If you picture desert living as golf in the morning, a spa session after lunch, and dinner with mountain views, BIGHORN might be exactly what you have in mind. Choosing the right club is a big decision, especially if you want a lock-and-leave second home with year-round service. In this guide, you’ll get a clear look at daily life at BIGHORN Golf Club in Palm Desert, from championship golf to clubhouse penthouses and one-of-a-kind perks like The Vault. Let’s dive in.
Setting and first impressions
Perched high on the Santa Rosa Mountains foothills, BIGHORN sits at 255 Palowet Dr in Palm Desert. The elevation gives you wide valley and mountain vistas with a quiet, private feel. The neighborhood is gated and designed around fairways, water features, and view corridors that make everyday moments feel special. Learn more about the community on the club’s official site.
Championship golf, every day
BIGHORN centers your day around two distinct 18-hole courses: the Arthur Hills–designed Mountains Course and the Tom Fazio–designed Canyons Course. Both are maintained to tournament standards and supported by multiple practice areas and a high-performance Learning Center. The club highlights full access for members and a strong instruction culture led by a top-100 teacher. You can see course details and the club’s golf pedigree on the BIGHORN golf page.
What this means for your routine
- Morning tee times that feel unhurried, with different shot values on each course.
- On-demand coaching and tech-driven training when you want to work on your game.
- A calendar of member events and juniors programming that makes it easy to connect.
Explore the club’s golf offerings and tournament history on the BIGHORN golf page.
Clubhouse living and penthouse views
BIGHORN’s 80,000-square-foot clubhouse is your social hub about 1,000 feet above the valley. Inside, you’ll find lounges, private dining rooms, advanced AV spaces, and men’s and ladies’ locker rooms with their own dining. The standout twist is the on-site penthouse program: four residences integrated into the clubhouse with expansive glass, designer finishes, and full concierge service. See the scale, floorplans, and design highlights on the clubhouse page.
Dining and a full events calendar
Food is a lifestyle driver here. Members can choose from nine indoor and outdoor venues, including The Pour House, Canyons Steak House, The Hub, Golf House, Marketplace, and private dining spaces. The club also runs a packed seasonal calendar with 100-plus member events, family programs, junior camps, and signature parties. Get a feel for the venues and programming on the five-star cuisine page.
Spa, wellness, and courts
If you like an active routine, the Spa & Wellness Center supports it. You’ll find a high-performance fitness facility, multiple treatment rooms, classes like yoga, Pilates, and TRX, a whole-body cryotherapy chamber, and a junior Olympic-size pool. Courts include clay and hard tennis, four pickleball courts, and bocce. Explore the club’s wellness and courts on the Spa & Wellness page.
The Vault, transport, and concierge
One of BIGHORN’s most unique perks is The Vault, a 24,000-square-foot climate-controlled collector car gallery with the Redline Lounge and racing simulators. It is a true differentiator for auto enthusiasts and a social scene all its own. The club also offers chauffeured car service and private-jet access coordinated through its concierge team, a major plus for second-home owners who want seamless travel. Learn more about The Vault and the club’s transportation services.
Membership at a glance
BIGHORN describes its Club Membership and Golf Membership as non-equity, non-voting, non-transferable licenses. Posted initiation fees are currently listed as Club Membership at 200,000 dollars and Golf Membership at 300,000 dollars. Membership categories, fees, and availability can change, so you should confirm details directly with the membership office. See current information on the membership page.
Homes, design, and what buyers value
Real estate at BIGHORN includes custom estates, villas, and the clubhouse penthouses. Many homes sit on fairways or ridge lines to capture panoramic views. Expect prices that start well into the millions and reach into the tens of millions for feature-rich summit estates. The on-site brokerage, BIGHORN Properties, regularly lists spec builds, resales, and large custom offerings. You can review the community’s property overview on the BIGHORN real estate page.
Architecture and lifestyle features you’ll see
- Floor-to-ceiling glass and retractable walls that erase the line between indoors and outdoors.
- Multiple pools, water features, and expansive terraces for large-scale entertaining.
- Motor courts and significant garage space that suit collectors and active households.
- High-end materials like stone, metal accents, and sculptural rooflines that fit desert-modern design.
Notable designers such as Guy Dreier are connected with several signature homes in the community. Attribution and current details should always be confirmed with the listing agent or BIGHORN Properties.
Who BIGHORN fits best
- Avid golfers who want two championship courses, a strong instruction culture, and a robust event calendar.
- High-net-worth second-home buyers who value privacy, concierge-level service, and turnkey travel.
- Collectors and design enthusiasts drawn to The Vault and architect-driven estates.
- Multi-generation households who want private living with on-campus activities and junior programming.
BIGHORN is also part of a broader regional shift toward private outdoor lifestyles as more buyers discovered desert clubs in recent years. For context, see this overview of the continued club demand in the Palm Springs region.
How to explore homes at BIGHORN
- Clarify membership goals. Decide whether you intend to pursue Club or Golf Membership and confirm current fees and availability with the club.
- Preview neighborhoods and views. Identify which course or ridge setting aligns with your lifestyle.
- Tour select listings. Focus on orientation, indoor-outdoor flow, garage capacity, and guest spaces.
- Align timing and logistics. If you travel privately or seasonally, plan around the club’s event calendar and peak months.
When you are ready to take the next step, connect with a local team that knows the nuances of BIGHORN’s homes, architecture, and amenities. At Desert Cities Home, we help you compare options, coordinate private showings, and navigate the details with discretion and clarity.
FAQs
Where is BIGHORN Golf Club located in Palm Desert?
- BIGHORN sits at 255 Palowet Dr, high on the Santa Rosa Mountains foothills, giving you panoramic valley and mountain views.
What makes BIGHORN different from other private clubs?
- Signature features include The Vault car gallery and lounge, clubhouse-integrated penthouses, private-jet and chauffeured car services, and two championship courses with a strong instruction program.
What types of homes are in BIGHORN and how much do they cost?
- You’ll find custom estates, villas, and penthouses. Prices generally start well into the millions and can reach into the tens of millions for top-tier estates.
How does BIGHORN membership work?
- The club describes memberships as non-equity, non-voting, and non-transferable licenses. Posted initiation fees list Club Membership at 200,000 dollars and Golf Membership at 300,000 dollars; always confirm current terms with the club.
Is BIGHORN suitable for families and guests?
- Yes. Homes often feature guest suites and large outdoor areas, and the club runs family programming, junior camps, and member events throughout the season.
Can I arrange private travel and ground transport through the club?
- Yes. The club offers private-jet access coordination and chauffeured car services through its concierge team for a seamless arrival and departure.
