If Red Rock doesn’t do it for you, keep driving. Eventually you’ll hit this park. Pack a picnic basket though, because there’s nothing nearby and it’s practically half an hour away from civilization.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a place to do something outside of Las Vegas, or just for a nice place to relax and enjoy nature.
1 – Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located in our great state of Nevada, and was established in 1876. It was founded in order to preserve the historic Sandstone Ranch.
2 – It has a picnic area, and a summer theater program through Super Summer Theatre, a local non-profit theater program.
3 – 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.
4 – 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, cottontail rabbits, kit foxes, and coyotes. Higher elevation species include rock squirrel, badger, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
5 – The 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.
6 – Past owners of the ranch included Chester Lauck of the comedy team “Lum & Abner,” German actress Vera Krupp, and millionaire Howard Hughes.
7 – It’s just $7 for entrance. Make sure you pack your lunch, as they have a somewhat small, secluded grass picnic area with benches and BBQ grills surrounded by trees. The place is very clean and makes for an awesome place to enjoy great food and company!
8 – Typically, the weather is 10-15 degrees cooler out there than in Vegas.
6375 Nevada 159, Blue Diamond, NV 89004
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