History of Torino Ranch
History of Torino Ranch
Torino Ranch sits on land that has a diverse and fascinating history dating back to the original inhabitants, who were Paiute Indians.
In 1933, in the depths of the Great Depression, Charlie and Rachael Roberts moved to the 160-acre homestead on the slopes of Mt. Charleston, NV from Los Angeles. They called it Roberts Ranch, and there they lived and worked a cattle and dude ranch for more than 14 years. Lore has it that their Ranch was near an illegal whiskey still on Lovell Canyon road that has been called “Potato Row” in the time of Prohibition.
After the Roberts’ passed on, legend states that the ranch became a boys’ detention center, where young men were sent and put to work for behavioral rehabilitation. But perhaps its most famous owner, prior to Brett Torino, was Bill “Wildcat” Morris, a prominent lawyer and former owner of the Landmark Hotel-Casino.
Under Morris’s ownership, the Lovell Canyon property operated as an RV park with approximately 1,800 campers who paid a membership fee to enjoy the small watering hole he built on the property, as well as the jamborees and other outdoor activities and events held there. Unfortunately Morris let the property fall into bankruptcy, and when the RV Park was shut down, some members were so angry at losing their money that they burned and destroyed everything they could.
They shot the water tower full of bullet holes, stripped the copper wiring, and stole the plumbing and anything else of value from the few buildings on the property. When the watering hole dried up, the Ranch effectively became a garbage dump.
When Brett purchased the 162 acre Ranch in 1994, it was in a tremendous state of disrepair. But as the son of a real estate developer having spent his high school years working on construction sites driving 18-wheelers and front loaders, he was uniquely suited to the challenge.
“It was an enormous undertaking.” says Brett. “I had to swallow the entire project at once in order to deal with it holistically.”
Brett, who is an environmentalist at heart, saw the threat of a future owner creating a large scale housing development on the property and sold 122 acres to the US Forest Service to be protected in perpetuity. The remaining 42 acres was retained and became the natural paradise it is today.
“Someone once said to me, ‘You didn’t landscape the property, you painted it.’ That was a beautiful thing to hear because I put so much of my heart and soul into every brushstroke, every detail. The ranch looks natural, like it occurred organically, but everything was part of my vision of a healing oasis for our campers,” says Brett.
Today, Brett offers the Torino Ranch as a natural sanctuary and healing retreat to the children who camp there each summer.
In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership of over two decades with @nvccf. Together, we have diligently championed the cause of raising awareness about this illness and have been dedicated to advancing services provided to the children and their families. Over the years, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of educational services for children undergoing treatments and the establishment of a refuge through the summer camps at Torino Ranch, where cherished memories are created, offering a respite from the challenges faced by these young fighters. @kariofmanycolors @celenahaas1
Sharing a few more images from this year`s summer camps at Torino Ranch, these are some of the Founders personal photos. The Ranch was a haven of laughter and joy throughout the entire season, making it a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience. @nvccf @sunshinenevadaorg
School starts on Aug. 7 and the @bretttorinofoundation Education Services of @nvccf is there every step of the way. This program gives diagnosed children the opportunity to continue their education while in treatment, recovery, and post treatment with Brett Torino Foundation Learning Pod at @nvccf, Brett Torino Foundation “Heart of Education” Scholarship, School Re-Entry Team, Advocacy, Back to School in Style, C.A.P.S. PROGRAM, and more.
Please call Mrs. K at NVCCF at 702.735.8434 or email her at [email protected] for more information and education support. This program is available to critically ill children (K-12) diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases, their siblings, as well as to children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer and registered with The Caring Place Program.
🎉 Congratulations to @nvccf Jeff, Stephanie, and the entire team! What a remarkable honor, and we couldn`t be more proud to collaborate with you on Camp Cartwheel and the BTF educational services and programs throughout the year. Your dedication to the children and the Las Vegas Community is truly commendable. Thank you, NVCCF, for making a positive impact on so many lives! 🙌🏼 #givingback
A round of applause for another captivating camp experience with @sunshinenevadaorg! Immerse yourself in the world of camp I AM and TLC through this informative video, capturing the essence of camp life. While camp may be seen as a typical experience for some children, for those living with autism, it is an extraordinary and transformative journey. From engaging activities to forming meaningful connections with others and nature, both the campers and volunteers have created countless cherished memories. Stay connected with us throughout the year for captivating camp images on our social media, pages and website.
ICYMI: Proud to partner with @saveredrock and other local groups @centennial_subaru @republic_services and more for Lovell Canyon clean up with nearly 100 volunteers. We are committed to the continuous preservation and beauty of our nature lands.
Thanks for the love @sunshinenevadaorg! As we so often say "it takes a village!" Thank you for your dedication to children living with developmental disorders such as autism. 🥰🤗❤️
Thrilled to host @Sunshinenevadaorg summer camp at Torino Ranch helping those living with autism, we have waited more than 3 years to see all these smiling faces of the children. Can’t wait to host you all again next year! #givingback
It takes a village to support children with critical illnesses, to wrap services around them, and ensure that they and their families feel deeply supported. Summer camp fun not only brings joy but also instills strength and courage within them, empowering them to face medical challenges throughout the year. Together, we form a close-knit family, united in our dedication to their well-being. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @nvccf @8newsnow @8newsnowkirsten @kirsten.joyce
Last week, Brett Torino Foundation and @nvccf Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation held the 27th annual Camp Cartwheel Summer Camp at Torino Ranch for critically ill children diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illnesses. Over the decades many thousands of children have experienced the ranch since 1999, the foundation is committed to those we serve.
It’s beginning to look a lot like 🎄at the ranch.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
#happyholidays #glitteringlights #night #winter #wonderland #holidaylights
Have you visited Lovell Canyon? 🏔
Our team has worked for years with a specialized task force to make this area safe and environmentally healthy. We’re incredibly proud of the clean up and preservation work we’ve achieved.
Come see this natural wonder!
