Date Farm Date

On Valentine’s Day, I went on a date to a date farm! We took Highway SR 160 toward Pahrump, then veered right onto Old Spanish Trail Highway toward Tecopa. The route is mostly paved but the last couple of miles dip down and meander through a dirt-packed canyon road that soon opens into a lush valley filled with date palms and cottonwoods, which line China Ranch Creek. The creek eventually joins with the officially designated 'Wild and Scenic' Amargosa River.

I was surprised to find the dirt parking lot full of cars and motorbikes. People were lined up inside to buy date milkshakes, baked goods and boxes of dates. I highly recommend the milkshake—it was delicious. I suggest adding pecans for the throwback price of an additional fifty cents. I bought China Ranch Hybrid dates, so sweet and flavorful. I wish I'd bought more for gifts and brought home some of the other varieties.

The property includes a small museum, a gift shop, and a nursery selling cacti and date palms. I’m looking forward to returning when I have more time to hike and explore the area. We ended the day at the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, the oldest bar in Southern Nevada. There, I had the High Blue Cactus Burger. It was perfectly seasoned, with a piece of pickled and grilled Nopalitos cactus, bacon, and blue cheese sauce.

It was the perfect day trip. You can hike five different trails at China Date Ranch. I recommend starting earlyish, between 9 am and 10 am, to allow time for wandering. It took about an hour and forty-five minutes to get there. We would love to hear about your experience when you go!

You can find more information about the farm at chinaranch.com.