Legend Trail

Locals like to say that Legend Trail is "just a long two-iron from the Boulders Resort" in nearby Carefree, Arizona. This exclusive community is snuggled in the high Sonoran desert along the historic Whiskey Bottle Trail, a trail that once guided hardy settlers across the rugged terrain to the hopeful environs of the West. Surrounded by state-owned preserve land, this sprawling community in far north Scottsdale shows off with 640 acres, much of which is open space. Set apart by natural topography, Legend Trail consists of five distinctive communities built across spectacular real estate developed by high-end production builders as well as custom homebuilders.

Not a full roster, but a sampling of the neighborhoods within Legend Trail includes The Preserve Summit, a prestigious gated community; Pinnacle at Legend Trail, filled with luxurious semi-custom single family homes; the custom gated community of Legend Vista Estates; and Mirage Trail, a condominium community.

One of the most special amenities at Legend Trail is the Legend Trail Golf Club, which boasts a par-72 championship 18-hole course designed by world-renowned Rees Jones, who had this to say about the course: "Players visiting Scottsdale's Legend Trail will encounter a golf facility created to provide a fair and enjoyable experience for the average and beginning golfer, yet also capable of presenting a formidable test for the game's more accomplished players."

With four sets of tee-boxes, the "Long Trail" plays at 6,845 yards, while the "Short Trail" plays at just 5,000 yards, so golfers of all ages and abilities will find challenge as well as great fun in the course. Nestled amongst the towering saguaros and crimson-hued mountains, the impeccably manicured course sits in lush contrast to the stark yet stunning beauty of the Sonoran desert. Managed by Troon Golf, the course is set at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level and enjoys views of both the ancient spires of Pinnacle Peak and the entire valley far below, plus one of its many fine features is an ambient-air temperature noticeably cooler than "down in the city." Similar to many desert courses, the holes at Legend Trail are better known by their nicknames as opposed to their numbers. For example, the number six hole is Painted Desert, number nine is the Promised Land, number 13 is Sonoran Solitude and the Finishing Touch is – you guessed it – number 18.

Additional amenities open to residents of Legend Trail include a 10,000-square-foot recreation facility with a state-of-the-art fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, two pools and a veritable plethora of walking and biking trails.