OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: A strenuous nine-mile hike will take place Tuesday at Cottonwood Valley. Explore the area north of Highway 160 and south of Bonnie Springs for views of the escarpment and burro sightings. On Friday, there will be a seven-mile strenuous hike through the end of Red Rock Canyon to explore the area above Keystone Thrust to the edge of the La Madre Mountains, a 1,300-foot gain. Saturday's events will include Peppe's Backpack Endurance Training/New Year's Resolution and Potluck Hike along the Grand Circle Trail, strenuous 13 miles; also a moderate four-mile hike at Lost Creek to Upper White Rock. A 4.5-mile moderate hike from the Visitor Center to Lost Creek with an 801-foot gain will be Jan. 4. (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 Blvd., 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. 21, starting from the late night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: 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 a program about lizards in the Mojave Desert for children 2-6 years old, ongoing from 1 to 4 p.m. (515-5367).

Ice-fishing demonstration: Spring Valley State Park will have an ice-fishing demonstration at 9 a.m. Jan. 10 at the park. Learn the basics of the sport. Ice augers, fishing techniques, heaters and hot beverages will be provided. Dress warmly and bring your pole and tackle (775) 962-5102.

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