Desert Mountain is a master-planned development in the Sonoran Desert just north of Scottsdale, AZ, centered around a collection of seven golf courses, including six designed by Jack Nicklaus. These wonderful layouts wind into the hills and are surrounded by luxury homes with all the top amenities buyers are looking for.
While golf is certainly the focus, there are many other outdoor activities both in Desert Mountain and in the surrounding communities. Desert Mountain real estate owners enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the nearby hills. Additionally, there are hot air balloon rides over the beautiful desert landscape and water sports on nearby rivers and lakes.
Golf
Put simply, Desert Mountain is one of the most exceptional golf and residential developments in the nation. It offers its members one of the biggest collections of private Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in the world, as well as the No. 7 at Desert Mountain, a superb par-54 championship course for the more casual player.
Nicklaus is extremely proud of the job he did in designing these courses, saying: “Desert Mountain has been one of the highlights of my career as a golf course designer. I believe it will always be recognized as one of the greatest golf clubs in the world.”
Nicklaus started with the Renegade course and then continued to design courses one at a time to complete the remarkable assortment of layouts available for owners of Desert Mountain real estate. Each course was built to showcase the pristine desert environment. Assisting in the marketing efforts were the incredible images that golfers saw while watching nationally televised pro golf tournaments.
No. 7 is a wonderful course for players of all skill levels living in Desert Mountain real estate to enjoy both the competitive and social aspects of golf. This 18-hole course stretches for 3,114 yards. It was designed by two Desert Mountain community members, landscape architect Wendell Pickett and real estate developer Bill Brownlee. They came up with an innovative alternative teeing bunker, known as the “Sandy,” on each hole, which lets golfers tee off from a bunker and play for a sand-save on each hole while practicing their short game approach shots. There’s also a special handicap system for match-play tournaments.
Tennis
People who buy Desert Mountain homes for sale often spend a lot of time at the Desert Mountain Tennis Complex because the nine courts have something for every player. There’s a lush stadium grass court, plus five Har-Tru green clay courts and three hard courts. Additionally, there are six new pickleball courts at the Sonoran Fitness and Spa.
Horseback riding
Residents of Desert Mountain homes who love horses will be delighted with The Ranch Equestrian Center, which provides horseback riding and private lessons on 33 acres of wilderness bordering the Tonto National Forest. There is also an open-air gathering spot that resembles a Native American kiva.
Hiking
Desert Mountain real estate owners love the easy access to nature the development provides. There’s an extensive trail system that winds through Desert Mountain Ranch’s 3,000 private acres of property, allowing hikers to encounter canyons, ridges, and mountain peaks. There are 12 stacked loop trails with a total distance of 20 miles. Breaking it down further, 31 different routes individually add up to 158 miles.
Hikers are urged to take all the normal precautions, such as carrying plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. A 55-inch touchscreen monitor at the trailhead serves as an interactive trail guide that displays weather, hiking rules, and tips. It also has information on the wildlife and plant life that hikers will encounter.
Hot air balloon rides
Photo courtesy of GrouponOne of the best ways for people who have purchased Desert Mountain real estate to acclimate themselves to the area is by getting a bird’s eye view during a hot air balloon ride. Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Riders Hot Air Balloon Co. are located on the north side of Scottsdale, just a short drive from Desert Mountain.
These once-in-a-lifetime adventures provide unparalleled views of the Sonoran Desert. Balloon rides typically take place early in the morning or at sunset. Many offer a Champagne toast at the end of the flight, and other packages are available that include breakfast.
Desert Mountain real estate market
Desert Mountain is home to beautiful luxury real estate that exudes the Sonoran lifestyle, including estates, traditional courtyard homes, homesites for custom-builds, and contemporary homes. If the thought of living in one of the Desert Mountain homes for sale intrigues you, it’s time to hire a terrific real estate agent to advise you through the process.
Look for an agent who has extensive experience closing transactions in this unrivaled luxury development. A talented agent will sit down with you to find out what you desire in a luxury home and then narrow down the best options for you. One of the benefits of working with an agent is that they’ll know immediately when homes come on the market. That will give you a head start in viewing the property and submitting a competitive bid.
