Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas, via Blue Diamond Rd., in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The many springs in these mountains provided water for Paiute Indians and later brought mountain men and early settlers to the area. This 520 acre oasis was developed into a combination working ranch and luxurious retreat by a string of owners who have given the area a long and colorful history. Past owners of the ranch included Chester Lauck of the comedy team “Lum & Abner,” German actress Vera Krupp, and millionaire Howard Hughes.
                                                                                                                                                                                        

PARK SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Super Summer Theater: Cultural events are put on by Super Summer Theater every May through September.  View the performance calendar and get ticket information by visiting www.supersummertheatre.org or calling (702) 594–7529.

Living History Programs: Living history programs bring the past back to life for a brief moment, giving visitors an opportunity to view life at the ranch as it might have been. These programs, which began in 1992, include costumed role playing, demonstrations and re-enactments of historic events such as the Civil War.

Each spring and fall a series of living history programs are presented depicting the lives of early settlers such as old Bill Williams, Jim Wilson, Olive Lake and other prominent Las Vegas pioneers. Programs are presented in the first person as seen through the eyes of the character, or are narrated descriptions of events in the lives of early pioneers. Demonstrations of pioneering skills are also presented, and visitors are encouraged to participate.

PARK FEATURES

CLIMATE: At 3,800 feet, the ranch is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley.    Temperatures range from below freezing to above 100 degrees and winds gusting down Sandstone Canyon are not uncommon. The summer season usually brings a few thunderstorms and flash floods. Winters are cold, with occasional snow showers.

NATURAL RESOURCES: Because of the higher elevation, the ranch offers a diverse opportunity for plant study. Four plant communities are represented: Desert scrub, Black brush, Pinon-Juniper and Riparian. Plants typical of the desert, as well as woodlands, can be seen. With adequate rainfall the spring brings a burst of wildflowers. Common species sighted are desert marigold, globe mallow, brittlebush, Joshua tree, Mohave Yucca and Indigo bush. Animal life is diverse but nocturnal, so many species go unseen. Typical desert animals include a variety of lizards and snakes, antelope ground squirrels, jackrabbits, cotton tails, kit fox, coyote and wild burros. Higher elevation species include rock squirrel, badger, mule deer and bighorn sheep.

FACILITIES AND VISITOR SERVICES

MAIN RANCH HOUSE:  Hours for the main ranch house are:  April, May, September and October from 10:00am-5:00pm; June, July and August from 11:00am-7 pm; and November-March from 10am-4:00pm.  Here visitors will find information about the ranch and surrounding areas, and can take a self-guided tour of the ranch house interior. Park volunteers are available to answer questions.

GUIDED TOURS:  Call the park for information on guided tours.

Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is charged per vehicle upon entering the park.

Picnicking: Tree-shaded picinic sites offer tables, grills and restroom.

Group Use Area: A group use area is available by reservation for groups of up to 200 people. Please contact the park office for more information or to make a reservation.

COMMERCIAL/RECREATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND GENERAL PARK RULES

REMINDERS

It takes centuries for nature to restore a desert area to its original condition once the soil and vegetation have been disturbed, so please observe the following:

• Drive on established roadways
• Park in designated areas
• Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length
• Plants, animals and minerals are protected by state law
• Dispose of litter in appropriate receptacles
• Observe closed areas and all signs
• Do not climb trees (the trees are more than 400 years old)
• Visitors are responsible for knowing park regulations
• Trails close one hour prior to park closing. Stay on trails.

About

The Nevada Division of State Parks plans, develops and maintains a system of 23 parks and recreation areas for the use and enjoyment of more than 3.3 million visitors a year. Read more...

Connect with State Parks

News

• Call for Recreational Trails Program Grant Pre-applications
• November Events at Valley of Fire State Park
• Civil War Days at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• Mountain Man Rendezvous at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• History Comes Alive at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park