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Spring Mountain Ranch
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Spring Mountain Ranch
Spring Mountain Ranch is a 520 acre oasis that 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.
There's a large area for picnics and bbq's, hiking trails, a little lake, and quaint mining shacks from the 1930's.
It's the perfect little getaway from the urban jungle, and it's not too far of a drive. I like coming here every once in awhile to take a hike and get away from everything.
This little gem of a destination is just 4 miles south of Red Rock Canyon and just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. While it doesn't quite have the scenic view of the red canyon, you do get a peaceful retreat with some excellent history behind it without all of the crowds found at Red Rock (as we drove out to Spring Mountain, we were the only car of 10 that did not turn off to Red Rock).
The entrance fee is $5 (or $50 for a yearly pass) for a regular car (more or less if you have a bike or bus). It is a short drive into the ranch to a fairly established property that has many different facilities. Included are a nice park area that can be used for various functions, decent restroom facilities nearby (nice to have when out in the desert), a muesum of sorts that was owned by Howard Hughes at one point and many different buildings that date from the 1930's.
West of the ranch is a small lake which at this time was almost dry...a few ducks and turtles swam through the last bits of the lake. When it is full it is much nicer to look at, but at this time it was a bit of an eyesore. As you continue around it you head into Sandstone Canyon which is a moderate uphill walk. As we had my 4-year-old, we only went a half-mile in before turning back (we know we'll be back here so it was fine to turn around). In the museum there was a list of events that include night-time walks into the Canyon, special events during Christmas, Halloween and Easter and a Civil War re-enactment in November.
To get away for a few hours or have a nice little family get together, look into checking out Spring Mountain Ranch.
Ok, I am not 100% sure but I do believe that the reviewer before me might be confusing SMR with Bonnie Springs, the Wild West Town just a mile from the ranch. They aren't connected and are two different places, and Bonnie Springs has a pretty run down petting zoo area, not the SMR I believe...could be wrong but just thought I'd mention it.
Anyways...SMR is a great little place and nice alternative from Red Rock, which my husband, son and I usually go to every weekend for hiking and such. They have a very nice picnic area and open field with green grass for activities, of course with a gorgeous backdrop of the mountains. The actual ranch house itself is interesting to look around, wish I could have managed to go on one of the guided tours though that are offered daily. You also can watch the horses at the ranch, or hike some very pretty trails leading back towards the mountains, and sit by a very pretty blue lake behind the ranch. Just to note, the landscape is so different from Red Rock even though they are so close because of the spring that runs through there, so a lot more green and different plants. Very beautiful, worth the five dollar cover!