A Local’s Guide to the Best Views in Desert Mountain

Desert Mountain, one of Scottsdale’s most prestigious private communities, is known for its dramatic desert scenery, luxurious lifestyle, and panoramic views that seem to stretch endlessly across the Sonoran landscape. From its elevated ridgelines to its lush golf courses and open desert trails, every corner of Desert Mountain offers a visual masterpiece.

Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or considering making Desert Mountain your new home, exploring its most scenic spots is an unforgettable experience. The beauty here changes throughout the day—crisp golden mornings give way to radiant blue afternoons and evenings painted in hues of amber and violet.

Here’s your insider’s guide to the best views in Desert Mountain, curated by locals who know exactly where to find those awe-inspiring vistas that define this remarkable community.

At over 4,000 feet in elevation, The Summit is Desert Mountain’s crown jewel for breathtaking views. It’s the highest point in the community, offering a vantage unlike any other in Scottsdale. From this elevated perspective, you can see vast stretches of the Valley below, the jagged ridgelines of the McDowell Mountains, and the distant shimmer of city lights in the evening.

Homes in The Summit are perfectly positioned to capture these panoramic scenes, with expansive glass walls, infinity pools, and outdoor living spaces designed to make the most of the view. Whether you’re watching a monsoon roll in during summer or enjoying a sunset with a glass of wine, The Summit delivers a front-row seat to nature’s finest show.

For photography enthusiasts or those who simply appreciate desert beauty, visiting this area at sunrise or dusk provides some of the most magical lighting in all of Arizona.

The Renegade Course, one of Desert Mountain’s seven Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, is a masterpiece in its own right. But beyond its fairways and greens, it offers some of the most scenic viewpoints in the entire community.

The course’s elevation changes create sweeping sightlines that stretch toward Pinnacle Peak and the distant mountain ranges. Early mornings on Renegade are especially captivating, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the fairways and create long shadows across the desert terrain.

After a round of golf, stop by the Renegade clubhouse patio for lunch or a drink. The open-air seating provides an incredible panoramic view, making it one of the best spots to unwind and take in the landscape.

If you’re searching for a dining experience paired with jaw-dropping scenery, the Apache Clubhouse should be at the top of your list. Overlooking one of the most picturesque golf courses in Desert Mountain, it offers a serene yet dramatic view of rolling greens, rugged desert hills, and endless skies.

As the sun sets, the landscape comes alive with color—reds, purples, and oranges blend together to create an unforgettable display. Dining outdoors here feels like sitting in the middle of a living painting.

Residents often gather here in the evenings to relax, socialize, and watch the day fade into night. It’s the perfect setting for family dinners, romantic dates, or celebrations with friends.

For those who love to explore, Desert Mountain’s private trail system offers over 20 miles of pristine paths that wind through canyons, ridgelines, and desert washes. These trails reveal some of the most untouched and breathtaking viewpoints in the entire region.

The China Wall Trail is a local favorite, leading hikers along ancient rock formations and offering panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. On clear days, you can see as far as Four Peaks and beyond.

The Seven Sisters Trail provides a more intimate desert experience, with towering rock outcroppings and wide-open skies perfect for stargazing at night.

For families, the Desert Vista Trailhead offers a moderate hike with easy access and spectacular photo opportunities, especially during wildflower season when the desert bursts into color.

Two of Desert Mountain’s most scenic golf courses, Cochise and Geronimo, are celebrated not just for their design but for their extraordinary views.

Cochise features rolling fairways framed by desert vegetation, with vantage points that overlook deep canyons and rocky ridges. The course is home to some of the most picturesque holes in the Southwest, and the surrounding landscape feels both rugged and refined.

Geronimo, perhaps the most dramatic of all the courses, weaves through elevation changes that open up to awe-inspiring canyon views. Standing on the 7th or 15th tee, it’s easy to lose focus on the game and simply take in the scene before you—a reminder of why so many buyers fall in love with this community.

For a more natural, rustic perspective of Desert Mountain’s beauty, The Ranch offers a truly unique experience. This equestrian and outdoor recreation area is surrounded by untouched desert and rolling foothills, creating the perfect environment for horseback riding, hiking, and nature photography.

At sunrise, the desert glows in soft tones of pink and gold, while in the late afternoon, the light turns warm and dramatic, highlighting the rugged terrain. The Ranch is also a great spot for stargazing thanks to its low light pollution and high elevation.

It’s a reminder that the best views in Desert Mountain aren’t just about architecture or luxury—they’re about connection to the land.

Even a simple drive through Desert Mountain offers some of the best views in Arizona. The winding roads curve gracefully along the mountainside, revealing breathtaking overlooks at every turn.

A drive along Desert Mountain Parkway or Old Paint Trail gives you glimpses of stunning homes, panoramic desert scenery, and views of distant mountains that seem to change color with the light.

For a truly memorable experience, take an evening drive to catch the sunset. As twilight falls, the desert sky turns brilliant shades of orange and lavender, and the Valley’s city lights begin to sparkle in the distance.

For many buyers, the view is just as important as the home itself. A property with a sweeping vista of mountains, golf courses, or the valley below is more than a luxury—it’s a lifestyle feature that defines daily living.

Desert Mountain’s topography ensures that no two views are exactly alike. Whether you prefer a home perched on a ridgeline with 360-degree panoramas or a property overlooking a serene golf course, there’s a view for every taste.

The best homes are designed to integrate these natural backdrops seamlessly. Expansive windows, outdoor living areas, and infinity-edge pools blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. It’s this perfect harmony that makes Desert Mountain one of the most visually stunning communities in the country.

If the idea of waking up to these incredible views every morning excites you, Bee & Kathleen of Power + Real Estate are ready to help you find your perfect home in Desert Mountain. As local experts, they know the neighborhoods, elevations, and properties that offer the most breathtaking vistas.

Whether you’re looking for a home with mountain views, city lights, or golf course panoramas, Bee & Kathleen can guide you to the ideal property that fits your lifestyle and vision.

Contact Bee & Kathleen today to explore available homes and experience Desert Mountain’s most stunning views firsthand. Every sunrise, every sunset, and every starlit night in Desert Mountain tells a story. Let Bee & Kathleen help you find the home where your story begins.