Inside Las Campanas: Golf, Equestrian, and Club Life

If you picture mornings on a Jack Nicklaus course, afternoons on horseback, and evenings with friends over a great meal, Las Campanas might be your perfect fit. Set on Santa Fe’s northwest side, this private, gated community blends resort-style amenities with wide-open high-desert views. You want privacy, convenience, and a lifestyle that makes every day feel like a getaway. In this guide, you’ll learn how golf, equestrian, spa, fitness, and dining come together at The Club at Las Campanas, what membership looks like, and what to consider before you buy. Let’s dive in.

Santa Fe setting and climate

Las Campanas sits in the high desert with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and easy access to downtown Santa Fe. The elevation is roughly 7,200 feet, which means cooler summers and occasional winter snow. You get four true seasons for year-round recreation. That climate shapes daily life, from early tee times to crisp fall trail rides.

As a planned, private community, Las Campanas is designed for privacy and long-term quality. Architectural guidelines help preserve views and character. Homes range from custom estates to casitas and vacant lots, many oriented to capture the light and landscape that make Santa Fe unique.

Golf at Las Campanas

The Club at Las Campanas features two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, the Sunrise and Sunset. These private courses are the centerpiece of club life. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes, desert grasses, and sweeping mountain views, so every hole feels connected to the land.

You can expect a full-service golf experience. Members generally enjoy tee-time booking privileges, instruction and clinics, junior programs, club fitting, robust practice facilities, and a healthy calendar of tournaments and league play. The focus is on pace, conditioning, and the social side of the game.

For context on course pedigree, you can explore Nicklaus Design and its portfolio of signature courses. Many buyers view the dual-course setup as a differentiator in the Santa Fe market.

Golf buyer checklist:

• Course conditioning standards and maintenance schedule
• Guest policies and fees
• Practice facilities and teaching program depth
• Junior golf offerings and clinics
• Any reciprocal play opportunities with other clubs

Equestrian life and facilities

If riding is part of your lifestyle, the equestrian center is a major draw. The Club operates a dedicated facility that supports boarding, lessons, training, and trail access. You can expect covered and outdoor arenas, stabling options, and a staffed program for adults and juniors. A trail network connects to community riding routes, so you can saddle up and head out for sunrise or sunset rides without loading a trailer.

Practical planning matters with horses. Confirm stall availability and board types, turnout options, and how the center handles manure management and biosecurity. Ask about farrier and veterinary partnerships and whether the trail system is open only to members. If equestrian life is central for you, arrange a visit to meet the stable team and see the arenas during active hours.

Fitness, spa, and pools

Beyond golf and riding, The Club’s wellness offerings keep you active year-round. Expect a well-equipped fitness center with strength and cardio zones, group classes like yoga, Pilates, spin, and functional training, plus personal training if you want one-on-one support. Spa services often include massage therapy and restorative treatments that are easy to book around your schedule.

Aquatics typically include lap or resort-style pools that support both workouts and relaxation. In winter, indoor fitness and spa programming make it easy to stay consistent when the weather turns cold.

Dining, events, and social life

The clubhouse is your social hub. Multiple venues usually cover casual grill fare, a bar and lounge, and refined dining for special occasions. Private dining rooms and event spaces make hosting simple, whether you are planning a birthday dinner or a small charity gathering.

The calendar leans into Santa Fe’s cultural rhythm. You can expect seasonal member events, holiday gatherings, wine dinners, speaker series, and community-focused activities. Many members plan their day around the clubhouse, meeting friends for breakfast after a round or unwinding with a sunset cocktail.

More recreation and family programming

Beyond the big pillars, you may find courts for tennis or pickleball, community walking and hiking trails, and access to larger regional trail systems. Family and junior programming often includes summer camps and youth activities. If family amenities are important, ask for the latest schedule so you can see how the club supports kids and teens.

Membership basics to know

Property ownership and club membership are generally separate in Las Campanas. Some listings may include a transferable membership, while others do not. The Club typically offers categories that mirror how you live.

• Golf membership for full golf access and practice facilities
• Social membership for dining, fitness, pools, and events with limited or no golf
• Equestrian membership for boarding, lessons, and trail use
• Combined or family options that bundle privileges

Initiation fees, dues, and membership caps can apply and are usually handled privately by the membership office. For the latest categories and availability, reach out to the Club directly through Las Campanas.

A day in club life

Imagine an early tee time on Sunrise, mountain light casting long shadows across the fairways. After a quick lunch at the grill, you join a mid-day strength class, then book a massage. If you prefer the barn to the range, start with a morning lesson in the arena, hit a few emails from the lounge in the afternoon, and meet friends for a wine-paired dinner that evening. Weekends bring member tournaments, group trail rides, and time at the pool with guests.

Due diligence for buyers

Before you write an offer, align your lifestyle goals with the specifics of the property and the club. Use this checklist to guide your questions.

• Membership status: Is a club membership included with the property and is it transferable?
• Fees and obligations: Initiation fees, monthly or annual dues, HOA assessments, and equestrian board or training costs
• Access rules: Guest policies, tee-time rules, equestrian trail use, hours of operation
• Architectural guidelines: Building envelopes, design review timelines, setback rules, and view protection standards
• Utilities and services: Water, septic or sewer, snow removal, road maintenance, and emergency services access
• Equestrian specifics: Stall availability, board types, turnout, manure management, and biosecurity procedures

Seasonality at 7,200 feet

You can enjoy Las Campanas all year, but activity peaks shift with the seasons. Summer and early fall are prime for golf, riding, and outdoor dining. Winter brings indoor fitness, spa time, and adjusted equestrian schedules if weather affects footing. Spring offers a gradual return to full outdoor programming.

Next steps

If Las Campanas fits your lifestyle, plan a visit. Schedule a tour with the Club’s membership director to review categories, privileges, and current availability. Request written details on dues, guest policies, and member rules. Tour properties at different times of day to study sun angles, privacy, and views. If horses are part of your plan, meet with the equestrian team to discuss stalls and training.

When you are ready to align the right home with the right membership, reach out to a local guide who lives and breathes this market. If you want concierge-level support from search to closing, connect with Bunny Terry. Start your Santa Fe story.

FAQs

Are the Las Campanas golf courses public or private?

• The two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses are private for members and their guests only.

Do I need a club membership to live in Las Campanas?

• No, property ownership and club membership are generally separate, though some listings may include a transferable membership.

Can non-members play golf at Las Campanas?

• Access is typically limited to members and their guests, with occasional approved events managed by the Club.

What does the equestrian program include?

• Expect boarding options, covered and outdoor arenas, lessons for adults and juniors, training, and access to a connected trail network.

What membership categories are available at The Club?

• Typical categories include golf, social, equestrian, and combined or family options, with details and availability managed by the membership office.

How does the high elevation affect daily activities?

• The 7,200-foot elevation brings cooler summers and some winter snow, which shapes seasonal programming and outdoor schedules.

What extra costs should I plan for beyond dues?

• Budget for lessons, cart fees, board and care for horses, locker fees, dining minimums, and event charges as applicable.