars will be provided. Big Bear Discovery Center, (909) 382-2790, www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com.

March 10, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Rock Art on the Colorado Plateau. Join Kaibab National Forest Archaeologist Neil Weintraub in a discussion of the rock art found south of the Grand Canyon. Slide presentation. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, (928) 779-4395, www.pr.state.az.

March 11, Sparks: Top O' the Mornin' Fun Run/Walk. This event features a walk, a run and a costume contest for the best-dressed leprechaun. Sparks Marina. (775) 353-7898, www.visitreno.com.

March 13, Flagstaff, Ariz.: En Vogue: 90 Years of Riordan Women's Fashion. Learn about the many styles of women's clothing popular from the later 1880s to 1960s, featuring garments worn by three generations of women who lived on the site, historic Riordan Mansion, now a state park. 12:15 p.m., free. (928) 779-4395.

March 15-18, Cedar City, Utah: Cedar City Cowboy Gathering. This event celebrates the culture and traditions of the American West. Enjoy cowboy poetry, Western music, roping competitions, barrel races and Western art. Various venues. (435) 477-1545, www.cedarcitycowboy.com.

March 17, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Raptors of the Grand Canyon. Learn about the birds of prey that soar above the abyss. Museum of Northern Arizona, (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.

March 17, Virginia City: St. Patrick's Day Parade and Oyster Fry. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade that travels down streets painted with shamrocks, then feast on oysters. Oyster feasts became popular in 19th century because the shellfish could be kept alive and fresh far from an ocean. (775) 847-4386, www.virginiacity-nv.org.

March 17-18, Pyramid Lake: Model Dairy's Charity Fishing Derby raises money to benefit Northern Nevada children in need. Food and beverages provided. (775) 788-7900, www.mdfishderby.com.

March 18 and 25, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Spring Break Star Fest. Celebrate spring break with a special star party featuring Saturn. This special event will include indoor programs and numerous telescopes set up for viewing throughout the Lowell Observatory campus, www.lowell.edu.

March 24-25, Reno: Sleeping Beauty. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents classic storybook ballet choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne. Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the score. Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. (877) 840-0457, www.pioneercenter.com.

March 28, Zion National Park, Utah: Wednesday Wildlife Walk. This workshop explores the complex interactions between the physical and biological worlds of Zion. Moderately strenuous. Zion Natural History Association. (800) 635-3959, www.zionpark.org.

March 29-April 1, Laughlin: Laughlin River Stampede PRCA Rodeo. As many as 700 compete in eight traditional rodeo events, including bareback bronc riding, team roping and bull riding. (800) 227-5245, www.honeycuttrodeo.com.

April 1, Panaca: April Fool's Day Hike at Cathedral Gorge State Park. Join a ranger for an easy one-mile walk to learn about the flora and fauna found in this high desert terrain. Campground Amphitheater. (775) 728-4460, www.parks.nv.gov.