Desert Wildflowers in Anza Borrego: Because of late, cold rains, the peak of the annual spring wildflower show in California's Anza Borrego Desert State Park has been somewhat delayed. Normally hitting around March 10, plant experts are now predicting it will come two to three weeks after that. The good news is that this year is supposed to deliver "an exceptional show".

See Related Story: Anza Borrego's Lower Coyote Canyon

River Rafting the Yampa: USA Today just named rafting the Yampa through Dinosaur National Monument as one of its Ten Amazing Adventures Under $1000. There are four and five day trips down this only undammed river on the Colorado River drainage system. USA Today recommends O.A.R.S. Gowest prefers the personalized service and great food offered by Sheri Griffith Expeditions.

See Related Story: Dinosaur National Monument's Gates of Lodore

Extensive Road Construction in Yosemite: Expect 30 minute to 1 hour delays on the Wawona Road (Highway 41 from Fresno) starting in March, and on the Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) in July and August.

See Related Story: Tioga Pass Road

Almost Time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: One of the first signs of spring is a Heads Up for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival north of Seattle, Washington. The flower viewing season starts with yellow daffodils in March, a rainbow of tulips takes the stage in April, and irises and lilies provide color well into the month of May.

See Related Story: Skagit Valley's Tulip Festival

Cachuma Lake Trout Derby: The Cachuma Lake Trout Derby in the mountains northeast of Santa Barbara will be held this year on the weekend of April 17 and 18. There are cash prizes, and proceeds go to help the Nature Center inside the park.

See Related Story: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Evening Tours at Taliesin West: On Thursday and/or Friday evenings from February through October, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona offers twilight tours. You’ll have the unusual opportunity to view Wright’s desert masterpiece in a nighttime setting. In the evening the site assumes a luminous, jewel-like quality. The fire-breathing dragon is lit and the lights from the valley below create a dramatic, romantic setting. Reservations are strongly recommended.

See Related Story: Taliesin West: A 'Shining Brow'

Hike the Fiery Furnace with a Ranger: One of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah is into the Fiery Furnace. This amazing area is like a maze, so ranger-guided hikes are strongly recommended and fill well in advance. Two hikes a day are offered from March through October and reservations can be made online. This is a strenuous 3-hour hike. The terrain includes narrow ledges, cracks in the rock, and places where you must hold yourself off the ground by pushing against the sandstone walls with your hands and feet. There is no turning around once you're in the maze.

See Related Story: Driving Arches National Park

Grand Canyon North Rim Mule Trips: Most folks don't realize that mule trips can be taken into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. Although they don't go all the way to the river like their more-famous South Rim counterpart, these full-day expeditions do drop down 4300 feet to Roaring Springs. Even better, they don't have to be reserved a year or more in advance.

See Related Story: Don't Do the Tourist Thing!