OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: A moderate four-mile hike in Mount Charleston will take place Monday. On Aug. 31, join a moderate 2.5-mile hike at Stanley R. Springs along a creek to an old mining claim (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 Labor Day weekend, Friday-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).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: Tuesday's events will include a "no pressure" fun art class for ages 10 and over. No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. A discussion on the history of Red Rock will be conducted Wednesday twice an hour from 9 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, there will be an interactive program for children about desert survival skills. "Totally Tarantulas" will be presented Saturday for children age 5-12 years (515-5367).

Cedar Breaks: Cedar Breaks National Monument will host a special two-night event during Labor Day weekend. Members of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society will telescope night skies on Friday and Saturday beginning at 10 p.m. on Point Supreme. They will illuminate star viewing and answer questions about stars, planets and how to help preserve skies in your neighborhood. Cedar Breaks is located 23 miles east of Cedar City, Utah. For more information, contact Robin Hampton at (435) 586-0787, ext. 41, or the administrative office at (435) 586-9451.

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.