Cerca: Calendar

Whether your tastes run to snow sports or to snowbirding escapes from the white stuff, Cerca Country offers multiple opportunities over the next several weeks. Choose a couple from this list, and hit the road.

Friday-Feb. 6 and Feb. 11-13, Ely: Winter Steam Spectacular Photo Shoots at Nevada Northern Railway and museum. A now-rare chance to photograph steam trains at their steamiest. $425 per person, reservations strongly recommended. (866) 407-8326, (775) 289-2085, www.nnry.com.

Friday, Death Valley National Park, Calif.: Death Valley Borax Marathon, half marathon and 10K. The relatively flat course runs from Furnace Creek Ranch along Highway 190 and into the heart of Death Valley. www.envirosports.com.

Feb. 11-13, Bullhead City, Ariz.: Colorado River Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy great music along the banks of the Colorado River. This year's line-up includes the James King Band, Karl Shiflett, Lost and Found and Third Generation. Craft, food and beverage booths. Davis Camp, (928) 201-5819, www. coloradobluegrass.com.

Feb. 12, Zion National Park, Utah: Native Plant Seed Propagation workshop. Also focuses on using native species in landscaping and care of new plants in pots and in the ground. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute, (800) 635-3959, www.zionpark.org.

Feb. 12-13, Camp Verde, Ariz.: The Buffalo Soldiers living history demonstration group will celebrate African American Heritage Month at Fort Verde State Historic Park. (928) 567-3275, www.pr.state.az.us.

Feb.12-13, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: Winterfest. Annual weekend of family fun includes giant street fair with merchandise vendors, music and entertainment. Children's activities including pony rides and bouncing equipment. (928) 855-4115. www.golakehavasu.com.

Feb. 12-14, Wickenburg, Ariz.: Gold Rush Days. Head "Out Wickenburg Way" to celebrate the town's gold-mining origins. Parade has more than 125 entries including 1,000 horses, classic autos, floats and marching bands. Other activities include carnival, food booths, arts and crafts. (800) 942-5242. www.wickenburgchamber.com.

Feb, 14, Ely: "Be Mine, Valentine Ltd," a special on the Northern Nevada Railway, offers a romantic ride in a snowy night landscape, with music, wine and chocolate. Adults only, $32, reservations recommended, (866) 407-8326, (775) 289-2085, www.nnry.com.

Feb. 17-20, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: Western Winter Blast XXII. During this annual meeting of the Western Pyrotechnics Association, city visitors will be able to watch random launchings and detonations as the "pyros" test various products and show off their newest mixtures. SARA Park. (928) 855-4115. www.westernpyro.org.

Feb. 19-21, Bryce Canyon, Utah: Winter Festival. This annual event features cross country ski races, archery biathlon, and archery clinic. Also snowshoe tours, photography clinics, snow sculpture, children's fun races, and other entertainment. Ruby's Inn. (866) 866-6616. www.rubysinn.com.

Feb. 20, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Winterfest Star Fest. This special event at Lowell Observatory will feature indoor programs and numerous telescopes set up for viewing throughout the campus. (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu.

Feb. 21, Flagstaff, Ariz.: School's Out & Kids are Free. This daytime event at Lowell Observatory will offer science demonstrations, space theater shows, telescope viewing, scavenger hunt, tours, presentations and movies. (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu.

Feb. 25-27, Carson Valley: Eagles and Agriculture. This three-day event features opportunities to view and photograph birds of prey. Also offers falconing field demonstrations, photography workshops and access to some of the area's working ranches and historic barns. (800) 727-7677. www.visitcarsonvalley.org.

Feb. 26, Death Valley, Calif.: Spring Death Valley Century, Ultra Century and Double Century. This intense bike race travels from Furnace Creek, through the Badwater area and beyond in Death Valley National Park. www.adventurecorps.com.

March 4-13, North Lake Tahoe, Calif.: 30th Annual Snowfest. North Lake Tahoe celebrates winter with events both on and off its slopes. Includes parades, live music, contests, comedy shows, ski races and a polar-bear swim. (530) 583-7167. www. tahoesnowfestival.com.

March 5, Lone Pine, Calif.: Early Opener Trout Derby. Sign-up starts at 6:30 a.m. Fishing continues until the 3:30 p.m. weigh in. Prizes and cash prizes. Diaz Lake. (760) 876-4444. www.lonepinechamber.org.

March 6, Tahoe City, Calif.: The Great Ski Race. More than 1,000 Nordic ski racers compete on a 30K course from Lake Tahoe to Truckee. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. (530) 583-5475. www.thegreatskirace.com.