Outdoor activities around Southern Nevada

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: On Monday, discuss the geology, plants and animals encountered on a moderate, two-mile hike in the Calico Basin; for ages 10 and older. On Tuesday, explore the night world of bats during an evening at Red Spring; for ages 15 and older. On Wednesday, enjoy beautiful views on a moderate, 2½-mile hike to the Calico Tank "tinaja" that includes rock scrambling; for ages 15 and older. Also on Wednesday, explore the wild world of Red Rock on an easy, half-mile walk in Red Spring.

Around the Bend Friends: This group of people 50 and older who are involved in hiking and related social activities plans several hikes each week of various difficulty levels, including an easy-to-moderate social hike on Saturdays. To learn more about the group and the hikes that are offered, call (702) 228-0773 or visit the club's website, www.aroundthebendfriends.com.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon: On Thursday, learn about the animals found in Red Rock in a tabletop presentation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the visitor center. On Saturday, gaze at objects in the night sky from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. near the visitor center. The Las Vegas Astronomical Society will provide telescopes or bring your own. Participants must arrive before the gates are locked at 8 p.m.

Archaeo-Nevada Society, along with the Bureau of Land Management, seeks volunteers to help with Red Rock Canyon conservation projects. Visit www.archaeonevada.org.

Youth hunting season: The Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering a special upland game season for youth hunters Sept. 29 and 30. The statewide season is open to hunters 15 and younger. A junior hunting license with an upland game stamp is required for youth hunters who are 12 to 15 years old. Any youth participating in the hunt must be accompanied by an adult. Youngsters may harvest cottontail, pygmy and white-tailed rabbits as well as California and Gambel's quail or chukar and Hungarian partridge. Hunter Education classes are available before the youth hunt and are required for the purchase of a hunting license by anyone born after Jan. 1, 1960.