Nestled in the foothills of the magnificent McDowell Mountains, McDowell Mountain Ranch is a family-oriented master planned community designed for an active lifestyle. In the center of the community, there is a five-acre park and community center with a swimming pool, spa, basketball court, tennis courts, sand volleyball court and the popular splash fountain, not to mention access to the mountain preserve via the trail system.

Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, the Sanctuary Golf Course is a public championship course which opened in the spring of 2000. It is a 6,624 yard, par 71 course, with seven of its 18 holes lying on land donated by McDowell Mountain Ranch and Shea Homes.