MILEPOSTS/EVENTS

Enjoy New Boat Tours, Hike Sedona, Party with Buzzards, Sleep in a ‘Hogan’ WILDFLOWERS AND ROCK ART

Call ahead to be sure the blooms have blossomed, but one of the most enjoyable places we know to enjoy a sprinkling of spring wildflowers is the Deer Valley Rock Art Center, north of Bell Road off Interstate 17 (3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix). Of course, the center's rock art alone more than 1,500 ancient petroglyphs decorating the slopes of the Hedgpeth Hills is worth the drive out and the stroll along the quarter-mile path. Explore on your own or take a guided tour. Seasonal Tuesday through Sunday hours vary. Admission is $1 to $3. Information: (602) 582-8007.

EVEN FITNESS DROPOUTS HIKE TO SPLENDID RED ROCK VIEWS

We cater especially to first-time Sedona visitors, people who aren't veteran hikers," says Bonner Davis, assistant manager of Red Rock State Park, just west of town. "We have some of the best hikes in the area. All of them are easy, with less than a 10 percent slope. They're groomed, well-maintained, and signed." Red Rock State Park's seven hikes range in round-trip length from .4 of a mile to 1.9 miles. The hikes are interconnecting, and creek crossings are via footbridges. No pets are allowed in the park, and there's a strict if-you-pack-it-in, you-pack-it-out rule.

Red Rock offers three ways to enjoy the trails: Hikers can head out on their own, take along an interpretive brochure, or join a ranger-guided hike from the visitor center. For more information, call (520) 282-6907.

RAINBOW BRIDGE TOURS FEATURE LUXURY BOAT

Half-day and full-day cruises on scenic Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge - the largest natural bridge in the world now can be made on a luxury boat with a refreshment center, bar, and even a tiny gift shop. The 85-foot-long Desert Shadow carries 150 passengers. Half-day tours run year-round; full-day tours, which also explore side canyons, run April to midNovember. For more information, call (520) 645-1070.

UP-CLOSE CLASSES SET AT THE GRAND CANYON

The Grand Canyon Field Institute's schedule of more than 80 classes begins in March and runs to mid-November. The classes, which include a wide range of options from oneday workshops and day hikes to river excursions and backpacking treks, cover geology, history, photography, and birding. There also are classes for women only. Class size is limited, and prices vary. To obtain a catalog, write P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; or call (520) 638-2485. preview several trails, and showcase the gorgeous wildflowers. Hours are 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., and the staff conducts guided wildflower tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 A.M. Admission is $5, adults; $2, children five to 12; and free for under five. Call the Wildflower Hotline at (520) 6892811.Betty Campbell

SPRINGTIME WALKS

Spring in the Arizona desert defies description, but visitors can revel in its unique beauty by driving only an hour or so from downtown Phoenix. Here, a profusion of bluebells, desert marigolds, verbena, poppies, lupine and more cascades around the meandering trails of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Nestled at the base of imposing Picketpost Mountain, three miles west of Superior on U.S. Route 60, the arboretum delights lovers of the outdoors any time of the year. But March is wildflower month! The Blooming Board at the visitor center will tell you exactly what's blooming; and displays describe wildlife you may see,

NAVAJO BRIDGE CENTER OFFERS GREAT VIEWS AND MORE

Travelers on the FredoniaVermilion Cliffs Scenic Road (U.S. Route 89A between the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon) should stop at the interpretive center adjacent to the Navajo Bridge. There they can enjoy awesome views of the Colorado River coursing through the majestic terrain and also take advantage of the center's information on prehistoric peoples, pioneer river runners, and settlers.

WILD PLANTS PRODUCE EVEN WILDER RECIPES

Yum-yum. Nettle Lasagna, Creamed Tumbleweed, Cattail Biscuits, Lamb's Quarters Parmesan, and Prickly Sow Thistle Stir Fry are just a few of the delicious and unusual recipes served up in a book aptly titled A Taste of Nature. Although many books explain how to locate and identify wild edible plants, few describe what to do with them after they are harvested. A Taste of Nature does that along with offering a complete guide to range, habitat, nutritional and medicinal facts, and wild plant identification, covering the greater Southwest: Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and West Texas. Also included is a detailed drawing of each plant as well as a section on how to prevent misidentifying poisonous plants.

10th Annual Arizona Highways Spring Sale

Put a big red circle around April 4 on your calendar because that's the day the magazine's parking lots turn into a sprawling outdoor market jam-packed with bargains such as T-shirts, note and greeting cards, books, and gift items - many priced at or below cost. Shop for yourself or family and friends - and remember: It's never too early to think Christmas. The sale runs from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. Be sure to come early and hang around for the best buys and door prizes. Cold drinks and refreshments will be available. The magazine is at 2039 W. Lewis Ave. For more information about the sale, call toll-free (800) 543-5432; in the Phoenix area, call 258-6641.

This book is available at your favorite bookstore for $15.95; or order directly from the publisher: Ancient City Press, P.O. Box 5401, Santa Fe, NM 87502; (505) 982-8195. - Richard G. Stahl

NEW B&B OFFERS ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE ROUND

A new bed and breakfast inn has opened in Tsaile, near spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The hogan-shaped Rainbow Inn, located on the campus of Diné Community College, has eight guest rooms and features a scenic fishing lake. The inn's season extends from January through October but may expand to year-round. For information call toll-free (888) HOGAN-4-U.Y

SMOOTH SAILING TO SCENIC TOPOCK GORGE

To inquire about water tours of Topock Gorge on the Colorado River, call Bluewater Charters in Lake Havasu City, toll-free (888) 855-7171. The company's $250,000 49-passenger jet boat features cushioned seats, air-conditioning, a rest room, and snack bar - and a spokesperson says the new boat delivers smooth-as-silk rides. Tickets for the two-hour tours are $25 per person.

EVENTS Renaissance Festival

Weekends through March 29; Apache Junction Costumed m'lords and m'ladies mingle amongst the common folk at this re-creation of a 16th-century European market fair known for its jousting knights, games, olde world arts and crafts, and hearty victuals like giant turkey drumsticks. The fun's been going on weekends since February 7 and will continue till the last evil knight's been bested. Advance admission from Fry's food stores is $4 to $12; at the gate, $5 to $13. Information: (520) 463-2700.

Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market

March 7-8; Phoenix Color, pageantry, creativity, and history blend in this 40th annual Native American event featuring the works of 300 artists, many of whom are showcased in nationwide galleries. On display and available for purchase will be handmade and one-of-a-kind pottery, baskets, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, and clothing. There'll also be traditional music and dance performances, plus children's craft booths and authentic Indian foods such as fry bread, posole stew, Apache acorn soup, and Hopi stew. Admission, which includes the museum's exhibits, is $6, adults; $3, ages four to 12; free, three and under. Information: (602) 252-8840.

Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts

March 27-29; Tempe Some folks wait all year for this street fair, one of the biggest fine arts and entertainment festivals in the Southwest, and it takes place on nostalgic Mill Avenue between Third Street and University. Highlights include arts and crafts by 600 artists, traditional and ethnic food booths, continuous live entertainment, and a kids' zone. There will be so many

Photo Workshops VISIT ANCIENT INDIAN RUINS

Art and science join to explore ancient mysteries and stunning visual beauty during a Photo Workshop, May 8 to 14, conducted by the Friends of Arizona Highways. Blending archaeological and photo instruction, the Indian Ruins of the Southwest Photo Workshop offers tours of several sites, including Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde, and Chaco Canyon. Participants will learn about the peoples who made their homes in these areas centuries ago, as well as pick up special techniques to photograph the timeless scenic wonders.

For a complete schedule of trips, write the Friends of Arizona Highways at P.O. Box 6106, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6106; or call (602) 271-5904.

Here are the Photo Workshop dates for March through August: Mar. 23-26: Sonoran Desert Delight.

Apr. 20-24: Northern Arizona Sampler.

Apr. 26-29: Slot Canyons.

May 04-07: Slot Canyons.

May 08-14: Indian Ruins of the Southwest.

May 12-15: Slot Canyons.

May 21-22: Superstition Mountains.

May 26-29: Slot Canyons.

Aug. 21-28: Grand Canyon River Rafting.

Temptations for your wallet, you'll be glad to know admission to the festival is free. Information: (602) 967-4877.

Welcome Back Buzzards

March 28; Superior Forget the swallows and Capistrano - this is the day a faithful flock of turkey vultures comes back to roost in the eucalyptus grove at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a sanctuary for desert-loving plants and a couple hundred bird and animal species. Take bird-watching tours, wander the arboretum's trails, and if the weather's cooperatingenjoy the wildflowers. Admission is $5, adults; $2, ages five to 12; free, under five. Information: (520) 689-2811.

Yuma County Fair

March 31-April 5; Yuma The home of the infamous Territorial prison - and a favorite location site for Hollywood moviemakers who don't want to go all the way to Arabia for sand dunes - Yuma puts on a bucolic county fair that's popular with visitors as well as locals. A variety of activities includes a livestock show, an auction, a demolition derby, a carnival, and 4-H and FFA exhibits. Admission is $2 to $4. Information: (520) 7264420.