What is Desert Mountain?
Desert Mountain is a private, gated community located in Scottsdale, Arizona, known for its exceptional luxury living, recreational opportunities, and breathtaking desert views. The community is made up of a variety of properties, including custom estates, golf villas, and homes that offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains, desert landscape, and city lights.
One of the most distinctive features of Desert Mountain is its exclusive status. As a private community, Desert Mountain offers residents and members a high level of privacy and security. It’s designed for those seeking an upscale, serene environment, with every detail thoughtfully crafted to provide a high standard of living.
Location and Accessibility
Where is Desert Mountain Located?
Desert Mountain is located in the North Scottsdale area, about 45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The community is nestled within the Sonoran Desert, with stunning views of the Mcdowell Mountains to the east and the Tonto National Forest to the north.
The beauty of Desert Mountain lies not only in its surroundings but also in its proximity to Scottsdale’s cultural and social offerings. Scottsdale is known for its vibrant arts scene, shopping, dining, and entertainment, all of which are easily accessible from Desert Mountain. The community is also close to the Cave Creek area, which offers even more outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
How to Get There
While Desert Mountain is tucked away in the desert, its accessibility is convenient. The area can be reached via Arizona State Route 87 (the Beeline Highway) or North Scottsdale Road, which connects to many of Scottsdale’s most well-known neighborhoods and commercial areas. Once you arrive at Desert Mountain, access to homes is restricted by gated entrances, ensuring the security and privacy of its residents.
History of Desert Mountain
The history of Desert Mountain goes back to the early 1990s, when a visionary developer sought to create a community that would provide an oasis of luxury living in the Arizona desert. The community was developed with the intent to preserve the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert while providing the highest level of comfort and exclusivity.
The development began with the construction of a world-class golf course, and over time, the community grew to encompass several neighborhoods and an array of luxury amenities. Desert Mountain has continued to evolve, adding new homes, services, and features to meet the demands of those who want to live in one of the most desirable locations in the country.
Living in Desert Mountain: Homes and Neighborhoods
Luxury Homes for Every Taste
Desert Mountain is home to a wide range of luxury properties, each designed to blend seamlessly with the desert landscape while providing all the modern amenities and comfort that residents expect. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home, a sprawling estate, or a more intimate golf villa, there is a home to suit every taste.
Custom estates are a major feature of Desert Mountain, with many properties built to the exact specifications of their owners. These homes often feature expansive outdoor living spaces, private pools, and panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
The golf villas and townhomes offer a more compact, maintenance-free lifestyle for those who prefer smaller properties but still want to enjoy the luxury and amenities of the Desert Mountain community.
Many homes in Desert Mountain incorporate sustainable design elements, with energy-efficient technologies, green building materials, and eco-friendly landscaping. The community’s developers and builders have worked to create homes that not only showcase luxury but also minimize their environmental impact.
Exclusive Neighborhoods
Desert Mountain is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique features and charm. Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods within the community include:
- Cochise Ridge: Known for its elevated homesites that provide panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains.
- Saguaro Forest: Offers an incredible mix of spacious homes and private, quiet surroundings, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
- Sunset Canyon: Located on the western side of Desert Mountain, these homes offer some of the best sunset views in the area.
- The Village: A collection of townhomes that provide a low-maintenance lifestyle while still offering access to all of the community’s amenities.
Each neighborhood has its own appeal, whether you’re seeking solitude, a sense of community, or proximity to the golf course.
Golf at Desert Mountain
World-Class Golf Courses
Desert Mountain is home to six signature golf courses, each designed by world-renowned golfers and architects, including Jack Nicklaus. These courses are among the best in the world, offering challenging layouts, stunning desert vistas, and exclusive access for residents and members.
The courses at Desert Mountain include:
- The Outlaw Course: Known for its challenging design and dramatic desert views.
- The Renegade Course: A private course designed with a mix of desert and mountain holes that is renowned for its scenic beauty.
- The Chiricahua Course: Offers a traditional layout, with narrow fairways and a challenging design for skilled golfers.
- The Geronimo Course: A long, wide-open course with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping desert views.
Golf Club Membership
Golf is at the heart of the Desert Mountain lifestyle. Membership to the Desert Mountain Golf Club is exclusive, and golf courses are reserved for members and their guests. Residents of Desert Mountain have access to the club as part of their membership, ensuring that they can enjoy their rounds without crowds or long wait times.
Desert Mountain Amenities
Private Dining and Restaurants
One of the standout features of Desert Mountain is its exclusive dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite with friends or an elegant dinner with family, the community offers a variety of venues to suit every taste. These restaurants and eateries are reserved for Desert Mountain members and residents, ensuring an intimate and private dining experience.
Casual Eateries: Desert Mountain offers more laid-back dining experiences for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere. These venues provide delicious meals in a comfortable, low-key setting, making them ideal for everyday meals or quick bites between rounds of golf.
Fine Dining: For special occasions or a more refined experience, Desert Mountain has several upscale dining options where residents can enjoy gourmet meals. These restaurants are renowned for their high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients and elegant settings, complete with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Residents can dine under the stars or enjoy breathtaking desert vistas while savoring exquisite dishes prepared by world-class chefs.
The private dining options allow residents to host events, celebrations, or intimate gatherings in settings that reflect the community’s commitment to luxury. Members can also enjoy access to special themed dinners, wine tastings, and seasonal culinary events, offering both variety and exceptional culinary experiences.
Fitness and Wellness Centers
For those looking to stay fit and healthy, Desert Mountain offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities designed to meet the needs of every resident. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Desert Mountain has something for everyone.
Fitness Centers: The community features fully-equipped fitness centers that are open year-round. These centers include the latest exercise equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines, and free weights. Residents can enjoy everything from intense cardio workouts to strength training, ensuring they can maintain their fitness routines with ease. The centers also offer fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, and group fitness sessions, giving residents a variety of ways to stay active.
Personal Training: For those seeking more personalized attention, Desert Mountain offers personal training services. Experienced trainers work with residents to create tailored fitness plans that align with their specific goals, whether it’s weight loss, strength building, or overall wellness. This level of one-on-one guidance helps residents maximize their workouts and achieve their fitness goals.
Spa and Wellness Services: In addition to fitness, Desert Mountain places a significant emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. The community’s spa and wellness centers offer a range of services, including massages, facials, beauty treatments, and other wellness therapies. After a long workout, a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial can be the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
Desert Mountain also offers wellness consultations to help residents improve their overall health and wellbeing. Whether it’s through nutritional guidance or stress management techniques, the wellness services are designed to enhance every aspect of the residents’ lives.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
For sports lovers, Desert Mountain is a haven, offering access to top-tier tennis and pickleball courts that are maintained to the highest standards year-round. Tennis enthusiasts and pickleball players alike can enjoy these exceptional facilities in the heart of the community.
Tennis Courts: Desert Mountain features professionally maintained tennis courts where residents can enjoy matches in a picturesque setting. The courts are designed to offer the best playing surfaces, ensuring that games are both fun and competitive. For residents who want to take their game to the next level, the community also offers tennis lessons and clinics, which are led by certified professionals who provide personalized coaching to players of all levels.
Pickleball Courts: Pickleball has become an incredibly popular sport, and Desert Mountain has embraced this trend by providing residents with top-notch pickleball courts. These courts are designed with the same level of attention to detail as the tennis courts, making them perfect for casual games or more competitive matches. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, the pickleball facilities offer something for everyone.
Both tennis and pickleball offer residents not only a way to stay active but also a chance to engage with their neighbors and enjoy the social aspects of the community. These courts frequently host tournaments, social mixers, and community events, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Clubhouses and Social Spaces
At the heart of Desert Mountain’s social life are its clubhouses and communal gathering spaces. These spaces are designed to encourage interaction among residents while providing a place to relax and unwind. The clubhouses at Desert Mountain are elegantly appointed, with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for various occasions.
Indoor Clubhouses: The clubhouses offer a variety of amenities, including lounge areas, bar services, and private rooms for small gatherings. These spaces are perfect for casual meetups, intimate dinners, or simply spending time with friends and neighbors in a sophisticated, yet relaxed setting. Many of the clubhouses also have fireplaces, billiard tables, and library rooms, giving residents a comfortable environment to socialize or read.
Outdoor Spaces: In addition to indoor areas, Desert Mountain’s clubhouses boast outdoor spaces that take full advantage of the stunning desert landscape. Patios and terraces allow residents to enjoy meals, drinks, and conversation while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Many clubhouses feature grill areas, perfect for residents to host barbecues or cookouts with family and friends.
Social Events and Gatherings: The clubhouses also host a variety of members-only events throughout the year. These events include holiday celebrations, themed dinners, wine-tasting events, and cultural gatherings. Residents are encouraged to participate in these activities, which offer the perfect opportunity to meet new people, engage with the community, and enjoy memorable experiences.
The clubhouses are the perfect places to forge lasting friendships, whether you’re attending a special event, taking part in a fitness class, or enjoying a quiet evening with a drink in hand.
Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Desert Mountain is located within the Sonoran Desert, one of the most diverse and beautiful desert ecosystems in the world. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that wind through the desert landscape.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve lies just to the east of Desert Mountain and is a protected area offering a vast expanse of hiking and biking trails. With its unique cacti, desert wildlife, and spectacular views, this preserve is a perfect place for a hike or an afternoon stroll.
Stargazing and Sunset Views
The desert sky at Desert Mountain is one of its most awe-inspiring features. Whether you’re watching the sun set over the mountains or stargazing under the clear desert sky, the views are truly spectacular. The absence of light pollution makes it an ideal location for stargazing, and many residents enjoy spending evenings on their patios or balconies watching the stars.
The Desert Mountain Community
A Vibrant and Welcoming Community
Living at Desert Mountain is more than just about enjoying the incredible amenities—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant and welcoming community. Desert Mountain attracts people from all walks of life, including retirees, families, and young professionals, all of whom share a love for the Arizona desert and an appreciation for a luxury lifestyle.
The community is known for its strong sense of camaraderie. Residents frequently gather at social events, golf outings, and community meetings, forming lasting friendships with neighbors. The community’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all residents is one of the reasons so many people choose to call Desert Mountain home.
Dining and Social Life
Gourmet Dining and Social Events
Dining is an integral part of the Desert Mountain lifestyle. The community offers access to some of the best restaurants in the Scottsdale area, with menus that reflect the diverse culinary tastes of its residents. From upscale steak houses to casual cafes, dining options at Desert Mountain cater to every palate.
In addition to regular dining, Desert Mountain frequently hosts social events such as wine tastings, holiday parties, and members-only dinners. These events offer a great way for residents to mingle, enjoy world-class cuisine, and make lasting memories.
Real Estate in Desert Mountain
Luxury Homes for Sale
For those looking to invest in a second home or find their dream residence, Desert Mountain offers an exclusive selection of luxury real estate. Whether you’re looking for a custom estate, a golf villa, or a cozy home with panoramic views, Desert Mountain has properties that can fit nearly every need.
Homes here tend to be on the higher end of the market, with many properties priced at several million dollars. However, the investment is more than just in a home—it’s about joining a world-class community in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
Why Choose Desert Mountain?
There are countless reasons why people choose to call Desert Mountain home. The combination of natural beauty, luxury living, world-class amenities, and a tight-knit community make Desert Mountain one of the most desirable locations in Scottsdale. Whether you’re drawn to the desert landscape, the exclusive golf courses, or the unparalleled privacy, Desert Mountain offers a unique lifestyle that is unmatched.
Conclusion: A Desert Paradise
Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a place where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony. Whether you’re interested in world-class golf, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the beauty of the desert, Desert Mountain has something for everyone. With its stunning homes, unbeatable amenities, and sense of community, it’s no wonder that Desert Mountain is one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.