Torrance Ranch Preserve

The preserve is in the Oasis Valley which a part of the Upper Amargosa River Watershed. The free flowing water of the Amargosa River, numerous springs, and marshes are home to the endangered Amargosa Toad and a stop over point for many migratory birds.

The preserve is a work in progress. It's 130 acres but the part that is accessible to visitors is very small. There's a picnic area, a interpretive kiosk where a ranch house was located, a short dirt trail that leads to a short boardwalk, an old road that goes to  the ruins of a stone miner's cabin, and an uncompleted dirt trail. All the trails can be measured in feet rather than miles but this is still a nice stop and a welcome bit of greenery in the desert. We did not see any toads or fish though.

 

The preserve is accessible with help. Only two sides of the three sided kiosk are accessible due to rocks marking the edge the path and blocking access to the third side. The dirt on the trail is soft and silty making pushing difficult. The boardwalk does not meet flush with the ground. The old road is steep and rough.

 

There isn't a sign for the preserve on US 95. Look for Oleo Road on the east side of  95. After turning onto Oleo Road, turn left onto Torrance Ranch Road. There's a gate that must be opened. The road ends at the picnic area where there's enough room to park and turn around RVs. Preserve  37.00238, -116.72457