Pinyon Crest Homes with Desert View

Welcome to Pinyon Crest, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque mountains of Riverside County, California. This charming neighborhood in Mountain Center offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Pinyon Crest is renowned for its breathtaking desert views, where residents are treated to stunning sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues. The landscape is a harmonious blend of rugged mountains, lush pine trees, and expansive desert vistas, creating a peaceful ambiance that captivates the senses. Imagine sipping your morning coffee on your patio while soaking in the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The homes in Pinyon Crest are designed to embrace the natural beauty of the surroundings, often featuring large windows that invite the outdoors in. With a variety of architectural styles, from cozy cabins to modern retreats, there’s a perfect home for everyone in this community. Many properties boast spacious outdoor areas, ideal for entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air.

In addition to its stunning scenery, Pinyon Crest is conveniently located near hiking trails, parks, and recreational areas, making it easy for residents to explore the great outdoors. The friendly community atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging, where neighbors come together to celebrate the beauty of their surroundings.

If you’re looking for a home that offers both comfort and breathtaking desert views, Pinyon Crest is the perfect place to call home. Experience the magic of this enchanting neighborhood, where nature and community come together in perfect harmony.

Newest Pinyon Crest Homes with Desert View

$798,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 219153496PS MLS ⋅ Active Status

A rare opportunity to own a lovingly restored piece of Palm Springs-area mid-century modern history. Designed and built in 1963 by renowned architectural designer John P. Moyer, this distinctive Pinyon Crest residence captures the spirit of classic desert modernism while offering thoughtful contemporary upgrades, exceptional privacy, and sweeping Santa Rosa Mountain views.The 1,994-square-foot property includes a 1,682-square-foot 2-bedroom, 2-bath main residence with a light-filled living room, clerestory windows, office and den, plus a separate 312-square-foot 1-bedroom, 1-bath casita/ADU. Extensive renovations have thoughtfully restored and modernized the property, including a new roof, windows, doors, interior and exterior paint, HVAC system, furnace, water heater, and well pump. Original fireplaces have been restored, including the iconic freestanding conical Fire Hood designed by architect Wendell Lovett. The updated kitchen features custom-selected BlueStar appliances, including a dual-fuel range with indoor grill and professional ventilation hood, creating a sophisticated focal point for cooking and entertaining. Warm wood interiors and expansive glass connect the home to its dramatic high-desert setting. The primary bath offers a steam sauna, while a separate dry infrared sauna with color-light therapy provides an additional wellness retreat.The private casita features a wall desk, dual-zone wine and beverage refrigerator, and its own patio overlooking the mountains--ideal for guests, a home office, studio, or creative retreat. A detached 2-car garage provides additional convenience.Situated at approximately 4,000 feet in the secluded private community of Pinyon Crest, the property enjoys more than three acres of privacy, protected open space, and remarkable mountain scenery. Owned solar, propane, a security system, and EV charging powered by the solar system add modern functionality.Pinyon Crest has long attracted notable residents: Frank Sinatra, Denny Miller, Tom Selleck, Richard Dreyfus, Katherine Hepburn and Johnny Weissmuller (Tarzan), adding to the area's rich desert history. With its architectural pedigree, restored mid-century character, guest casita, acreage, and breathtaking mountain views, this is an exceptional opportunity to experience privacy, nature, and timeless desert modernism just above the Coachella Valley.

70075 San Lorenzo Road, Mountain Center

$49,500

219151527DA MLS ⋅ Active Status

Opportunity to own approximately 1.81 acres of land zoned R-1-21/2 in the highly desirable Pinyon Crest community of Mountain Center. Nestled at approximately 4,000 feet in elevation, Pinyon Crest offers a peaceful mountain lifestyle with cooler temperatures, expansive natural surroundings, and beautiful mountain and Coachella Valley views.Located approximately 12 miles from Palm Desert, Pinyon Crest remains within convenient reach of the restaurants, shopping, golf, and entertainment of the Coachella Valley.This parcel is located within the Pinyon Crest Community Association (PCCA), a private mountain community known for its spacious lots, private roads, and secluded setting. The HOA provides valuable community infrastructure, including maintenance of the private roads and the community's private water system/wells, and oversees the community's Architectural Design Review standards to help preserve the character and beauty of Pinyon Crest.

Scenic Drive, Mountain Center

$89,900

219151046DA MLS ⋅ Active Status

2.5-acre vacant parcel in Pinyon Crest offering an opportunity to build in a mountain setting approximately 20 minutes from Palm Desert. Previous plans and approvals were obtained for a 2,001-square-foot residence with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an attached garage. Although those approvals and the initial grading and septic permits have expired, much of the prior planning work may provide a useful starting point for a future owner, subject to verification and approval by the appropriate agencies.The parcel features broad desert and mountain views, natural terrain, and a setting that offers privacy while remaining within convenient reach of the Coachella Valley. Water service is available through the Pinyon Crest homeowners association, eliminating the need to drill a private well.Whether you're planning a full-time residence, a second home, or a retreat, this property presents an opportunity to create a custom home in a distinctive desert mountain community. Buyers are encouraged to investigate the status of prior plans, approvals, permits, development requirements, and utility availability to determine their suitability for the buyer's intended use.

61567 Sun Terrace, Mountain Center

Lot 84 Mountain Park Road, Mountain Center

$49,500

219150889PS MLS ⋅ Active Status

Wow what a terrific property! Like many of the ~2.5 acre lots in this area, it has the abundance of size that is desirable. What makes this particular lot so special, it is a corner lot in the heart of the community, it is an elevated lot with great valley & mountain views, and it also has topography with many interesting features like the borderline trees, or the dry creek bed along the back/side, and the large buildable areas too. Road easements exist along both streets, however over 2+ acres still remain as potential building sites (2025 surveys attached to this MLS listing, or available upon request). Note: the current owners have some concept drawings prepared (nothing submitted for approvals), however as they are architects/designers, they may be open to discussions if desired. And let's talk about the advantages of being within a community of ~202 properties. Pinyon Crest HOA and their property mgmt company DRM, work together to maintain the roads with things like proper grading and signage, and they also the manage the local water system for residents -yay! (see the annual water report). Electric and water services are nearby for attachment, typically near the property lines or streets. What a great little slice of heaven, a beautiful lot known as #84 right here on Mountain Park Road. Come see it for yourself today! Feel free to call, text or email with any questions :). Financing options available.

Lot 84 Mountain Park Road, Mountain Center

$785,000

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 219150815DA MLS ⋅ Active Status

Koi Sanctuary in the Sky just 15 minutes from the world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment of El Paseo, this 'Koi Sanctuary in the Sky' offers refined mountain living above the Coachella Valley.Located within the exclusive community of Pinyon Crest at 4,100 feet, this custom mountain Koi estate blends natural beauty, privacy, and modern comfort. Enjoy temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the desert floor, crisp mountain air, a private water system, and meticulously maintained roads.Set on a pristine 2.5-acre lot bordering the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument, the 2,700+ sq. ft. residence captures breathtaking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the Little San Bernardino Mountains, and often snow-capped Mount Santa Rosa. Expansive decks and walls of windows frame spectacular sunrises, glowing sunsets, and brilliant starlit skies.The home features five bedrooms plus a dedicated office, including private guest quarters with a separate entrance and living area--ideal for multigenerational living, extended guests, or a private retreat. The gourmet kitchen is appointed with Cambria quartz countertops, premium appliances, and abundant custom cabinetry. The spacious primary suite offers a walk-in closet, tranquil mountain views, and direct access to the deck, a feature shared by most bedrooms.Outside, seven cascading ponds filled with Japanese koi, lotus blossoms, and water lilies create a serene garden sanctuary. An optional koi caretaker is available upon request, and the indoor koi pond utilizes a modern filtration system that keeps it clean and odor-free. Native pines, palms, and seasonal wildflowers enhance the natural landscape, while miles of nearby hiking and biking trails begin just steps from the property.A rare opportunity to experience luxury mountain living with exceptional privacy, spectacular scenery, and the best of the desert just minutes away.Some photos have been digitally staged.

60425 Santa Rosa Road, Mountain Center

$599,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 219149996PS MLS ⋅ Active Status

Perched high above the Coachella Valley in the historic mountain community of Pinyon Crest, this authentic 1959 mid-century residence offers a rare opportunity to own one of the area's earliest architectural homes. Built years before Frank Sinatra chose these mountains for his famed Villa Maggio retreat, the home represents the beginning of Pinyon Crest's legacy as a secluded escape for those seeking privacy, cooler temperatures, and extraordinary natural beauty.Set on approximately 2.5 private acres, the property captures sweeping, nearly 360-degree views spanning the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, the Coachella Valley, and the surrounding high desert landscape. Just twenty minutes from El Paseo in Palm Desert, it feels remarkably removed from the pace of everyday life.Designed around the principles that define timeless mid-century architecture, the home embraces its surroundings through expansive walls of glass, oversized sliding doors, and thoughtfully positioned living spaces that invite the outdoors in. Exposed wood beam ceilings, warm natural materials, and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling masonry fireplace create an atmosphere that is both striking and welcoming.Thoughtfully updated while respecting its architectural character, the interiors remain intentionally understated, allowing the home's greatest feature--the ever-changing landscape beyond every window-- to take center stage. Spacious bedrooms, open living areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow make the home equally suited as a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or seasonal escape.Outside, the private pool and spa overlook one of Southern California's most captivating mountain settings, where brilliant sunsets give way to star-filled skies and the silence is interrupted only by the sounds of nature.Rich in history, grounded in architecture, and surrounded by remarkable beauty, 61579 Sun Terrace is more than a home-- it's a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience a side of the desert that few ever discover.

61579 Sun Terrace, Mountain Center

$29,000

219146367DA MLS ⋅ Active Status

Nestled in the serene beauty of Mountain Center, coveted Pinyon Crest community, this expansive one-acre lot offers a peaceful escape. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this lot is enveloped by natural desert landscaping, dotted with native flora creating a picturesque setting design to your dream retreat. Pinyon Crest is known from its tranquil atmosphere and unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities. With its cooler temperatures and crisp mountain air, its ideal spot for those seeking privacy and a connection to nature. Whether you're looking for a weekend escape or a full-time residence, this lot in Pinyon Crest invites you to dream, built, and savior the best of mountain living.

Rancho Road, Mountain Center

$125,000

219138988DA MLS ⋅ Active Status

2.5 Acre Building Site, one of last few available lots on paved Carrizo Road. *** VERY MOTIVATED SELLER! *** Located in the middle of Pinyon Crest private community, just 12 miles from El Paseo in Palm Desert. Quiet and private mountain location. Cooler temperatures at elevation 3,800 feet above Palm Desert. Starry sky and mountain views. Access to electricity and community water is already at the property.The set of building drawings shown and renderings are available.The design is inspired by Midcentury Architect William Krisel.The street address of proposed building will be 60080 Carrizo Rd.HOA Fees $1,090 per yearHOA Association is 'Pinyon Crest Community Association'HOA link is http://pinyoncresthoa.org/0Taxes are $399.86 per year.Correct APN # is 635 -361-006

Carrizo Road, Mountain Center

Start Your Search

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.