OUT THERE

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: A four-five mile, moderate-strenuous hike to Fern Canyon will take place Monday. Some scrambling is involved. On Tuesday, a strenuous, six-mile hike from Sandstone Quarry to a peak by way of Brownstone Canyon will take place. Wednesday will feature an easy 2.25-mile hike along the Moenkopi Trail. Friday will feature a seven-mile strenuous hike with a 1,100-feet gain to Mountain Spring Peak. Also on Friday is a moderate, three-four mile hike at the Valley of Fire. Saturdays events will include a moderate, three-four mile hike to Keystone Thrust and an easy 1.5-mile hike to study the "Other History of Red Rock." On March 16, explore Calico Tanks and Boy Scout Overlook on this four-mile scrambling hike at Sandstone Quarry, also no experience is necessary for this six-mile introductory mountain bike ride on March 16, starting from the late night parking lot. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: A moderate five-mile hike to the Historic Railroad Trail will take place Monday. Friday will include a moderate 2.5-mile hike to St. Thomas. On March 16, moderate six-mile hike through the reds, yellows and purples of Rainbow Canyon to the remains of Anniversary Mine townsite where the borax mineral colemanite was mined (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).

Sierra Club: The annual Bowl of Fire Loop hike will take place March 16 and will feature narrow canyons and lots of red sandstone formations. Mostly easy 10 miles, but some scrambling (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 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.

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: "Birds of Red Rock Canyon," a program about the birds of Red Rock, will be presented on Tuesday. An event for junior hikers will take place Saturday at the visitor center. Youth ages 6-12 can partake in hands-on activities, exploration, interactive games and a project to learn about Red Rock. Space is limited (515-5367).

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: A program about the soundscape at Lake Mead NRA will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd. Learn about the ongoing research from sound stations placed in the park's wilderness areas (293-8900).

The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron offers a public boating course to interested boaters. Classes are from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and March 20 and 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. Call 255-3590 for more information or to register.

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.