Desert Mountain is the most ambitious private golf community ever built in Arizona — and arguably in the American Southwest. Spanning more than 8,000 acres in the high Sonoran Desert north of Scottsdale, Desert Mountain is home to six Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, a world-class private club, and some of the most spectacular estate properties in the state.
Six Courses, One Community
What sets Desert Mountain apart from every other golf community in Arizona is the sheer scale and quality of its golf offering. Six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses — Cochise, Geronimo, Apache, Renegade, Outlaw, and Chiricahua — provide members with an unparalleled variety of playing experiences. Each course has its own character, difficulty profile, and scenic quality. No other private community in Arizona offers anything approaching this depth of golf.
The Desert Mountain Club
Membership in The Desert Mountain Club is a significant investment and a prerequisite for full enjoyment of the community. The club offers golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness, spa, and multiple dining venues. The social calendar is active and the membership is composed of accomplished individuals from across the country. Club membership is separate from home ownership and involves both an initiation fee and ongoing dues.
Real Estate Overview
Desert Mountain homes range from approximately $1.5 million for smaller, older properties to $10 million+ for newer custom estates with premium views and locations. The community encompasses several distinct villages, each with its own character and price range. Homes on the golf course or with dramatic mountain and city light views command significant premiums. The community has seen strong appreciation driven by the scarcity of comparable golf communities anywhere in the country.
Elevation and Climate
At approximately 3,000–4,000 feet of elevation, Desert Mountain enjoys a noticeably cooler climate than the Scottsdale valley floor — typically 5–10 degrees cooler in summer. This is a significant quality-of-life advantage for buyers who plan to be in residence during the summer months. The high desert landscape — saguaro cacti, ocotillo, palo verde — is dramatic and beautiful in a way that is distinctly different from lower-elevation Scottsdale communities.
Who Buys in Desert Mountain?
Desert Mountain attracts serious golfers, retirees, and second-home buyers who want a world-class private club experience in a spectacular natural setting. Many buyers are coming from the Midwest, East Coast, or Canada. The community has a strong seasonal population — many residents are in Scottsdale from October through April and spend summers elsewhere. Full-time residents appreciate the community's security, amenities, and the quality of their neighbors.