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Desert Highlands Scottsdale: Jack Nicklaus Course in the Pinnacle Peak Foothills (2026)


Desert Highlands Neighborhood Guide
By Anne Sostman | The Scottsdale Agent | License SA718853000

Desert Highlands:
Nicklaus Golf in the
Pinnacle Peak Foothills.

North Scottsdale, Arizona · 85262

Desert Highlands is a guard gated community in the Pinnacle Peak foothills of far North Scottsdale featuring a Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course. As one of North Scottsdale’s earliest luxury developments, Desert Highlands established the template for private golf community living that later communities like Estancia and Whisper Rock would follow. Dramatic boulder settings, panoramic desert views, and custom estates from approximately $1M to $5M+.

“Desert Highlands was the original. Before Estancia, before Whisper Rock, Desert Highlands proved that world class private golf could thrive in the Pinnacle Peak foothills. The Nicklaus course, the boulder terrain, and the established character are genuinely special.”
— Anne Sostman | The Scottsdale Agent

Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus designed course
Pinnacle
Pinnacle Peak foothill setting
Guard
Guard gated community
Pioneer
One of NS earliest luxury developments
$1M+
Custom home entry point
85262
Far North Scottsdale zip code

North Scottsdale Specialist

Nicklaus Course · Pinnacle Peak · Guard Gated

Off Market Access Available

Published by Anne Sostman

Overview

What Is Desert
Highlands?

Desert Highlands is a guard gated luxury golf community in the Pinnacle Peak foothills of far North Scottsdale, built around a Jack Nicklaus designed championship course that was among the first private courses in the area.

As one of North Scottsdale’s earliest luxury developments, Desert Highlands established the template for the private golf community concept that later communities like Estancia, Whisper Rock, and Desert Mountain would adopt and expand. The community has decades of established character, mature landscaping, and a resident base that includes many of the area’s longest tenured luxury homeowners.

The dramatic boulder settings and panoramic desert views of the Pinnacle Peak foothills create a natural environment that later communities have not been able to replicate despite higher price points.

Real Estate

What Buyers Need
to Know.

Desert Highlands combines Pinnacle Peak terrain, a Nicklaus course, and decades of established character at pricing below newer competitors.

Schedule a Private Conversation

Nicklaus Course
A Jack Nicklaus designed championship course through dramatic Pinnacle Peak boulder terrain. One of the earliest and most respected private courses in North Scottsdale.
Pioneer Status
Among the first luxury golf communities in North Scottsdale. Decades of proven character, mature landscaping, and an established resident community.
$1M to $5M+
Custom estates on generous lots with Pinnacle Peak and desert views. Pricing represents strong value relative to newer competitors like Estancia and Whisper Rock.
Boulder Terrain
The Pinnacle Peak foothill setting produces dramatic boulder formations and desert views that create a natural environment of extraordinary beauty.

Lifestyle

Why People Choose
Desert Highlands.

What makes this community a compelling place to call home.

Nicklaus Golf
A championship course with decades of maturation in the Pinnacle Peak foothills. Well conditioned, well established, and respected.
Established Community
Decades of history, mature landscaping, and long term residents create genuine neighborhood character.
Pinnacle Peak Setting
Dramatic boulder terrain and panoramic desert views in one of North Scottsdale’s most iconic natural settings.
Relative Value
Established luxury with Nicklaus golf at pricing below newer competitors. Strong value proposition for buyers who appreciate heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Desert Highlands
FAQ.

The questions buyers and relocators ask most.

What is Desert Highlands?
A guard gated golf community in the Pinnacle Peak foothills of far North Scottsdale (85262) with a Jack Nicklaus designed championship course. One of the area’s earliest luxury developments.
What are home prices?
Custom estates from approximately $1M to $5M+. Pricing reflects the Nicklaus course, Pinnacle Peak setting, and decades of established community character.
How does Desert Highlands compare to Estancia?
Desert Highlands is the pioneer; Estancia is the newer entrant. Both have world class courses (Nicklaus vs Fazio). Desert Highlands offers more established character at lower pricing. Estancia offers newer construction and a Top 100 ranked course.
Is the community guard gated?
Yes. Desert Highlands is guard gated with controlled access and the security infrastructure expected of a North Scottsdale luxury golf community.

Work With Anne

Nicklaus Golf in the
Pinnacle Peak Foothills.

Whether you are seeking established luxury golf at a compelling price point, evaluating Desert Highlands against newer competitors, or positioning a property for sale, a private conversation costs nothing and changes everything.

Schedule directly below

Book Your Consultation

Choose a time that works for you — no obligation, completely confidential.

Or call directly

480.999.9945