Flash Flooding in Canyonlands National Park: In late August, severe storms caused flash flooding and rock falls that blocked or washed out many Canyonlands roads. Due to the total failure of the switchbacks on Mineral Bottom, it is impossible to complete the White Rim as a loop. Shafer Trail is open, but many four wheel drive trails are closed in the Needles District, including Elephant Hill.

See Related Story: Canyonlands' Needles District

Mariachi Sundays on the Plaza: September and October are the perfect times to visit Old Mesilla, New Mexico. And they're even better on Sundays, when free mariachi concerts are held in the center of the plaza. Mariachi Sundays begin on September 20 and continue till the last Sunday in October.

See Related Story: Old Mesilla

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Closure: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will close for maintenance on Monday, September 13 with reopening tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 25. In addition to the normal annual maintenance the counter weight ropes will be replaced, which is scheduled every 12 years.

See Related Story: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Las Noches de las Luminarias: One of the most long standing holiday events in the Valley of the Sun is the Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias. Watch this beautiful Arizona landmark come to life amid the soft glow of more than 8,000 hand lit luminaria bags. Member ticket sales begin October 11. Sales to the general public begin October 23. Tickets sell out fast.

See Related Story: Desert Botanical Garden

Autumn at Filoli on Saturday, October 2: One of the most popular seasonal events at the Filoli estate, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, is the Autumn Festival. Guided tours are offered of Filoli's heirloom orchards, and visitors get a chance to savor one-of-a-kind pears, apples and grapes. It will be held Saturday, October 2 from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

See Related Story: Filoli: Elegance Meets History

Crow Canyon Adventures for 2011: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center hosts outstanding domestic trips during the year, most led by well-known archaeologists. In 2011, there are special trips to Chaco Canyon, Cedar Mesa, Slickhorn Canyon and even a Hopi Pottery workshop. If trips are booked before December 31, special discounts apply.

See Related Story: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Death Valley is Coming Back to Life: Autumn arrives in late October, with warm but pleasant temperatures and generally clear skies. The camping season begins in fall and so do the Ranger Programs, which continue through spring. Although it is relatively uncrowded at this time of year, the weeks leading up to Death Valley ‘49ers Encampment (second week in November) and the Thanksgiving holiday are busy.

See Related Story: Driving Death Valley National Park

Pardon Me, I'm Billy the Kid: Controversy is raging over New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's consideration to pardon the lengendary outlaw, who died nearly 130 years ago. Why a pardon? The then territorial governor, Lew Wallace, had seemingly promised one to the outlaw in return for his promise to give evidence in another murder case. But Wallace apparently reneged on the deal and left the Kid to fester in jail. Silver City, New Mexico was William Bonney's boyhood home, and many buildings from the time are still standing.

See Related Story: Silver City: Boyhood Home of Billy the Kid