About Spring Mountain Ranch

Sprawling and splendid, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is adjacent to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and has been used historically as a working ranch and a luxury retreat by a string of colorful owners, including German actress Vera Krupp and millionaire Howard Hughes. Today visitors can explore some of the oldest buildings in Nevada, a 1860s blacksmith shop, the Sandstone Cabin that was home to the founding family and the ranch house. Hiking trails throughout the park, in addition to tree-shaded picnic sites with tables and grills, make day trips to the park a family favorite. And, every year Super Summer Theatre offers a variety of outdoor shows to enjoy.

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FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Group Use Area: A group use area is available by reservation for groups of up to 200 people.

Picnicking/Day Use: Tree-shaded picnic sites offer tables, grills and restrooms.

Main Ranch House: 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.

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.

Each spring and fall a series of living history programs are presented depicting the lives of early settlers such as 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.

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 visitingwww.supersummertheatre.org or calling (702) 579-7529.

Programs: Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

Hours: Park hours vary by season.

• June, July & August: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• September: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• October: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• November, December, January & February: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• March: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• April & May: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

FIELD NOTES

• Drive on established roadways.
• Park in designated areas.
• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
• Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
• Dispose of litter in appropriate receptacles.
• The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
• Observe closed areas and all signs.
• Do not climb trees - the trees are more than 400 years old.
• Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or on thePark Rules page.
• Trails close one hour prior to park closing. Stay on trails.
• View theSpring Mountain Ranch Commercial/Recreational Photography Information Sheet
• Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
• View a list offrequently asked questions.

NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE

Because of the higher elevation, the ranch offers a diverse opportunity for plant study. Four plant communities are represented: Desert scrub, Black brush, Pinyon-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. (READ MORE)

HISTORY OF SPRING MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – Established in 1973

Rich archaeological sites provide much information about early cultures that inhabited the area around today’s Spring Mountain Ranch.  Evidence has shown that man has been in the region for at least 10,000 years.  The many springs in these mountains provided water for the southern Paiute and later brought mountain men and early settlers to the area. The park was a 528-acre oasis originally 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 include Chester Lauck of the comedy team “Lum & Abner,” German actress Vera Krupp and millionaire Howard Hughes. (READ MORE)