Ruhenstroth offers a quiet and rural desert community
The rural community of Ruhenstroth allows homeowners to feel immersed in the Nevada desert while being a short drive from civilization. “It’s a rural area. Everybody’s got a lot that’s an acre or bigger. You back up to the Pine Nut Mountains, which have thousands of miles of trails,” says Carson Valley resident Chris Griffith, a Realtor with Intero. “The views from just about anywhere in Ruhenstroth are phenomenal. You get starry nights with no light pollution. If you look up at night, you can see the Milky Way.” Outdoor recreation abounds with mountain trails to the east and the Carson River to the west. This small community is on U.S. Route 395, just south of Gardnerville, offering quick trips for work, shopping or dining.
Large lots and mini ranches make up the housing in rural Nevada
Ruhenstroth features established ranch-style homes alongside New Traditional and contemporary houses. Some properties have grassy yards while others are sandy with small desert shrubs. Most have fences surrounding the property. Attached garages are common, but many homes have detached garages or workshops. The spacious lots offer plenty of room for activities, including owning horses. “The majority of properties are allowed to own large animals, and most of them do. They’re like little ranches,” Griffith says. “There’s no HOA out here, so there’s not a lot of rules. People can kind of do what they want.” Homes built before 2000 can cost between $550,000 and $1 million, while those built in the 21st century range from around $760,000 to $1.17 million.
Off-roading, hiking and fishing in the Pine Nut Mountains
Ruhenstroth is surrounded by public lands that provide a wide variety of activities. Single Tree Access is a parking lot that connects to trails for off-highway vehicles. Visitors are required to stay on marked routes to protect plants and wildlife. The Pinyon Trail is a 5-mile path open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The trail forms a loop and offers views of the Pine Nut Mountains and Carson Range, with pinyon pines and Utah junipers dotting the landscape. Disc golfers can enjoy a round at the Pine Nuts Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course just north of the community. The Carson River flows past Ruhenstroth and is a popular spot for fishing and hiking, according to Griffith.
The Douglas County Fairgrounds brings excitement to town
The Douglas County Fairgrounds is close by and hosts several annual events. Livestock shows and a demolition derby are the highlights of the Nevada Agricultural Fair, held each July. The Douglas County Rodeo brings excitement to the fairgrounds in September. This lively event includes live music, food trucks and children’s activities.
Gardnerville offers locally owned dining and chain retailers
Locals can drive north to Gardnerville or Minden for shopping and dining. Griffith recommends J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room, which serves family-style Basque cuisine, including lamb, chicken and scampi. Other restaurants in the area include diners, cafes and pubs. Fast-food restaurants and chains line the street near Waterloo Lane. Groceries are available at Raley’s, Smith’s or Grocery Outlet. There is also a Walmart on Gardnerville’s south side.
Highly rated Douglas County schools serve Ruhenstroth
Gene Scarselli Elementary School serves the area and gets an A-minus from Niche. Pau Wa Lu Middle School earns a B, while Douglas County High School receives a B-plus. The high school offers nearly a dozen career and technical education pathways, including culinary arts. Students in this program can cater events and run a mock restaurant. Douglas High is also known for its success in Advanced Placement courses, with an exam pass rate of 87%.
Commuting is easy on Highway 395
Highway 395 is a north-south route passing through Ruhenstroth. It leads to Gardnerville, about 5 miles away, and Carson City, about 21 miles away. Topaz Lake and the California state line are just over 16 miles south. Carson Valley Health Hospital is about 3 miles from the community.
Preparing for wildfires in the Nevada desert
Ruhenstroth has a significant risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and vegetation in the area. Douglas County updated its hazard mitigation plan in 2024 and offers resources on its website for wildfire preparedness. The smoke from wildfires can also lead to poor air quality.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
