The Ribbonwood resort, located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, was owned and operated by W.S. (Wilson Stout) Howell, Jr., d.1888-1967. Howell purchased 2000 acres of land at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains from the Southern Pacific Railroad with the intention of farming, but when the Pines-to-Palms Highway opened in 1932, he decided to open a rest stop to capitalize on the traffic that ran through portions of his property. Soon after, he began to clear paths to trails leading up to the Santa Rosa Mountains and created picnic areas. Rustic-style cabins soon followed. By 1935, Howell’s land was a full-fledged resort. Howell’s intention was to offer a place where those in ill health could rest and recuperate in a natural environment. He believed that the mountain location helped him rebuild his health and that it could do the same for others. Howell sold his land in 1964. It was developed into the town of Spring Crest, which sits within the Santa Rosa – San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
