Red Rock Canyon and Howard Hughes’ Home

Last year at this time we skirted Las Vegas and went across Mt. Charleston bypassing Red Rock Canyon. There were a few signs along the highway pointing in the direction of the canyon. We decided not to go. The weather was much colder then and besides that trip was more about Pahrump and what was west of there than the Red Rock Canyon area. This year was different. It was one of the things we had put on our bucket list to see.

Check out the little vehicles you can rent!

Saturday we decided to do that. We left the RV park a little after 8:00 in the morning for the short 23 mile trip to the visitor’s center. The visitor’s center of any new area usually gives you an idea of what you’re in for. We picked up a map and were ready to go.

The only problem is we picked the wrong Saturday to visit. It was the day of a marathon. Part of the roadway was blocked off. Marathon runners, family, photographers, and officials were all along the way. Then, of course, with NASCAR in town and it being a weekend, many of the turnout parking lots were full. We also hoped to see the wild horses and burros who live in the area. With all the people around we figured that probably wasn't much of a possibility. Oh well …. win some, lose some.

At least we can say we visited Red Rock Canyon and had a chance to drive the 13-mile scenic roadway. That was the whole idea. Now we can cross it off our list.

Howard Hughes’ Ranch House

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park was 3 miles down the road from the exit of the scenic drive. Howard Hughes lived here. He bought the home for his wife, Jean Peters. The setting was gorgeous but the house was smaller than I would have imagined.

This area was used as a trail by pack and wagon trains. A spring-fed creek and grassy meadow formed an oasis for travelers This remote trail was also used extensively by outlaws involved in Indian slave trading, horse stealing and raids upon passing caravans. At one time this site was known as the Old Bill Williams Ranch since he used the area to rest his horses from raiding parties in the area.

Just down the road about a mile was the Bonnie Springs Ranch and Old Nevada. Bonnie Springs Ranch was built in 1843 to serve as a stopping point for wagon trains making their way down the Old Spanish Trail to California. This area is now a tourist attraction. Old Nevada is located there too and a western themed park. It certainly was a confusing place to visit. There is a motel, restaurant and the old western town to visit.

We certainly couldn’t figure it out. As we walked to the entrance, the fellow standing there said we couldn’t enter without a yellow sheet. What’s a yellow sheet?? We didn’t have one, didn’t know what it was and the little information ticket person wasn’t around either. I googled it when we got back and even their website didn’t explain where to get a yellow sheet. The only thing I could figure out is that the person telling us where to park was supposed to have sold us a car pass for $20. He didn’t offer it but he was kind of busy sitting on the old stump anyway. They only got one chance to get our money and they blew it.

Jim and Sandie in Paris

Saturday evening was something else. We went to the Eiffel Tower and dinner at Le Burger Brasserie with Jim and Sandie. That should work for a French restaurant. Well, at least the menu included food items in French. Obviously, it was overpriced but my cobb salad was delicious! Then, we visited Bally’s, Caesar’s Palace and Bellagio. Eventually, I’ll post pictures of the glitz of Las Vegas but Saturday was too full and I have a lot to sort.

I promised Terry that Sunday could be his day of rest. We’ll see if that really works out though.