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Ask local players what their favorite disc golf courses are, and they’ll likely mention layouts well outside of Mile High City. Although the Denver metro area has plenty of free and beginner-friendly disc golf courses, more experienced players often venture farther out of town to find challenges like more trees, longer holes, and greater variety of terrain and, of course, the stunning mountain scenery Colorado is known for. The following 10 routes (some public, some private) are destinations worth driving.
mass of snow
Many of the state’s ski resorts throw baskets down their mountainsides in the summer, and while they’re not always the most technically interesting courses, there’s nothing more in Colorado. than riding a gondola to a tee perched over 10,000 feet. The 18-hole aerial approach to Snowmass, added to the Lost Forest Adventure Zone in 2018, is a snow-filled paragon. (For more challenge, add the 18 holes of Aspen Mountain; at 11,200 feet, the 27-year-old course is among the tallest in the world.) Free to play; $33 for a single gondola ride
Bailey
This beautiful and sprawling 21-hole mountain course located in the Bailey Outdoor Education and Recreation Area is a local darling thanks to huge downhill tee shot opportunities and a balanced mix of woods and of meadows. The property, owned by the Platte Canyon School District, hosted Colorado’s first Disc Golf Pro Tour event in June. $5 per spin
Bailey
To get a tee time and access code for Bear Mountain, which edged out Beaver Ranch and Bailey to be named UDisco’s Best Colorado Disc Golf Course in 2022, you’ll need to text a guy named Dan at 303-909-2614. Players rave about both the epic scenery and the owner’s hospitality. $10 per person
Coniferous
With a 21-hole layout that has three basket positions (easy, intermediate, and hard) on most holes, a 20-basket putting course, and a pro shop that also sells snacks you can enjoy on spade tables shaded picnic areas, you can easily, and happily, spend an entire day at Beaver Ranch. $12 for a day pass with reserved departure time or $15 for walk-in rides
Downtown
Set among the remnants of Russell Gulch, a long-abandoned mining town, this reservations-only 20-hole course (call 303-582-3083 to reserve your spot) has special penalties for touching historic structures. $10 for one round or $15 for two; $5 for non-players
Bailey
Opened a year ago, Glen Isle’s 24 holes are still under construction, but area disc golf fanatics, including Boulder’s Eagle McMahon, see huge potential in the course. Check the Facebook page for wedding closures before following the link to sign a waiver and prepay. $10 per spin
Fort Morgan
The Fort Morgan of the Eastern Plains is the mecca of disc golf, thanks to two complementary courses: 21 holes, 20 years old Optimist and 18 holes Pessimist, which became the first course in the United States designed by DiscGolfPark, a subsidiary of Discmania, when it opened in 2015. Free
Pueblo
Mature trees, watering holes and crowds a fraction of the size you encounter in Denver make Pueblo’s 18-hole course well worth the two-hour drive. Use the time you don’t waste waiting to play twice. Free
Fort Collins
Adjacent to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery (and its resident Clydesdales), this championship-level course, co-designed by 2009 World Champion Avery Jenkins, has quickly become a popular tournament venue since its debut in the summer of 2020. But beginners can still take advantage of the course thanks to the ability to play shorter basket positions on both the front and back nine. $5 for a day pass
Golden
Nestled along Coal Creek Canyon Road, just about 45 minutes northwest of Denver, Wondervu’s 22 holes are spread over 25 scenic acres that are also home to a graffiti bus, pro shop and a permanent food truck with a chicken Philly cheesesteak dynamite. $10 per spin
