Under the "stage stop" format, the race stops in a different town every night, allowing teams to rest. The format also allows host communities to show their hospitality to mushers and spectators with a variety of family-friendly events, including fireworks, dog shows, torchlight parades and pancake breakfasts.

The race was founded in 1996 to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For more information, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com.

MUSEUM WINTER TRIPS

The Utah Museum of Natural History will begin its winter and spring family field trips on Saturday with a daylong guided tour of Hardware Ranch in Cache County.

Those attending will ride on horse-drawn sleighs through herds of Rocky Mountain elk at the state-owned wildlife management area 15 miles east of Hyrum. Transportation to and from the museum and lunch are provided.

Cost is $75 per person.

Field trips planned for February include "Ecology and Geology of Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs" in Idaho and "Dog Sledding in West Yellowstone."

A minimum age of 8 is recommended for any of the trips. For schedule and registration information, call the museum at 801-581-5567 or visit www.umnh.utah.edu.

HUNT DEADLINE NEAR

Application deadline for big game permits is Jan. 31.

Applications will be accepted at www.wildlife.utah.gov until 11 p.m. on Jan. 31. Hunters can also phone in application in at 801-538-4700. Phone-in applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 31.

Those applying on the last day may find the system slow because of a large number of late entries.

For more information, call 801-538-4700.