Bonnie Springs Ranch Near Red Rock Nevada

Less than an hour from the hustle of downtown Las Vegas where bright lights and glitter dominate the horizon, Bonnie Springs Ranch wraps itself around a rustic view of days gone by. What once was a stop over for traveling stagecoaches now offers visitors a look into the way things use to be in an old west setting. Sprawled across a part of the Mojave Desert this is a key place to go for horseback riding and just to get away from the noise of the city. There is more to Red Rock than just cactus trees and sage bushes. Bonnie Springs Ranch offers something for everyone.

Old buildings marked as they were during the mid to late 1800's make up the Bonnie Springs Ranch structure. Events are staged to give visitors a feel for what life might have been like in the Old West. Actors spend their days recreating scenes depicting culture and characteristics of the time. Food and spirits, tokens and memorabilia make up the theme.

Oasis in the desert

Rough wood and rusty iron wheels set the pace. Scrubby terrain leads off in the distance back dropped by high mountain ridges. An array of animals bring life to the complex. Greeting visitors on the road is where the critters story begins. Along with free roaming burrows and goats, ducks, chickens, geese and peacocks wander about the grounds. They are mostly friendly and quite the entertainment. They are there for befriending and make great fun for photographing too.

Along with the free ranging animals of the park there is a petting zoo filled with more animals to encourage the photographers and childish spirit of everyone who visits. Some of the animals in the zoo are caged yet others are only confined to the petting zoo grounds. Goats, chickens, deer and ducks are just some of the animals afoot.

Caged critters bask in the sun while curious guest watch in wonder. There are lots of horses and ponies too because this ranch offers horse back riding tours of the terrain. Groups are taken on one hour trips across the dessert floor to explore as the settlers once did. They also have a train, hayrides and hangings.

Spending time in the petting zoo with a camera

Because so many animals are not confined to cages this makes the Bonnie Springs Ranch a good place to get up close to the critters. There are a big variety of animals and they are really friendly. It was very easy to walk right up and pet the furry findings. Most seemed quite content with their surroundings and all the people who came to visit.

Animals lend life to the ranch

This was a lot of fun. Native and imported animals give meaning and life to the ranch. The animals are a reminder of what kind of oasis this stagecoach stop might have been in such a desolate area. Away from the structures built and inhabited by man, the surrounding countryside is harsh and dangerous. Bonnie Springs Ranch provided much more than water on a settlers journey west to the promised land.

Routine Events Tell of the History

Staged shows, skits and a wax museum all give a bit of informative history to the area. A wax museum filled with life sized wax figures like historical Indian scouts, military leaders and presidents creatively depicts those who helped to shape the Old West. At Bonnie Springs Ranch there is so much more than meets the eye on first glance. Sharing the heritage of Bonnie Springs Ranch is left to a number of park workers, from actors to maintenance men and women. The hanging draws a crowd every time and the actors make sure to get the visitors involved in their story.

Setting the Stage

Throughout the buildings in this replica town there are settings with figures, relics and artifacts from the era. Costumes, furnishings and even some machinery are on display. With lots of gift shops, restaurants and family minded venues, this is a place to get away from the big city lights. Take a journey back in time and enjoy a bit of historical culture.