OUT THERE

HIKES

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 Red Rock. They meet at the Best Buy parking lot at West Charleston Boulevard and the Las Vegas Beltway in Summerlin for an 8:30 a.m. departure. Contact Diane at 228-0773.

Red Rock Canyon: A 12-mile strenuous hike around Red Rock Canyon, mostly on higher ground and featuring a view of the escarpment and Calico Hills. Elevation gain of 900 feet. On Saturday, a hike up the creek bed to the foundation, then loop back to the parking lot. Moderate, three to four miles. A moderate 2.5-mile hike to Ice Box Canyon, also on Saturday, to observe animal habitats. On Jan. 6, a 4.5-moderate hike on the Grand Circle Trail divided into three parts. In part one, participants will hike from the visitor center to Lost Creek and carpool back. An 801-foot elevation gain (515-5367).

Sierra Club: Join the Southern Nevada Group on Jan. 6 for a moderate hike to the Liberty Bell Arch, just across the dam in Arizona. Hike across volcanic rock and onward to a view high above the Colorado River of White/Black Rock Canyon, then across a steep slope to an unnamed canyon. Eight miles with moderate rock scrambling (280-2424).

BIKES

Bagel Ride: Leave from Aspen Creek Cycling, 1550 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Wednesday at 7 a.m. for a 22-mile ride. For more information, visit www.greenvalleycyclists.org or e-mail ronvolk@yahoo.com.

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 Blvd., between Rampart Boulevard and Scholar Lane (call Danny or Mike at 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.

Red Rock Canyon: No experience is necessary for this six-mile introductory mountain bike ride on Jan. 6, starting from the Late Night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Audubon Society: A Bald Eagle Count will take place 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 6 at Phraganat National Wildlife Reserve. Dress warmly and bring lunch, water and snacks. Call 361-1171 for reservations.

Archaeo-Nevada Society: Along with the Bureau of Land Management invites volunteers to help with Red Rock Conservation projects. Contact Gary Vetter at vettergl@aol.com or visit www.archaeonevada.org.