Originally built in 1843 as a stopover for the wagon trains going to California along the Old Spanish Trail, Bonnie Springs Ranch lies in the heart Nevada’s iconic Red Rock Canyon. Only a half hour from the Las Vegas Strip, Bonnie Springs serves the desert community as a reprieve from the bustle of the city and recalls the West’s quieter, scenic past.
In 1846, General Fremont (en route to California) stopped at what is now Bonnie Springs Ranch to gear up for his trip through Death Valley and established the site’s significance. It was not until 1952, under the provision of Bonnie McGaugh and Al Levinson, that the ranch saw substantial renovation and resuscitation before opening to the public as a tourist attraction in 1958. Stables, a petting zoo, and a restaurant soon followed, and construction on Old Town, a reproduction of an 1880s mining community and the prime attraction at Bonnie Springs, opened in 1974 with the complement of a functioning saloon, shops, a wax museum, a wedding chapel, a replica schoolhouse, and daily performances/reenactments honoring the Old West. The ranch subsequently added a full-sized event arena, now the first site visitors see upon entering the property, that has hosted numerous rodeos and equestrian events. Today the grounds represent a delight for locals and tourists alike (as well as a few filmmakers).
Often called “an oasis in the desert” where you can stop for a cool drink of spring water, Bonnie Springs commits to servicing the Las Vegas area and remains the only opportunity for travelers seeking lodging, dining, and gambling in Red Rock Canyon. Our fine dinner house and quaint cocktail lounge ensure that all our guests stay comfortable, while our motel offers standard suites, larger rooms with full fireplaces, and themed rooms with Jacuzzi tubs.
We have a wide variety of animals, both native and non-native, for you to see in our zoo including our beautiful wolves and even Australian emus and wallabies. Access is included with admission to Old Town.
We also maintain on the grounds a large stable of horses for your riding pleasure and offer pony rides for the kids. Visitors can embark upon guided trail rides, group rides, and even horseback weddings for the adventurous.
As Red Rock Canyon’s “best kept secret”, Bonnie Springs Ranch remains an establishment and recreation area committed to serving visitors from all over the world (or just a car ride away). Additionally, the site serves as part of our western museum project to preserve the memory and aesthetics of a bygone era.
Restaurant
The World Famous Bonnie Springs Ranch Restaurant and Bar is known to be the best food and fun in the Red Rock Canyon area…and that is not just because it is the only restaurant and bar in Red Rock Canyon!
The Bonnie Springs Ranch Restaurant has been popular with locals and visitors alike since opening in 1964. The decor may be a bit quirky, but that is part of the charm that ties the ranch to Nevada’s Old West history. The food is fresh and delicious and our extensive menu offers simple traditional dishes to meet everyone’s dining tastes at every meal. From omelets and potato skins to Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches, hot pies, and our peerless burgers, the restaurant can accommodate any appetite. Our staff is awesome and everyone at our establishment cares about treating you and your family right.
Old Town
The prime attraction and visitor center at Bonnie Springs Ranch, the Old Town contains all the facilities and conveniences necessary to enjoy a stay near Red Rock Canyon.
The Wild West is still as wild as ever in Bonnie Springs Ranch’s Old Nevada Town, a replica of an authentic 1880s mining town. Bonnie Springs Ranch was founded in 1843 as a stop for wagon trains headed to California along the Old Spanish Trail and endures as a tourism and recreation center. The Old Town, opened in 1974, revisits the site’s history and closely follows the layout of traditional 19th century western towns to allow the visitor to experience Nevada (and Red Rock Canyon) as it once was. The spirit of the era lives on in the live entertainment (performed Wednesday through Sunday), as audiences are treated to recreated gunfights, melodramas, and hangings, and the Nevadan artifacts displayed throughout Old Town as part of the Old West Museum.
As seen on Ghost Adventures (season 4, episode 11), the ranch has left visitors stricken with stories of paranormal activity throughout the years. From ghoulish school children to reanimated wax figures, rumors persist as to the haunting of Bonnie Springs and the Opera House in particular. Appropriately, the entire Old Town area is refitted as a haunted house and zombie turf during October as part of “Bonnie Screams”.
The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 9pm! We are busy serving up the best burgers, chicken, and ribs in the West. Try our famous authentic bison burger! We have live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights and stay open a little later.
The site includes among its buildings: restaurant, gift shops/general store, stamp mill, photo gallery, schoolhouse, wax museum (accessible during tours), blacksmith’s shop, mine, shooting gallery, opera house, petting zoo, chapel, and saloon(available for larger parties and serviced by catering).
- Shows, Shops & Snacks
- Live performances and gunfights in the street
- Black & White Photos
- Convention & Banquet facilities
- Weddings
Horseback Riding
Start your day the cowboy way, with an early morning ride or any of our 1 hour trail rides. First come first serve; no reservation required. You must sign in 30 minutes before your scheduled ride at the main bar in the restaurant. To book a reservation for one of our specialty rides, contact the office at least 24 hours in advance. Email info@bonniesprings.com or call (702) 875-4191.
Horseback Riding is $60.00 per person for a one hour guided trail ride.
View our full horseback riding options and prices. Click here. CIS RRStables2017
The Red Rock Riding Stables:
- Guided trail rides by horseback
- Pony rides
- Specialty & group rides
- Horseback weddings
- Horse boarding facilities
Horseback Riding requirements:
- No one under 6 years of age.
- No one over 250lbs.
- No open toed shoes.
- No double riding.
Phone: 702-875-4191 | facebook.com/bonniesprings LIKE US! | Text “bonniesprings” to 902
The LEED gold-certified visitor center is designed to encourage stewardship for public land by providing an outdoor experience that instills a sense of personal responsibility.
The indoor portion of the visitor center includes a reception desk staffed by helpful employees and volunteers who can answer your questions, a million dollar view of the Calico Hills, touch screen exhibits, classroom and gift shop.
