Question of the Day - 14 March 2022

In our humble opinion, that would be Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. 

This 520-acre park is nestled at the bottom of the Wilson Cliffs, sheer buff-colored sandstone bluffs, part of the Spring Mountain range that hems in the west side of Las Vegas Valley beyond Red Rock Canyon. The area’s relatively cool temperatures, plentiful water, bountiful bottom land, and gorgeous setting have attracted travelers since the 1830s. By 1869, a ranch had been established, with a stone cabin and blacksmith shop, both of which are still standing. Three generations of the Wilson clan owned the ranch from 1876 to 1948, after which it changed hands several times, until Howard Hughes bought it in 1967. The Nevada State Parks Division acquired the acreage, including the ranch house and outbuildings, in 1974 for $3 million.

The bright white picket fences, red ranch house, long green lawns, and tall trees are a surprise if you’re not expecting them. Mostly locals go to the park to hang out, toss frisbees and footballs, attend living-history presentations by the park docents, take in a theatrical presentation (when Theater Under the Stars is happening), and perhaps most of all, have picnics.

The park is within your 30-minute limit by about five minutes, depending on traffic. It costs $15 per vehicle (Nevadans pay $10) to get in, but it’s well worth it for the perfect picnic spot and other outdoor experiences.

Take West Charleston Boulevard, which turns into NV 159; the park is on 159, five miles past Red Rock Canyon.