Spring Mountain Ranch an oasis for area residents

Located just minutes from downtown Las Vegas, scenic Spring Mountain Ranch State Park draws visitors year-round. The historic 520-acre property became part of Nevada's system of state parks more than 40 years ago when state acquisition saved it from destruction. It continues to grow in popularity, drawing thousands to experience a beautiful place borrowed from yesteryear.

To reach Spring Mountain Ranch, drive west on Charleston Boulevard in front of the high cliffs of the colorful Red Rock escarpment. Watch for the state park sign on the right. Recently increased, entrance fees now cost $7 for Nevada residents or $9 for nonresidents. Those who visit the part frequently save by using one of the state park passes available at the agency office in Las Vegas.

Nestled against the cliffs at 3,800 feet near several springs and other water sources, the park is always cooler than Las Vegas by at least 10 degrees, and much cooler at night. No wonder the oasis drew the attention of early native people who seasonally camped there on hunting and food-gathering forays. Mountain men and explorers later frequented the site, seeking respite from the desert heat and forage for their livestock. Travelers on a branch of the Old Spanish Trail counted on the shade and water they found there. Raiders of the California ranches in 1840 watered and pastured stolen horses and mules in the meadows there, including mountain man Old Bill Williams. Maps thereafter named the site the Old Bill Williams Ranch.

The property became a legitimate working ranch in the late 1800s. In the 20th century, a series of owners improved upon the original crude ranch buildings, creating a retreat for the wealthy, starting with owner Chester "Chet" Lauck, part of the popular radio team of "Lum and Abner" in the late 1930s and 1940s. Other notable owners included German actress and munitions heir Vera Krupp, billionaire Hollywood figure and aviator Howard Hughes and automobile wheeler-dealer Fletcher Jones.

Today, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Annually, thousands of visitors picnic, explore, hike and tour the property. On summer nights, the ranch becomes a setting for theater under the stars. Park personnel and volunteer docents lead hikes and conduct tours all year. In spring and fall, they present living history programs to introduce visitors to the ranch's colorful past. Learn about pioneer ranching and enjoy outdoor barbecue during the park's planned Ranch Days on May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 1 also marks the first day Super Summer Theater tickets will be available. Tickets cost $12 per person. Under a cooperative arrangement between a nonprofit organization and the state park, outdoor productions start in June with a different show each month through September. Last year drew 39,000 people to Spring Mountain Ranch for the season. Those attending bring picnic suppers, beverages and picnic blankets. Light jackets are recommended, as even in summer the evenings cool off fast. Since tickets often sell quickly, investigate soon at www.supertheater.com.

Springtime visitors often enjoy bright displays of desert plants in bloom at the ranch, which boasts several kinds of habitat. Flowers this spring promise to be better than average since there has been more rain than usual. Watch for many colorful blossoms along roadsides and trails, in the pastures, near springs and streams and in the washes. Flower season will peak about the middle of May.

Guided tours of the grounds and the historic area assemble near the entrance at noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tours of the main ranch house begin at the adjacent visitor center, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hiking trails explore various parts of the park, such as Ash Grove, Sandstone Canyon and overlook points, covering distances from a half-mile to several miles. Follow these trails on your own or join a guide on hikes scheduled several times a week, generally in the cooler early morning or in the evening. Hikes on April 28 and May 26 under a full moon promise enchantment.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.