Planning a trip to Verde Valley

Getting There -- Camp Verde is just off I-17 at the junction with Ariz. 260. The latter highway leads northwest through the Verde Valley for 12 miles to Cottonwood.

Visitor Information -- Contact the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, 1010 S. Main St., Cottonwood (tel. 928/634-7593; www.cottonwoodchamberaz.org).

Festivals -- Avid birders may want to plan their visit to coincide with the annual Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival (tel. 928/282-2202; www.birdyverde.org), which is held the last weekend in April.