Winter hikes scheduled for Lake Mead area

Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 | 11:28 a.m.

Winter hikes in Lake Mead National Recreation Area will be offered to residents and visitors beginning Saturday. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Participants will meet at Lake Mead's Alan Bible Visitor Center and caravan by private vehicle to the designated trail head. Hikes will vary from easy, one-hour walks to moderately strenuous all-day hikes.

Reservations can be made at the visitor center in person or by calling 293-8990 starting Sunday, two weeks prior to each hike. Scheduled hikes for the next three weeks are:

Bluffs Trail -- Learn how plants and animals adapt to the special conditions of the Mojave Desert. Easy 1-mile hike Saturday.

Liberty Bell Arch -- Traverse a narrow wash through ancient river beds into Black Canyon to the vicinity of the natural arch. A moderately strenuous hike Sunday.

Teddy Bear Cholla Forest -- Dec. 10 Hike up and alluvial van along dirt roads to an interesting, compact grouping of unhuggable teddy bear chollas. Moderate, 6-mile hike.

Desert Vista -- Travel a rocky trail along an open ridge top for a panoramic view of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Moderate, 5-mile hike Dec. 12.

Plant of the Mojave Desert -- Look at desert plants that have undergone a variety of adaptations that enable them to exist in the harsh, desert environment. This 45-minute program is an easy walk around the Visitor Center Cactus Garden Dec. 17.

Bluffs Trail -- Learn how plants and animals adapt to the special conditions of the Mojave Desert. Easy 1-mile hike Dec. 18.

Creepy Crawlers of the Desert -- Examine spider and insect specimens and learn how these "bugs" have adapted to living in the Mojave Desert. This 45-minute program will be in the Visitor Center Dec. 19.

River Mountains Trail -- A series of switchbacks lead hikers up the River Mountains to spectacular views of Lake Mead's Boulder Basin and the Las Vegas Valley. Moderately strenuous, 6-mile hike Dec. 19.

Hikers must come prepared with required equipment including sturdy footwear and proper clothing. Long pants, hat and sunglasses are suggested for protection from cactus and sun. Hikers must bring their own lunch and water. Call 293-8990.