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Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
With a milieu of colourful cliffs, Spring Mountain Ranch provides a picturesque spot for hiking, picnics and ranch tours all year round.
Way Back When…
Spring Mountain Ranch holds the water rights to 52 springs, which many moons ago provided water for the Paiute Indians. In 1840 two mountain men, Bill Williams and Peg-Leg-Smith, brought bands of horses through Red Rock Canyon from Mexican ranchos in California and rested the horses in the Spring Mountain Ranch after the strenuous trip. Williams re-visited this location many times over, so much so, that the territory became known as Old Bill Williams Ranch.
Changing Hands
The 520-acre oasis changed hands several times over the next 120 or so years, but the most famous and interesting owner was another one of those mesmerised by the desert. Vera Krupp, wife of the German industrialist, Alfred Krupp made it her principal residence until she sold the property to Howard Hughes in 1967. At that time, Hughes was buying up everything he could in the Las Vegas area. The Nevada State Parks purchased it in 1974.
The Ranch Today
Now run by The Spring Mountain Ranch Docents, a volunteer non-profit organization, dedicated to interpreting the cultural and natural history of the park, Spring Mountain Ranch is a great place to spend some peaceful time away from the city, hiking through Sandstone Canyon, or riding along a horseback trail.
The Ranch House
The main ranch house is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., where visitors will find information about the ranch and surrounding areas, and the chance to grab a DIY tour around the ranch house interior. Park Docents are also on duty to answer any questions.
Flora and Fauna
Because of the higher elevation, the ranch offers a diverse opportunity for plant study. There are four plant communities, Desert Scrub, Black brush, Pinon-Juniper, and Riparian. Plants typical of the desert as well as woodland can be seen, and 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 nocturnal and varied, so many species remain unseen. Classic desert animals include antelope ground squirrels, a variety of lizards and snakes, kit fox, jackrabbits, cotton tails and coyote. Higher altitude species include mule deer, rock squirrel, bighorn sheep and badger.
The Living History Program
The annual calendar of events includes a Living History Program, which includes talks by costumed historical characters, and demonstrations of pioneer skills and crafts from the era of settlement in the 1800s.
Climate
The ranch is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley at 3,800 feet. 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.
Further Information
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas, via Charleston Blvd., in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Admission to the park is $5.00 per vehicle, which includes tours and programs.
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