Desert Mountain vs. Troon North
Desert Mountain and Troon North are both golf communities in far North Scottsdale, and buyers who want desert golf and big views often compare the two. They share the same 85262 zip code, the same Sonoran Desert setting near Pinnacle Peak, and a reputation for luxury homes. But how they’re set up is very different, and that difference drives price, privacy, and how you’d actually use the place.
Desert Mountain is a large guard-gated, member-owned private club community spread across roughly 8,000 acres. It has seven golf courses, six designed by Jack Nicklaus plus a par-54 course called No. 7. Homes run from patio homes to large custom estates, and the club membership is a big part of the appeal. Troon North is built around the public Troon North Golf Club, with its Monument and Pinnacle courses that anyone can book. The homes here are a patchwork of gated and non-gated neighborhoods, from townhomes up to large custom estates.
The right choice comes down to budget, home style, how you want to golf, how much privacy you want behind a guard gate, and the lifestyle you’re after. Here’s the side-by-side.
Andrew Holm and The Holm Group have worked with Scottsdale and Phoenix-area buyers and sellers for more than 26 years, with over $250 million in closed transactions and a focus on luxury and golf-community real estate.
Desert Mountain vs. Troon North at a Glance
| Feature | Desert Mountain | Troon North |
| Location | 85262, far North Scottsdale, ~8,000 guard-gated acres | 85262, North Scottsdale around Pinnacle Peak |
| Golf | Seven private courses (six Nicklaus + par-54 No. 7); members only | Troon North Golf Club (Monument & Pinnacle), public/daily-fee |
| Gated options | Entire community is guard-gated, with gated sub-neighborhoods | Mix of gated and non-gated neighborhoods |
| Home styles | Patio homes to large custom estates, desert contemporary and Southwest | Townhomes, single-family, and large custom estates |
| Price range | Roughly $1.3M to $5M+, with estates well beyond; median around $2.4M | Roughly $700K condos/townhomes to $8M estates; median around $1.34M |
| HOA | Community HOA plus a separate club membership with initiation and dues | Master HOA plus sub-association dues; golf membership optional |
| Amenities | Private clubhouses, dining, spa, fitness, tennis, hiking on-property | Public golf, trails, parks, nearby Pinnacle Peak dining and shopping |
| Best suited for | Buyers who want a private club, guard gate, and full-service lifestyle | Buyers who want desert golf without a club, and more price flexibility |
Which Community Has Better Golf?
Your preferred style of play will shape the better choice. Desert Mountain offers seven private golf courses exclusively for club members. Buyers purchase club membership separately from their homes and pay additional initiation fees and dues.
Troon North offers public golf through its Monument and Pinnacle courses, where anyone can book a tee time. Tom Weiskopf designed both courses, and recent renovations have enhanced the playing experience.
Golfers who want a private club lifestyle with access to multiple courses will likely prefer Desert Mountain. Golfers who want highly rated desert golf without joining a club will find Troon North especially appealing.
Which Has Better Amenities?
Desert Mountain is a full-service private community. Members get multiple clubhouses, restaurants, a spa, fitness, tennis and pickleball, and miles of private hiking trails inside the gates. Troon North keeps it simpler: the draw is the public golf, the trail access near Pinnacle Peak and Brown’s Ranch, and the shops and restaurants a short drive away. Desert Mountain gives you more on-property, but you pay for it through the club. Troon North leans on public and nearby amenities, which keeps costs down.
Gated Options & Privacy
Desert Mountain provides guard-gated access at the community entrance and adds gated sub-neighborhoods throughout, giving residents a consistent level of privacy. Troon North offers a mix of gated and non-gated neighborhoods, allowing buyers to choose the level of privacy and price that best fits their needs.
Buyers who consider a guard gate and controlled access essential will likely prefer Desert Mountain. Buyers who want a wider range of options can explore the variety of neighborhoods available in Troon North.
Who Each Community Is Best For
Desert Mountain is best for buyers who want a guard-gated private club, seven courses, full amenities, and a full-service lifestyle, and who are comfortable with club fees.
Troon North is best for buyers who want great public desert golf, more flexibility on price and home type, and the option of a gated or non-gated neighborhood without a required club membership.
Already own in Desert Mountain or Troon North and thinking about selling? Our Scottsdale home-selling guide covers pricing, preparation and timing.
Learn More
See what’s available on The Holm Group’s Troon North page, or book a round and learn about the courses at the official Troon North Golf Club site.
Want help weighing a private club against public golf? Andrew Holm and The Holm Group can talk you through both.
Last Updated: October 2026
