Mileposts/Events

Explore Old Bisbee, Wing to Lake Powell, Try Some Salsa, Celebrate Yuma Crossing SEDONA ON THE BIG SCREEN

Visitors to Sedona can preview the red rock country's world-famous scenery and find out about its history at the SuperMax Theater, which opened earlier this year. The 243-seat theater, located at the Oak Creek Factory Outlets (State Route 179 and Jacks Canyon Road), offers a sweeping tour of Sedona's sandstone sculptures on a four-story screen. The awesome vistas are enhanced by digital surround sound. Ticket prices are $7, adults; $5, ages six to 12; free, five and under. For show times and other information, call (520) 284-3214.

NEW STATEWIDE TOURS

Phoenix-based Open Road Tours has added three new tours to its schedule.

The morning Southwest Plants and Cultures Tour ($45, adults; $22.50, under 12) in Phoenix includes visits to the Desert Botanical Garden and The Heard Museum.

The Tucson Day Tour (depending on options, $70-$85, adults; $45-$50, under age 12) offers visits to Mission San Xavier del Bac, Old Tucson movie studios and Western theme park, Saguaro National Park, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

The Sedona-Grand Canyon Three-day Combo ($335-$430) includes Montezuma Castle National Monument, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon, and a trek along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

To inquire, call toll-free (800) 766-7117 or (602) 9976474.

BUCKLE UP FOR LAKE POWELL

Scenic Airlines offers three daily round-trip flights be tween Phoenix and Page/Lake Powell. The 65-minute flights from Phoenix to Page depart at 8:20 A.M., 2:30 P.M., and 6:15 P.M.; flights from Page to Phoenix depart at 6:30 A.M., 10:10 A.M., and 4:20 P.M. Page-based Scenic Airlines utilizes a 19-passenger Beech 1900C pressurized and air-conditioned turboprop aircraft. With 21-day advance reservations, one-way air fare is $150; round-trip is $190. For more information, call tollfree (800) 245-8668 or (520) 645-2494.

CHECKING IN AT FLAGSTAFF

Two more mid-priced hotels have opened in Flagstaff, a year-round recreational mecca and site of the Snowbowl, says Priscilla Whitaker of the highcountry town's visitors bureau. "Families, couples, seniors, and single travelers have a great selection to choose from in Flagstaff," Whitaker says. "We have budget properties, elegant hotels, and a stellar collection of bed and breakfast inns. For a town of this size, our accommodations are extraordinary."

The Flagstaff Hilton Garden Inn (350 W. Forest Meadows St.) sits at the corner of South Milton Road (Interstate 17) as you enter the city from the south. The inn offers such conveniences as in-room refrigerators, micro-waves, and coffeemakers, two phones and lines with voice mail and data ports; there's also an on-site exercise room and meeting facility. For information, call toll-free (800) 333-0785.

Just across the street (2400 S. Beulah Boulevard), amid a cluster of restaurants, The Hampton Inn and Suites offers standard guest rooms, Jacuzzi rooms, one-bedroom suites with kitchen and fireplaces available, and data ports in every room; there also are meet-ing rooms and a swimming pool. To inquire, call toll-free (800)-HAMPTON.

FORAGING AT THE BOULDERS RESORT

Staying at a luxury resort isn't all playing golf and relaxing by the pool. At the famed Boulders north of Scottsdale, it also can mean paying a visit to a near-by farm to help harvest fruits and vegetables that will be used in meals served at the resort's five restaurants. The "Forager Fresh" seminars, in-spired by Chef Gus Brett, also offer guests tips on how to prepare healthy foods at home.

To ask about the seminars or resort amenities, call toll-free (800) 553-1717.

FOR MORE OUTDOOR FUN, TRY THESE GUIDEBOOKS

You've driven all the scenic tours, bumped along the back roads, and now you dream of roughing it on Arizona's trails, seeing what lies over that distant ridge. Maybe you like car camp-ing in a developed campground, or perhaps the wilds are calling you to backpack as far from civilization as you can get. Roust out those hiking boots and waterproof matches, because whatever your druthers, these two books will help you get started:

To order: Call toll-free (800) 543-5432. If you live in the Phoenix area or outside the United States, call (602) 258-1000. Shipping and handling charges range from $3.50 to $5.50, depending on how many books you order.

Special price: When calling, mention this code - AHM98SPAD - and you can buy both books as a set for $21.00 (a savings of $2.90).

EVENTS Festival of Pai Arts

September 5-6; Flagstaff At the Museum of Northern Arizona's continuing Heritage program, you'll enjoy a variety of authentic Hualapai, Havasupai, Yavapai, and Paiute arts and crafts, which also are available for sale. There also will be art demonstrations, music, dance, and special activities for kids. A similar Zuni Marketplace takes place September 12-13. The Museum of Northern Arizona is three miles north of Flagstaff on State Route 180 (at 3101 N. Fort Valley Road). Admission to each event is $2 to $5. Information: (520) 774-5213.

Brewery Gulch Days

September 5-6; Bisbee Get ready for fun at this 23rd annual event! Watch the Miz Ol' Biz contest, sample the delights of a chili cookoff, and cut loose in the horseshoe and water ball tournaments. There's more, including a dunk tank, pet parade, mining games, cake walk, kiddie carnival, and live music. Most events are free; there's a nominal charge for some (to benefit Meals on Wheels). Information: (520) 432-5421.

First Territorial Capital Days

September 5-7; Chino Valley Celebrate Labor Day at the seat of Arizona's first Territorial government, set up near Del Rio Springs in log cabins and tents by order of President Lincoln during the Civil War. This year they'll have a parade, corn dinner, rodeo, barbecue, fireworks, and antique tractor and car shows. Call for prices. Information: (520) 6362493.

Labor Day Rodeo

September 5-7; Sonoita The 84th annual edition of this huge rodeo features bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, roping, penning, and mutton button events. There'll be a steak dinner and dance Saturday and Sunday nights. Three-day passes are available; the dances are included in admission, which is $4 to $8; free, kids under five. Information: (520) 455-5553.

Chili/Salsa Cook-off

September 18-20; Mammoth Festivities begin Friday night with the "Fiesta de los Ninos" queen contest, open to young ladies ages five to 12 and 13 to 16. Chili and salsa preparations begin Saturday morning at 9 A.M., and the public is invited to participate in tasting and judging both red and green chili and a variety of salsas. The big parade kicks off Saturday at 5 P.M. on Main Street and heads for the Mammoth Little League field where booths, more food, games, carnival rides, and musical entertainment await. Mammoth is on State Route 77 about 50 miles northeast of Tucson. Information: (520) 356-3212 or (520) 896-9322.

Photo Workshops TREK THE NORTH COUNTRY ON SPECIAL PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Join the Friends of Arizona Highways and photographer David Smith on a Photo Workshop (October 19-23) that explores the unique vermilion sandstone formations of Sedona, one of the Southwest's most spectacular photographic sites. Workshop participants will meander along Oak Creek Canyon, where the sycamores, oaks, and cottonwoods create an ever-changing palette against the towering canyon walls. As the photo trek reaches the high country, participants will be introduced to Hart Prairie's rustic log homestead, which sits sheltered among the evergreens and aspens with a breathtaking view of the majestic San Francisco Peaks.

Then Page-based Gary Ladd will guide a workshop (October 25-28) through the broken limestone corridors and stunning gorges of Glen and Marble canyons leading to the mighty Colorado River.

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

Here are Photo Workshop dates for September and October:

Santa Cruz County Fair

September 25-27; Sonoita Fun for all carnival rides, 4-H exhibits and an auction, hundreds of open-division exhibits, team roping, and pig races highlights this annual event. All-day entertainment includes BMX showcases and a performance by a hypnotist. Admission is $3; students get in free Friday with I.D. Information: (520) 455-5553.

Yuma Colorado River Crossing Festival

September 26-28; Yuma "Together we have transformed this park into an oasis along the Colorado River," said Ken Travous of the setting for this celebration. The executive director of the Arizona State Parks Department was referring to the major makeover of the 19-acre Yuma Crossing State Historic Park, which features old-fashioned street lights, historic transportation exhibits, a festival stage, and an amphitheater. Festival highlights include a Hispanic Heritage Fiesta (Friday, 7 P.M.), historical reenactments, guided river tours, arts and crafts demonstrations, a quilt parade, and a street fair all designed for family fun and a look back to earlier times. Information: (520) 542-1996.