It’s tucked away. If you’re driving down Town Center Drive toward Summerlin, you might miss the entrance entirely if you aren't looking for the understated signage and the massive, high-tech security gate. This isn't the flashy, neon-soaked Vegas you see in movies. The Summit Club Las Vegas is something else entirely. It is a 555-acre fortress of quiet wealth, a joint venture between Discovery Land Company and Howard Hughes Holdings that has basically rewritten the rules for luxury real estate in the Mojave Desert.
Most people think of Vegas as a place to be seen. The Summit Club is where people go when they want to disappear.
The entry price? Honestly, if you have to ask, you're already priced out. We are talking about a community where "empty" dirt lots—some no more than an acre—regularly trade for $10 million or more. And that's before you even break ground on a custom build that will likely cost another $1,000 to $2,000 per square foot. It is the only fully private residential golf and lakeside club community in Las Vegas, and it has created a localized economy that operates on a completely different plane than the rest of the Clark County housing market.
The Discovery Land Company DNA
To understand why this place matters, you have to look at Mike Meldman. He's the founder of Discovery Land Company. If you’ve heard of the Yellowstone Club in Montana or El Dorado in Mexico, you know the vibe. It’s "vertical membership." That’s a fancy way of saying that when you buy a house, your kids, your parents, and your grandkids all get to use the facilities.
It changes the energy.
Instead of a stiff, old-money country club where you can't wear denim, The Summit Club feels more like a billionaire’s summer camp. You’ll see people grabbing breakfast in flip-flops at the Outdoor Pursuits center, then heading out for a guided hike in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which literally borders the property. That proximity is a huge deal. You aren't just near the mountains; you are effectively living in their shadow. The red sandstone formations turn a deep, vibrating crimson at sunset, and because of the way the club is tiered, almost every backyard has a view that looks like a National Geographic cover.
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The Golf Course: Fazio’s Desert Masterpiece
Let’s talk about the golf. Tom Fazio designed it.
Now, Fazio has designed hundreds of courses, but the one at The Summit Club Las Vegas is distinct because of the elevation changes. It’s an 18-hole par-72 course that feels like an oasis. They moved massive amounts of earth to ensure that while you're playing, you rarely see another soul. It’s private. Like, actually private. No tee times. You just show up when you feel like it.
One of the quirks of Discovery properties—and The Summit is no exception—is the "Comfort Station." These aren't just shacks with some stale crackers. We’re talking about full-blown gourmet kitchens on the course. You pull up in your cart and find homemade ice cream, Wagyu sliders, premium tequila, and jars of every candy imaginable. It sounds trivial. It’s not. It creates a social rhythm where the game is secondary to the experience of being there.
The greens are bentgrass, which is a nightmare to maintain in the 115-degree Nevada summer, but they pull it off. The water usage is a frequent point of critique for desert courses, but The Summit utilizes advanced reclamation systems and xeriscaping in non-play areas to offset the footprint.
Real Estate Realities and the "Summit Tax"
There is a specific phenomenon in the local market often called the "Summit Tax." When a home is built inside these gates, its value doesn't just appreciate; it detaches from reality.
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In 2023 and 2024, we saw several off-market transactions that eclipsed the $30 million mark. These aren't just houses. They are architectural statements. You’ll see a lot of "Desert Modern" style here—think floor-to-ceiling glass pockets that disappear into the walls, blurring the line between the living room and the infinity pool.
- The Club Village: These are smaller, "lock-and-leave" style residences. Perfect for the Vegas Golden Knights players or CEOs who only spend two months a year in Nevada.
- Estate Homesites: These are the big boys. Custom builds that take three years to finish.
- The Residences: Luxury condos for those who want the amenities of a five-star hotel without the hassle of a yard.
A huge driver for this demand is Nevada’s tax structure. No state income tax. No inheritance tax. For a high-net-worth individual moving from California or New York, the savings on a $10 million annual income basically pays for the mortgage on a Summit Club estate. It’s a math problem that solves itself.
The Secret Social Fabric
Who actually lives here? It’s a mix of tech founders, professional athletes, and Hollywood A-listers who got tired of the paparazzi in Los Angeles. Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, famously built a massive, futuristic home nearby, though The Summit has its own roster of high-profile owners who remain anonymous through various LLCs.
The security is intense. It's not just a guy at a gate. It’s a coordinated surveillance operation. For the residents, that security is the product. They are buying the ability to let their kids ride bikes in the street at 9:00 PM without worrying about a thing.
The clubhouse is the heart of it all. It’s over 100,000 square feet. It has a state-of-the-art wellness center, a spa that rivals the Wynn, and dining options that mean you never actually have to go "into town" for a meal. The sushi is flown in daily. The wine cellar is worth more than most suburban neighborhoods.
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Challenges and Local Perception
It isn't all perfect. There is a tension between these hyper-exclusive enclaves and the broader Las Vegas valley. As Summerlin continues to expand West, the "fringe" of the city is moving closer to protected lands. Environmental groups often keep a close eye on developments like this, specifically regarding water rights and light pollution. The Summit has tried to mitigate this by using "dark sky" compliant lighting to ensure that the stars are still visible, which is a rarity so close to the Strip.
Also, the waitlist for membership is legendary. Even if you buy a house, you have to be "invited" to join the club in some cases. It's a social vetting process that ensures the "vibe" remains consistent. If you’re looking for a rowdy pool party scene, this isn't it. It’s quiet. Sometimes, eerily so.
What to Know Before You Engage
If you are looking at The Summit Club Las Vegas as an investment or a home, you need to understand the carrying costs. HOA fees and club dues can easily run six figures annually. This is not "entry-level" luxury.
- Work with a Specialist: Don't just call a random Realtor. You need someone with a "pocket listing" track record. Many of the best lots never hit the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).
- Architectural Review: The club has incredibly strict design guidelines. You can't just build a Tuscan villa if the board says no. They want a cohesive, modern aesthetic that blends with the desert.
- The "Pursuits" Team: Make use of them. One of the biggest mistakes new residents make is treating it like a standard subdivision. The staff is there to organize everything from private jet catering to off-road desert tours.
The Summit Club isn't just a place to live; it's a bet on the future of Las Vegas as a global hub for the ultra-wealthy. As the city evolves from a gambling town into a sports and tech capital, this community is the anchor for that new identity.
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you're seriously considering a move into this tier of the Las Vegas market, start by auditing your privacy needs. The Summit is the gold standard for anonymity.
- Financial Vetting: Ensure your liquid assets are positioned for a quick close; the most desirable properties in The Summit often sell in cash deals within days of becoming "quietly" available.
- Site Visit: Schedule a tour during the "shoulder season" (April or October) to see the desert at its best, but also visit in July to understand the heat management systems of the homes.
- Legal Structure: Consult with a Nevada-based tax attorney to maximize the benefits of the state's residency laws before you sign the deed.
Living here means you’re essentially buying into a private ecosystem. It's expensive, it's exclusive, and for a certain type of person, it's the only place in Nevada that feels like home.