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Mileposts STALKING WILDLIFE WITH A NEW GUIDEBOOK

Visitors hoping to see some of Arizona's incredible variety of wild animals no longer need be in the wrong place at the wrong time, thanks to a glossy new guidebook.

Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide, written by wildlife biologist John N. Carr, lists 90 scenic places where (and when) travelers can spot a Noah's ark of critters, from bald eagles, desert tortoises , and Merriam turkeys to mule deer, elk, and bison.

Bison in Arizona? You bet. The huge (up to 2,000 pounds) but agile (they can jump a six-foot fence) beasts were introduced here in 1906 in an unsuccessful attempt to breed them with cattle to produce "beefalos." Today visitors can see two state-managed bison herds: one at House Rock Valley near Jacob Lake in far northern Arizona and another at Raymond Ranch, about an hour's drive east of Flagstaff.

Details about these wildlife bonanzas and dozens of others fill the guidebook, the culmination of a multiagency effort that included the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Defenders of Wildlife. In addition to where-to-go information, the handy laminated softcover book is jam-packed with maps, color photographs, and tips (DO NOT approach bison on foot).

To obtain a copy ($5.95), call Arizona Highways, toll-free 1 (800) 543-5432. In the Phoenix area, call 258-1000. It's also available at Game and Fish, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix; (602) 942-3000.

BRIC-A-BRAC BARN

The owners of Smitty's Big Barn Antiques near Mayer claim that their six-acre establishment is the largest "storehouse of nostalgia" in the country. It may certainly be the most eclectic. Among the usual period furnishings, collector tins, and vintage juke boxes, a recent visit uncovered a snazzy 1927 Chevrolet with just 19,000 miles on it, a Barry Goldwater doll, an airplane made of beer cans, and a ceramic cheese dish with a cover in the shape of a big red rat. Whether or not you're into antiques, this place is worth a looksee. Located on the east side of State Route 69 just outside Mayer, Smitty's is about an hour's drive north of Phoenix. There's a nominal admission charged on weekends; browsing is free weekdays. For more information, telephone (602) 632-9223.

BEAD MUSEUM

Beads from around the world and dating to prehistoric times lure visitors to an unusual museum in downtown Prescott. Among The Bead Museum's don't-miss displays are multicolored glass beads (circa 1644-1911) from China and a beaded Tibetan sorcerer's "apron," said to be fashioned partially of human bone. Made of glass, ceramic, metal, and clay, the museum's beads are more than beautiful or curious: information on the exhibit cases reveals they're also a window on the past, providing clues to the cultural and technological advancement of their makers as well as information about ancient migrations and trade routes. The museum, at 138-140 S. Montezuma, is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Admission is free. For more information, telephone (602) 445-2431.

EVENTS COUNTRY MUSIC FEST

July 2-4; Vernon Bluegrass bands, a pit barbecue, and all-night campfires highlight this celebration of down-home music at The Ranch Resort in Vernon, a tiny community halfway between Show Low and Springerville and next door to the recreational wonderland of the White Mountains. Dry camping and RV parking will be available ($5 per night). Adult admission is $5; kids under 12 get in free. Information: tollfree in Arizona 1 (800) 4627262; 537-7333.

FABULOUS PHOENIX 4TH

July 4; Phoenix The largest one-day Independence Day celebration in the state takes place at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Plaza, Washington Street and 16th Avenue. The fun begins at 4:00 P.M. with performances by local and national entertainers, a chili cook-off, a jalapeño-eating contest, a car show, games, and amusement rides. While waiting for the largest aerial fireworks extravaganza in the Southwest to begin, at about 9:30 P.M., folks can succumb to the temptations of a food court boasting 40 vendors. Admission and parking are free. Information: 256-4125.

INVITATIONAL EGG FRY

July 4; Oatman The tiny one-time gold-mining town of Oatman is known nowadays for a couple of things: the burros that roam the streets and this annual event proving that it does get hot enough in July to fry an egg on the pavement. And some pretty famous pavement, too: Oatman's Main Street is the fabled U.S. Route 66. Contestants come from all over with ingenious ways (magnifying glasses are very popular) to coax the eggs to over-easy firmness, and successful sidewalk chefs take home prizes. Activities gunfight reenactments, sack races, an egg toss - start at 10:00 A.M., with the egg-fry set for high noon. Watching's free. Information: 758-1800.

PLEASANT VALLEY DAYS

July 17-18; Young About 150 miles northeast of Phoenix, at the end of a dirt road, lies Pleasant Valley, a picturebook eden of apple orchards, ponds, windmills, and scattered dwellings. But to many, the remote area is best known for the infamous Pleasant Valley War - sometimes called the Graham-Tewksbury Feud-which bloodied central and northern Arizona in the 1880s. Each year in the valley, the tiny town of Young commemorates its history with a parade, arts and crafts, gunfight reenactments, cowboy competitions, and museum visits. Also offered are tours to historic sites generally closed to the public, such as the remaining Tewksbury cabin (it's on private property). Most activities are free. Information: 462-3265.

Information is subject to change; telephone to confirm before planning to attend events. Unless otherwise indicated, telephone numbers are within area code 602. For a free more complete calendar of events, write to Arizona Office of Tourism, 1100 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007.