Birding is one of the most popular pastimes in the country. While you can spot birds year-round, spring migration season—usually early spring to early summer—is peak bird-watching time.

This constellation of communities is close enough to Phoenix and Tucson for a weekend adventure, yet steeped in rural ambience. Here, amidst Arizona’s high-desert Pinal Mountains, you’ll find unique festivals, colorful shops, and great food.  

Many roads lead to Yellowstone Park, but only one route follows the Yellowstone River as it braids its way through the aptly named Paradise Valley, a stretch of only-in-Montana bottomland country framed by the soaring Absaroka mountains to the east and the Gallatin Range to the west.

Camping has boomed in popularity in recent years, but national and state parks have a limited number of camping spaces. However, a little preparation can go a long way toward finding a place to pitch your tent, even when park reservations are full.