Ruby Valley unrolls like a sentence half-finished—long, quiet, resistant to summary. Its spine is dirt road and mountain shadow, its punctuation the silhouettes of juniper, fencelines, windmills, and distant cattle. East of the Ruby Mountains and west of nowhere in particular, this stretch of northeastern Nevada has been lived in, but never tamed. The neighborhoods here—places like Clover Valley, Ruby Highlands, and the Harrison Pass footholds—are less towns and more arrangements of persistence, tucked between alluvial fans and seasonal creeks.
Each settlement carries its own weather, its own altitude, its own unsentimental relationship to distance. This is land where mailboxes lean in batches off gravel turnouts and porch lights are optional. The mountains are always in view, but rarely spoken of; they’re not decor, they’re direction. Residents don’t just live off-grid—they live off-map, in small clearings with names that hint at old cattle routes or geological features. Life here doesn’t advertise, it accumulates—snowfall, silence, sky.
What draws people to the Ruby Valley is less a desire to escape and more a pull toward elemental structure: light that changes every 20 minutes, the clean divide between dry and irrigated land, the tight weave of community formed not by proximity but by weather and necessity. These ten neighborhoods are hard to spot from above, but they hold fast to the land, stitched into the basin’s edge with a kind of quiet certainty. You’ll find them only if you’re really looking.
10. Lamoille South Fork
Lamoille South Fork is a peaceful, rural neighborhood tucked along the southern fork of Lamoille Creek, offering a small population of around 100 residents. This quiet enclave provides a secluded escape with vast open spaces and scenic views of the Ruby Mountains.
Outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, with access to the Lamoille Canyon trails just a short distance away. The main industries in the area revolve around ranching and small-scale agriculture, giving the community a laid-back, country feel.
Its seclusion comes from the area’s remote location, miles away from major highways or urban centers. The natural surroundings and minimal development make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude.
Where is Lamoille South Fork?
Located south of Lamoille in Nevada’s Ruby Valley, this neighborhood is reached via Lamoille Canyon Road, branching off State Route 227. The winding roads, framed by mountains and creeks, contribute to the sense of seclusion.
Dense forests and rolling fields buffer the community from the outside world, heightening its private atmosphere. Access requires a drive through the picturesque Ruby Mountains, reinforcing its status as a hidden gem.
9. Ruby Highlands
Ruby Highlands is a small, elevated neighborhood with fewer than 80 residents, situated at a higher altitude in the Ruby Mountains.
Residents enjoy panoramic views, crisp mountain air, and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Due to the untouched natural beauty, hiking, birdwatching, and photography are popular pastimes.
Ranching and outdoor tourism—like guiding hunting and fishing expeditions—are the area’s main industries. The high-altitude setting and distance from major roads enhance the community’s privacy. Thick forests and steep ridges create natural barriers, adding to isolation.
Where is Ruby Highlands?
Ruby Highlands lies along the mountain ridges east of Ruby Valley, accessible by narrow, winding local roads from State Route 229. The drive requires navigating steep terrain, often covered in snow during winter, making it even more remote.
The area’s elevation and tree coverage create a peaceful, undisturbed environment. Visitors must prepare for a slow, scenic journey through the mountains to reach this hidden retreat.
8. Clover Valley Enclave
Clover Valley Enclave is a hidden rural community in the southern part of Ruby Valley, with approximately 90 people. The neighborhood is known for its sprawling properties and peaceful atmosphere.
Outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in nearby creeks. The primary industries are ranching and small-scale farming, as residents embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle.
The enclave’s isolation stems from its distance from main highways and the surrounding foothills that shield it from outside view. The quiet, slow-paced lifestyle and lack of commercial development make this neighborhood ideal for those seeking solitude.
Where is Clover Valley?
Situated at the southern edge of Ruby Valley, Clover Valley Enclave is accessible via County Road 788, which branches off from State Route 229. The remote location, with minimal road access and natural land buffers, fosters a secluded atmosphere.
Dense clusters of trees and rolling hills create a private, tucked-away feel. It’s a long drive through unmarked rural roads, reinforcing the community’s quiet charm.
7. Spring Creek Foothills
Spring Creek Foothills offers a remote yet charming lifestyle, with around 150 residents scattered across the base of the Ruby Mountains.
The community enjoys hiking trails, hunting areas, and stargazing opportunities due to the area’s clear, dark skies. Many residents work in ranching or commute to nearby Elko for employment, maintaining a blend of rural and semi-connected living.
The foothills’ seclusion comes from its rugged terrain and the surrounding natural barriers, which limit outside traffic and noise. This combination of wilderness and minimal infrastructure makes it a peaceful retreat.
Where is Spring Creek?
Located south of Spring Creek and on the edge of Ruby Valley, this neighborhood is reached via Jiggs Highway (State Route 228). The drive winds through valleys and low mountain passes, adding to the sense of remoteness.
The rough terrain and dispersed homes create a quiet, unspoiled environment. Residents must travel several miles of dirt roads to reach their homes, reinforcing the secluded nature of this foothill retreat.
6. Green Valley Retreat
Green Valley Retreat is a small, isolated community in Ruby Valley, with roughly 70 residents. Known for its lush, green fields and serene landscapes, the area attracts those seeking a slower pace of life.
Activities include fishing in the nearby creeks, birdwatching, and hiking along the valley trails. The local economy relies on ranching and eco-tourism, with a focus on preserving the natural environment.
The retreat’s remote location, miles from commercial areas or highways, provides a strong sense of seclusion. The abundance of natural buffers and limited roadways adds to its quiet charm.
Where is Green Valley Retreat?
Situated deep in Ruby Valley, Green Valley Retreat is accessed via County Road 790 from State Route 229. The route passes through expansive ranchlands and rolling hills, with few signs of modern development.
The lack of traffic and proximity to the Ruby Mountains heighten its secluded atmosphere. Reaching the neighborhood requires careful navigation of rural roads, ensuring a peaceful, hidden haven for its residents.
5. Elko Hills Hideaway
Elko Hills Hideaway is a discreet neighborhood with around 85 residents, tucked into the rolling Elko Hills just west of Ruby Valley. The area offers solitude and natural beauty, with activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.
Most locals work in ranching, small agriculture, or the eco-tourism sector. The seclusion results from the hills’ rugged geography and limited road access, shielding the community from outside noise and traffic. This hidden gem appeals to those seeking a quiet, nature-centered lifestyle.
Where is Elko Hills ?
Located in the western reaches of Ruby Valley, Elko Hills Hideaway is accessible via dirt roads from State Route 228. The rolling hills and scattered forested areas create a natural barrier, enhancing privacy.
The winding paths and remote setting ensure minimal outside activity. The drive involves navigating narrow, unpaved roads, adding to the sense of remoteness that defines this quiet neighborhood.
4. Jiggs Basin
Jiggs Basin is a small, rural community with a population of about 60, located in a wide, open basin near Ruby Valley.
The neighborhood boasts open grasslands, distant mountain views, and an abundance of wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hunting, hiking, and fishing in the nearby creeks.
The area’s economy is largely based on ranching and agriculture, with few commercial developments. The basin’s isolation is far from major highways, surrounded by natural barriers like hills and fields, making it a peaceful and private retreat.
Where is Jiggs Basin?
Jiggs Basin is located south of Jiggs, Nevada, near the southern end of Ruby Valley. It is accessed via Jiggs Highway (State Route 228), followed by smaller county roads leading into the basin.
The lack of commercial development and the open landscape create a quiet, undisturbed atmosphere. The remote drive and minimal road access add to the secluded charm of this rural community.
3. Franklin Lake Retreats
Located near the tranquil waters of Franklin Lake, Franklin Lake Retreats is an enclave offering serene residences with expansive acreage. Bordered by wetlands rich with wildlife, the area is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Homes are spaced generously apart, ensuring privacy and a peaceful environment for all residents. Recreational activities include fishing, kayaking, and exploring the surrounding natural habitats. The small community enjoys the quietude from being enveloped by nature, with an approximate population of just a few dozen people.
Where is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake Retreats is situated near Franklin Lake in Elko County, on the eastern side of Nevada’s Ruby Valley. The area is accessible via State Route 229 and local roads approaching the lake from the north.
The geography includes wetlands, marshes, and open water, providing a unique ecosystem in the high desert region. The retreat’s remote location and proximity to the lake make it a secluded spot for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle.
2. Ruby Valley Ranch Estates
In the heart of Ruby Valley, Ruby Valley Ranch Estates offers sprawling ranches that provide secluded living amid vast open spaces. The area’s rugged natural beauty is unmatched, with residents enjoying unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The estates are perfect for those interested in ranching, horseback riding, or simply savoring the tranquility of rural life. With a small population spread across large properties, privacy is a given. The community embodies the spirit of the American West, with a lifestyle closely connected to the land.
Where is Ruby Valley Ranch Estates?
Ruby Valley Ranch Estates is centrally located in Ruby Valley, Elko County. The neighborhood is accessible via State Route 229, which runs through the valley and connects it to other parts of the region.
Open grasslands, sagebrush plains, and a backdrop of the Ruby Mountains to the west characterize the geography. The area’s central location within the valley offers residents both seclusion and relatively easy access to nearby amenities in towns like Elko or Spring Creek, making it a unique blend of isolation and convenience.
1. Harrison Pass Hideaways
Near Harrison Pass, Harrison Pass Hideaways boasts large, secluded lots surrounded by the majestic Ruby Mountains. This area offers unparalleled privacy and stunning alpine views, making everyday living like a retreat.
Residents can indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing directly from their backyards. The neighborhood is prized for its serenity, with the sounds of nature providing the soundtrack to daily life.
With only a handful of residents, the community is tight-knit, sharing a mutual appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings.
Where is Harrison Pass?
Harrison Pass Hideaways is located near Harrison Pass, a mountain pass that cuts through the southern part of the Ruby Mountains. Accessible via State Route 228 from the town of Jiggs, the route to the neighborhood involves a scenic drive through valleys and ascending terrains.
The geography is notable for its alpine environment, lush forests, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views at higher elevations. The pass serves as a gateway to the rugged backcountry, enhancing this unique neighborhood’s secluded and adventurous spirit.
