Nestled in the scenic high desert of North Scottsdale, Desert Mountain is one of Arizona’s most prestigious private residential communities—renowned for its elevated lifestyle, world-class golf, luxury custom homes, and unmatched natural beauty. Set across more than 8,000 acres of rolling Sonoran Desert terrain, this guard-gated enclave sits at 2,400–4,500 feet of elevation, offering cooler temperatures, dramatic mountain panoramas, and breathtaking sunset views.
Developed with exclusivity, privacy, and recreation in mind, Desert Mountain is composed of more than 30 unique villages, each with its own architectural style, lot size, and atmosphere. From lock-and-leave luxury villas to expansive custom estates with commanding mountain vistas, the community attracts high-net-worth individuals, seasonal residents, retirees seeking an active lifestyle, and buyers moving from high-density metro areas.
At the heart of Desert Mountain is its globally recognized Desert Mountain Club—a Platinum-ranked private club offering an unmatched collection of amenities, including seven championship golf courses, 10 restaurants and grills, the state-of-the-art Sonoran Wellness Center, extensive hiking trails, and social programming that rivals top-tier resorts. The blend of recreation, exclusivity, and natural serenity has positioned Desert Mountain as one of the top luxury communities in the American Southwest.
Desert Mountain also benefits from its prime North Scottsdale location—minutes from Cave Creek, Pinnacle Peak, fine dining, boutique shopping, world-class spas, and top-tier healthcare facilities. With impressive demand from luxury buyers nationwide, the community consistently ranks as one of the strongest real estate markets in Arizona, known for its architectural excellence, premium amenities, and long-term desirability.
Desert Mountain offers one of the most exclusive, amenity-rich lifestyles in the American Southwest—balancing elevated desert living, world-class golf, refined dining, wellness, outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit community culture. Set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert and Continental Mountains, life here feels both serene and luxurious, with every detail designed for comfort, privacy, and inspired daily living.
Residents have access to high-quality medical providers, specialty care, and full-service hospitals within a short drive of the community.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center — major hospital with ER and specialty care
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center — full-service hospital, neonatal care, surgical & specialty departments
Mayo Clinic Hospital – Phoenix Campus — nationally ranked specialty care, research hospital
Primary care, dental, and wellness clinics throughout North Scottsdale and surrounding areas
Most major hospital campuses are typically within ~15–30 minutes by car.
Everyday needs and boutique shopping are close at hand, ranging from neighborhood markets to high-end lifestyle centers.
The Summit at Scottsdale — grocery, dining, fitness, and daily services
Carefree Town Center — boutiques, cafés, galleries, and specialty stores
Kierland Commons — upscale retail, dining, and lifestyle brands
Scottsdale Quarter — fashion, entertainment, luxury restaurants
Pharmacies, banking, and essential services within a short drive
From local markets to luxury retail within ~10–25 minutes.
Desert Mountain is known for its active, outdoor-centric lifestyle with world-class club amenities and unmatched desert scenery.
7 private golf courses and multiple clubhouses for dining, tennis, pickleball, and social events
Jim Flick Golf Performance Center — advanced golf training and technology
Desert Mountain Trails System — 20+ miles of hiking, biking, and scenic viewpoints
Nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve — extensive trail networks and desert recreation
Gyms, fitness studios, and wellness programs within the community
Golf, trails, and fitness amenities are accessible within minutes.
Desert Mountain and surrounding North Scottsdale neighborhoods are pet-friendly, offering convenient pet care and outdoor options.
North Scottsdale Animal Hospital — full-service veterinary care
Carefree Pet Clinic — general veterinary services
Pet grooming & specialty pet shops in Carefree, Cave Creek, and North Scottsdale
Nearby dog parks and pet-friendly trails for outdoor play and exercise
Convenient access to everyday pet care and outdoor activities for pets.
Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) • Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD)
Desert Mountain is primarily served by highly rated districts known for strong academics, advanced programs, and well-rounded extracurriculars.
Desert Sun Academy — STEM-forward programs, language immersion, arts integration
Sonoran Trails Middle School — strong academics, athletics, and student leadership
Cactus Shadows High School — AP courses, arts programs, competitive sports, and career pathways
Desert Mountain High School (SUSD area) — International Baccalaureate (IB), AP, arts, and advanced athletics (varies by boundary)
North Scottsdale • Paradise Valley • Phoenix
Families seeking private or specialized education have access to several respected academies offering rigorous academics, arts, and character-driven programs.
The Pinnacle Peak Preparatory School — private K–8 with strong academics
Notre Dame Preparatory High School — Catholic, college-prep, robust athletics & arts
Scottsdale Christian Academy — faith-based, known for academics and competitive sports
Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory — private K–12 with strong family-focused programs
El Dorado Private School — early childhood through middle school, character-based curriculum
Montessori • Traditional • Faith-Based Options
High-quality early learning centers provide nurturing, structured environments for young children, with programs that support social, emotional, and academic growth.
Cave Creek Montessori School — hands-on, Montessori-based learning
La Casa de Cristo Preschool & Kindergarten — faith-based early learning
Tutor Time of Scottsdale — accredited infant, preschool, and Pre-K programs
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool — modern curriculum, creative learning environment
Primrose School of North Scottsdale — balanced, nationally recognized curriculum
Desert Mountain is known for its private, resort-level lifestyle featuring seven championship golf courses, multiple clubhouses, fine dining, exclusive wellness amenities, and access to more than 20 miles of desert trails. The elevated setting also provides cooler temperatures and panoramic views that set it apart from other Scottsdale communities.
Buyers will find luxury custom estates, contemporary desert architecture, lock-and-leave villas, golf-course residences, and premium view properties. Many homes offer features like outdoor living rooms, negative-edge pools, casitas, and desert vistas.
Yes. Desert Mountain is a fully gated, guard-staffed, master-planned luxury community. Access points are monitored to ensure privacy, security, and controlled entry for residents and approved guests.
Amenities include seven private golf courses, world-class clubhouses, fine dining, spa and wellness facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness centers, an advanced golf performance center, and an extensive private trail system.
Yes. The Desert Mountain Trails System offers over 20 miles of private hiking and mountain biking paths with scenic lookouts, wildlife, and unmatched views of the Sonoran Desert. The nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve adds thousands of acres of public trails.
Most daily conveniences, shops, and services in North Scottsdale are roughly 10–20 minutes away. Popular areas like Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and Old Town Scottsdale are generally 20–35 minutes by car.
Families typically fall within Cave Creek Unified School District, including Desert Sun Academy, Sonoran Trails Middle School, and Cactus Shadows High School. Several respected private schools in North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are also within reasonable driving distance.
Desert Mountain sits at a higher elevation than much of Scottsdale, resulting in cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and refreshing breezes—especially during summer. Winters are mild, making outdoor recreation enjoyable year-round.
HOA fees vary by village and home type. Fees generally cover community maintenance, security, infrastructure, and access to shared amenities. For premium golf or club access, separate memberships may apply depending on the village.
Desert Mountain attracts both full-time and seasonal residents. Its lock-and-leave villas and secure gated environment make it appealing for part-time residents, while its extensive recreation, private amenities, and community events support year-round living.
POWER+ consistently ranks as the top producing real estate team in the community. With 45 years of combined experience, selling 500+ homes and lots since 2011, their unmatched expertise in Desert Mountain gives buyers and sellers the confidence they need to make informed real estate decisions.