Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

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.  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.