Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is Spring Mountain Ranch state park. Beneath the cliffs of Wilson Range, Paiute Indians depended on the many springs in these mountains for water. Later, it was the early settlers who depended on this water supply. Developed into a combination working ranch and retreat by a string of owners (among them, millionaire Howard Hughes), this 520-acre park has an extensive and colorful history.

Spring Mountain Ranch state park climate and geography

Only 15 miles west of Las Vegas in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies Spring Mountain Ranch state park. The vast temperature range of below freezing to 100 degrees is attributable to the 3,800 foot elevation. The ranch is commonly 10-15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley. Winters are cold with some snowfall, and summers see thunderstorms and occasional flash flooding.

Park service organizations

There are two park service organizations: the Super Summer Theater and the Spring Mountain Ranch Docents. June through September, the Super Summer Theater hosts outdoor performances. The Spring Mountain Ranch Docents are a nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to preserving the natural history of the park.

Spring Mountain Ranch hosts an abundance of plant and animal life, all of which are protected by the state of Nevada. Everything in the park is protected by state law, and the distinguished 400-year-old trees are confirmation of the ecological splendor that the ranch provides. It also has a host of historical sites, group picnicing areas and living history programs.