Spanish Trail vs Southern Highlands Las Vegas

by Ryan Rose

Spanish Trail and Southern Highlands are two of the most recognized luxury golf communities in southwest Las Vegas, but they differ in age, structure, and overall feel. Spanish Trail is an entirely guard gated community built between 1984 and 2005, while Southern Highlands is a larger master planned community from the 1990s with both gated and non gated sections.

How Do Spanish Trail and Southern Highlands Compare in Layout?

Spanish Trail sits on 640 acres and contains approximately 1,200 homes across 11 neighborhoods, all behind a single guard gate. The entire community is enclosed, which creates a consistent level of privacy and controlled access regardless of which neighborhood you live in. Every home in Spanish Trail is a resale, as the community was fully built out by 2005.

Southern Highlands spans roughly 2,200 acres and includes a broader mix of housing types, from single family homes to condos. Only certain sections of Southern Highlands are guard gated, while other areas are open to the public. Southern Highlands also continues to offer new construction in select neighborhoods, which gives buyers the option of purchasing a brand new home with modern finishes and builder warranties.

Which Community Has the Better Golf Course?

Ryan Rose often fields questions from golf focused buyers about how these two courses compare. Spanish Trail features a private 27 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., which weaves through the neighborhoods and provides fairway views from many homesites. The course is owned by the community and accessible through a country club membership that is separate from the HOA.

Southern Highlands has a private golf club that was developed by Steve Wynn, known for its upscale design and exclusivity. Both courses rank among the top private clubs in Las Vegas. The difference comes down to preference: Spanish Trail's course is more integrated into daily neighborhood life, while Southern Highlands' club operates with a more resort style atmosphere.

Pricing, HOA, and Community Character

Spanish Trail home prices range from approximately $360,000 for townhomes to $8 million for custom estates, with a median of $894,000 as of January 2026. HOA fees run between $180 and $425 per month depending on the neighborhood. Southern Highlands pricing is comparable for its gated sections, though non gated homes can start lower.

If you want help deciding between Spanish Trail and Southern Highlands based on your priorities, contact Ryan Rose for a personalized community tour.