Spring Mountain Ranch State Park near Las Vegas is a 520-acre historic oasis within Red Rock Canyon! Once owned by Howard Hughes and German actress Vera Krupp, this 1876 ranch features historic buildings and the famous Super Summer Theatre.
Historic Ranch (1876)
| Historic Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏚️ Founded | 1876 (first Las Vegas ranch!) |
| 🎬 Famous Owners | Vera Krupp, Howard Hughes |
| 📜 Status | National Register of Historic Places |
| 🏠 Buildings | 1860s blacksmith shop, Sandstone Cabin |
Self-guided tours: 10 AM – 4 PM daily (Main Ranch House). Guided tours available by calling the park.
Super Summer Theatre
| Theatre Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎭 Season | May – September |
| ⭐ 50+ Years | Nonprofit outdoor theatre |
| 🧺 Tip | Bring blankets + picnic! |
Desert Hiking Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Overlook Trail | Red Rock views |
| 🥾 Sandstone Canyon Loop | Scenic desert |
| 🥾 Ash Grove Trail | Easy family hike |
| 🚴 Elvis Presta Trail | Biking |
Park Info
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕗 Hours | 8 AM – 4:30 PM (Feb) |
| 💵 Fee | Entrance fee required |
| ⚠️ Note | Stay on trails—off-trail prohibited |
FAQ
Who owned this ranch?
Notable owners include German actress Vera Krupp and billionaire Howard Hughes. It was the first working ranch in Las Vegas Valley, established in 1876!
What is Super Summer Theatre?
A nonprofit outdoor theatre performing May–September in the park’s amphitheater. Over 50 years of productions! Bring blankets and a picnic basket.
Is this in Red Rock Canyon?
Yes! Spring Mountain Ranch sits within Red Rock Canyon, just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Stunning red rock cliff views from the trails!
🏜️ Vegas’s Historic Oasis
Visit Nevada State Parks website.
Things to Do
Nevada state parks reveal a stunning desert landscape beyond the Las Vegas strip — featuring ancient bristlecone pine forests, red rock sandstone formations, ghost towns, alpine lakes, and vast basin-and-range desert vistas. Activities include hiking through dramatic canyon and rock formations, camping under spectacularly dark starry skies, fishing in mountain streams and high-desert reservoirs, rock climbing sandstone walls, mountain biking, exploring historic mining ghost towns, stargazing, and wildlife viewing for desert bighorn sheep and wild mustangs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable conditions for desert parks. Summer is brutally hot in southern Nevada (110°F+), though Great Basin and northern parks at higher elevation stay pleasant. Winter brings snow to mountain parks and cool temperatures to the southern desert — ideal for comfortable hiking. Valley of Fire and Red Rock areas near Las Vegas are best visited October through April.
Visitor Tips
Nevada state parks charge day-use fees ($5-$10 per vehicle for residents, $10-$15 for non-residents). Camping reservations through the Nevada Division of State Parks website. Water is extremely scarce at desert parks — carry far more than you think you need. Valley of Fire and Cathedral Gorge are the most popular. Cell service is nonexistent in most rural Nevada parks.
Explore More Nevada State Parks
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Nevada. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Nevada guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is within about an hour’s drive, and Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
