OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: A hike up to the La Madre Springs cabin will take place Monday. Be on the lookout for small waterfalls. Some rock scrambling, three-four miles, moderate. On Tuesday, search for vegetation, geology and archaeology on a six-mile, moderate trip around White Rock Loop. Wednesday will feature the second in the series for "heart smart" exercise with a three mile, moderate hike. Saturday events include a two-mile easy hike to learn about Red Rock Canyon's hiking opportunities and a four-mile, easy-moderate hike to Inscription Hill. On Feb. 17, five-mile moderate hike to Potato Knoll Loop for views of Oak Creek Canyon (515-5367).

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: A moderate four-mile hike up Lovell Canyon, a dry desert wash, to the remains of an abandoned mine is scheduled for Monday. An extremely difficult hike to Fortification Hill will take place Feb. 17. Cut off from the surrounding area by 2,000-foot cliffs, the "hill" contains high desert vegetation and perhaps desert bighorn sheep. This is a very strenuous four-mile hike, involving rock scrambling (293-8990).

Las Vegas Highlanders: A hike to Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument is scheduled for Friday through Feb. 18. Cabin rates start at $125 per night (onecookhike@yahoo.com).

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).

Sierra Club: The Southern Nevada Group will have its second Sunday Walk and Waffles on Feb. 17 at the Pueblo Park Trail. A four-mile easy-moderate hike will be followed by brunch (896-4049, 499-9218).

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 Riders 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).

Historic Railroad Trail Bike Ride: On Saturday, ride your bike along an old railroad line which leads through five large tunnels before ending at the Hoover Dam Parking Garage. A one-way moderate four-mile route (293-8990).

Red Rock Canyon: No experience is necessary for this six-mile introductory mountain bike ride on Feb. 17, starting from the Late Night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Peregrine Falcons: "Peregrine Falcons -- the Untold Story," a program about birds of prey at Lake Mead NRA, will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd. Reservations are not required (293-8990).

Sierra Club: The Sierra Club, Southern Nevada Group, will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Wengert Room at Nevada Power Company, 6226 W. Sahara Ave. The topic will be "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Backpacking the John Muir Trail, Sierra Nevada Range." A new member orientation will begin at 6 p.m. (732-7750).

Archaeo Nevada: Archaeo Nevada will have a presentation on the proposed Tule Springs Ice Age Park. The event will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Building B, Room 203 (254-7883).

Red Rock Canyon: "Jr. Hikers -- Mammals vs. Reptiles." Bring the children Saturday and learn everything you ever wanted to know about mammals and reptiles through stories, games and activities. Ages 5-12. Less than one mile hike, easy (515-5367).

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.