OUT THERE

HIKES

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: On Monday, a moderate, four-mile hike up Lovell Canyon. A moderate, three-mile hike to an area of abundant desert bighorn sheep will take place Wednesday. Thursday will feature a 1.5-mile moonlight stroll along an old railroad supply route that overlooks the waters of Lake Mead. On Saturday venture along the Bitterspring Bywayon this four-mile, moderate hike. March 23 will feature a hike at Bluffs Trail along an elevated bluff overlooking the Las Vegas Wash (515-5367).

Red Rock Canyon: On Monday, moderate, three-mile hike to the Keystone Thrust. Saturday's hikes will include the first in a series of combo hikes (five-mile, moderate) and spring wildflower discovery and a moderate-strenuous, seven-mile hike to Arnight Trail and Dale's Trail. March 23 will feature a four-mile moderate hike to hunt for flowers along the Bluffs trail at Lake Mead NRA (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 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 (228-0773).

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.

Red Rock Canyon: No experience is necessary for this six-mile introductory mountain bike ride on March 2, starting from the Late Night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

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: Thursday at the visitor center learn about Nevada's state reptile, the desert tortoise. No sign-up is required, ongoing from 10 a.m. to noon. Take a close look at the flora, fauna or geology of Red Rock and the surrounding Mojave Desert during a presentation at the visitor center, ongoing from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday. No sign-up is required.

The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron offers a public boating course. Classes are from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and March 27. 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 materials will be charged for each registered student (255-3590).