Description

Spring Mountain Ranch is an old homestead with open pastures and large lawns, a large shallow pond, several stands of trees, and a variety of old ranch building, all of which are surrounded by Mojave Desert scrub and watched over by towering sandstone cliffs. This island of green vegetation surrounded by a sea of desert scrub attracts birds and other wildlife. The different habitats and the interfaces between them provide a variety of places to bird. Water in the desert (including creeks, springs, and a pond) attracts a variety of wildlife and humans. Bird the picnic area, around the ranch house, and along the trails.

Link to area map.

This area was first used by white travelers in the 1830s, and the first cabins were built in the 1870s when the area was used for ranching. The ranch house, a relatively modern structure, was built in the 1940s. The older structures can be visited on guided tours, and the ranch house is open for self-guided tours. Visit the Spring Mountain State Park for information on the history of the area.

The main area, located near the parking areas, consists of picnic areas; stands of scrub oak, cottonwood, pines, and other trees; lawns and shrubs; pastures; and the ranch house. These areas attract a variety of birds, but they also attract picnics and other types of large, loud parties. Watch the trees, fence lines, power lines, and open sky for birds, including Western Scrub-jay, Great-tailed Grackle, Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Lucy's Warbler, House Finch, Violet-green Swallow, and Red-tailed Hawks.

The Overlook and Plant trails (link to map) make a nice 0.9-mile loop that runs northwest from the main parking area, climbs to a rocky overlook, wanders down by the pond, and returns to the main area through a wooded and sometimes swampy area. The trail begins at the west edge of the paved parking area and runs back along the entrance road. Starting out in mesquite and desert scrub vegetation, the trail climbs somewhat steeply to a rocky outcrop formed from an interesting conglomerate rock. The overlook provides nice views of the entire Red Rocks area. From the overlook, continue south on the loop to the pond, which can be seen from the overlook. As you approach the pond, note the trail (not the gated road) that forks off to the left -- this is the trail back to the main area. Bird the pond, then walk down the Plant Trail to the main area. Watch for Lucy's Warblers, Rock Wrens, White-throated Swifts, Violet Green Swallows, American Coots, Mallards, Ruddy Ducks, and wading birds on this desert trail with water.

The Ash Loop Trail (link to map) is a nice 0.75-mile loop that runs east from the Ranch House, down a wooded gully, across a creek, past a spring, and around a big loop, passing under a number of cottonwood, scrub oak, pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and ash trees along the way. Depending on how you walk it, there needs to be only a few yards of backtracking where you cross the creek. The trail starts in the parking lot on the east side of the ranch house. From the metal sign, walk south along the white fence into the bottom of the gully (about 50 feet). Continue down the trail, staying to the right at trail junctions. Cross the creek by hopping across the rocks. Across the creek, the trail forks to form a loop. Take the trail in either direction, as both lead back to the creek crossing. On the way out, cross the creek and stay to the right at trail junctions. The creek and spring provide water for wildlife, and a variety of birds nest in the trees. Watch for Ash Throated and western-type flycatchers, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Lucy's Warbler, Bell's Vireo, Abert's Towhee, House Finch, and a variety of other species. Keep an eye out for Desert Spiny Lizards, Side-blotched Lizards, and Western Whiptail lizards too.

Location

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on the west edge of the Las Vegas

Valley, about 30 minutes from downtown, but not on the Scenic Loop.

Hours

The State Park is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 or 5:00 PM (depending on season); the State Park website says the picnic area is open 8:00 AM to dusk.

Fees

Admission is $6 per vehicle.

Specialties

During migration, a variety of species are attracted to the trees. During summer, this is a good place for flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, and sparrows. This site also seems to produce Western Screech and Long-eared owls.