Outdoor activities around Southern Nevada

HIKES

Red Rock Canyon: On Monday, observe and discuss geology, plants and wildlife on a moderately strenuous, 2½-mile hike to the Keystone Thrust Fault; for ages 10 and older. Also on Monday, look for shooting stars and learn about the constellations on a moderate, four-mile night hike in Cottonwood Valley; for ages 12 and older. On Wednesday, learn the basics of nature photography on a moderate, 2½-mile hike along Fossil Ridge; bring a camera and a tripod. On Saturday, look for wildflowers on a moderate, three-mile hike in the Calico Basin.

For more information or to sign up for hikes, call (702) 515-5367.

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) 823-2355 or visit the club's website, www.aroundthebendfriends.com.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon: On Tuesday, create a masterpiece in an art class for ages 15 and older. Also on Tuesday, view types of arachnids, reptiles, birds and mammals found in Red Rock in a tabletop presentation from 11 a.m. to noon at the visitor center. On Friday, help clean up a trail. On Saturday, use telescopes provided by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society to view objects in the sky. Sessions are planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. near the visitor center, but participants must arrive before the gates are locked at 8 p.m.

For more information, call (702) 515-5367.

Valley of Fire: At 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. today, enjoy a one-hour slide program featuring beautiful plants in bloom in the Valley of Fire. At 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and April 29, learn about rock art in a presentation focusing on Anasazi petroglyphs found in the park. Those interested in attending should gather at the visitor center.

For more information, call (702) 397-2088.

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