OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: On Monday, there will be a moderate four-mile hike along the Oak Creek Canyon trail for a desert overview, then head up a small mountain known as Potato Knoll for a slightly different perspective on Red Rock Canyon. Friday's events include a moderate-strenuous seven-mike hike that starts off with the trail to Badger Pass and finishes on the Dead Horse multiuse trail, some minor scrambling and brush are involved; also a moderate four-mile hike to Keystone Thrust to see one of Red Rock's more interesting geological features where two different eras collided long ago along a fault line. Saturday will feature an easy-moderate 4.5-mile hike at Inscription Hill for "new" views of the Conservation Area, several permanent springs where there's a good chance of seeing wildlife, birds and burros, ages 8 and over. On Dec. 7, there will be a moderate three-mile, one-way hike from Oak Creek to Pine Creek along the base of the escarpment on the Arnight Trail; carpoling required (515-5367).

Around the Bend Friends: This group of people over 50, interested in hiking and related social activities, plans a three- to four-hour moderate hike each Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. To learn more about the group and the meeting place for the hike, contact 228-0773, or the club's Web site: www. aroundthebendfriends.com

BIKES

Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club: Tuesday at 6:15 a.m. Meet at Einstein's Bagels, 9031 W. Sahara Ave., for an easy-paced ride to Red Rock (e-mail: dgcasey@cox.net or call 379-3737). A 6:15 a.m. moderate to fast 15- to 20-mile road ride on Wednesday. Meet at the NuVision Cyclery on West Lake Mead Boulevard, between Rampart Boulevard and Scholar Lane (228-1333). There will be a 30-plus-mile, moderate and hilly ride Wednesday and Thursday at 7 a.m., and a 30- to 50-plus -mile grade ride on Saturday at 7 a.m. Meet behind Starbucks on West Charleston Boulevard and Town Center Drive. Friday at 6:15 a.m., meet at Einstein's Bagels, 9031 W. Sahara Ave., for an easy-paced ride to Red Rock (e-mail dgcasey@cox.net or call 379-3737). Bring plenty of water for all rides.

The Desert Riders Club of Nevada: The Las Vegas Desert Riders Club of Nevada, a local chapter of the Honda Rider's Club of America, meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at Carter Power Sports, 6725 S. Decatur Blvd. All motorcycles are welcome (795-2000).

Red Rock Canyon: No experience is necessary for this six-mile introductory mountain bike ride on Dec. 7, starting from the Late Night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: "Night Wings," a discussion on the nocturnal primeval world of owls, will take place Thursday, ongoing from 8:30 a.m. to noon. On Friday, take a close look at the flora, fauna or geology of Red Rock and the surrounding Mojave Desert, ongoing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Also on Friday is "Tort for Tots," an interactive program about Nevada's state reptile, the desert tortoise, ongoing from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday's events will include an art class for those age 6 and over. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. Also, there will be a fun and interactive program for children ages 5-10 about different simple desert survival skills, with hands-on activities and a craft (515-5367).

Archaeo-Nevada Society along with the Bureau of Land Management invites volunteers to help with Red Rock Conservation projects. Visit www.archaeonevada.org.