OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: A moderate four-mile hike Monday will explore the Spring Mountains along the Saw Mill Trail. "Bats of Red Rock," an easy 1/2-mile excursion into the night world of bats, will take place Friday for those ages 15 and over. On Saturday join a moderate four-mile hike to Pine Creek to an old homestead and a nearby creek pool. Events on Aug. 24 will include a strenuous four-mile hike up South Loop through an avalanche area with a 1,400-foot elevation gain (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 at Mount Charleston. They meet at the third floor (left side) of the east parking garage of Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, for an 8:30 a.m. departure (228-0773).

Sierra Club: The Sierra Club will host a camping trip to Bryce Canyon National Park on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Most of the hikes will be on trails through the mazes in the canyon. The club has reserved a group campsite at Ruby's Inn. The cost is $5.50 per person per day. For more information contact 808-3855 or onecoolhike@yahoo.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 Aug. 24, starting from the late night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: "Animals in the Desert" will be presented Tuesday, ongoing from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 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. (515-5367).

Las Vegas Astronomical Society: The Las Vegas Astronomical Society will have a special presentation from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Red Rock Canyon, including telescopes to view objects in the night sky. The gate will close at 8:30 p.m. (515-5367).

Boating Classes: The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron will present a public boating course for all interested boaters. Topics include boat handling, rules of the road, docking and anchoring, required and recommended equipment, marine radiotelephone and trailering. There is no charge for instruction, however a small fee for course materials will be charged for each registered student. Classes will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 11. To register or for more information, call Clint Moore, 255-3590.

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