Summer in Las Vegas is supposed to be hot. This provides the setting for the iconic hotel pools, the cool mountain air and for those in the know Super Summer Theater. Leaving Las Vegas via Charleston Boulevard, heading west, the city comes to an abrupt end. Red Rock Canyon begins. Continuing west along highway 159, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is on the west side of the road. It comprises 520 acres at the base of Wilson Cliffs in the Spring Mountain Range. This park is a working ranch and the setting for Super Summer Theater. The park provides a grassy meadow on a gentle slope. To this meadow a permanent stage, concessions booth/ lighting booth, storage shed, and rest rooms have been added.
Super Summer Theater
The gentle slope of the meadow makes the setting perfect for an outdoor production. Whether sitting on a blanket, bring a chair, or renting a chair; the setting is a delight for an evening of theater. The park has ample picnic areas, with grills. Most people bring their own picnic and eat right on their blankets, or relaxing in their chairs with a bottle of wine.
The season is usually four plays long one for each month. Each play is produced by a different local theater company. The 2011 season featured Annie produced by Stage Door Entertainment in June, The Drowsy Chaperone produced by PS Productions in July, Fiddler on the Roof produced by Jade Productions in August, and Five Guys Named Moe produced by First Step Productions in September.
The productions are more traditional musicals and comedies. They are family friendly and a great opportunity for an intergenerational activity. A walk around the grounds, while awaiting the production can further encourage family activities.
Spring Mountain Ranch
The area that became Spring Mountain Ranch State Park in 1974, has a long and interesting history. The petroglyphs in the area indicate that the Southern Paiutes used the area for hunting. The springs in the area provide water and the allowing the meadows, which became part of the ranch, to be used by travelers on a spur to the Spanish Trail which passed through Cottonwood Valley. As a remote oasis along the trail the area was also used by outlaws, mountain men, and miners.
The first legal claim to the property was in 1876 by James Wilson and George Anderson and the Wilson Family continued to live on the property until 1959. Even though it was mortgaged in 1919 and lost in 1929, Willard George, the new owner, allowed the Wilson Family to live on the property. Three generations of Wilson men are buried on the property. Mr. George added to the history of the Ranch by attempting to raise Chinchillas on the ranch. In 1944 radio star Chester Lauck began to lease the ranch and later purchased the ranch and began to build the ranch house. Besides using the ranch a vacation retreat, Mr. Lauck used the ranch as a boys' camp and built a water power generating system known as "Boulder Dam Jr." Howard Hughes purchased the land as a part of his vast Las Vegas holdings. Most likely he never visited the ranch. His name alone adds mystique to the Ranch’s history.
The plays have always been a delight. The weather will turn cool, even cold, by Las Vegas summer standards. A wise attendee will have a sweater or jacket no matter how hot the city was when it was left behind. Enjoy this hidden treasure of Las Vegas often.
Kim Youmans - Kim Youmans is an acclaimed educator, teaching preschool through graduate school. He writes about Theology, travels, and the outdoors.
