If you’ve ever been to Colorado, you know it has some of the country’s most picturesque and challenging golf courses. The best part is that there is an endless supply of public golf courses across the state for golf enthusiasts to seek a new challenge.
I’ve lived in Colorado for more than a decade now and have been lucky to have the chance to play some of the state’s best courses. There are courses ranging from dramatic mountain vistas to courses nestled in canyon landscapes. Each of these helps provide a backdrop for a golfing experience that you’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten public golf courses that any golf lover must experience.
10 Best Public Golf Courses in Colorado
1. The Broadmoor Golf Club – East Course
- Location: Colorado Springs
- Yardage: 7,355 yards
- Par: 72
With a heritage dating back to 1918, The Broadmoor Golf Club is not only a staple in the Colorado golf community but a testament to the region’s stunning natural beauty. The course features manicured fairways that weave through a pine forest, with the dramatic Cheyenne Mountain providing the perfect backdrop. The intricate course design is complemented by superb maintenance and is renowned for its fast greens and intricate bunkers.
2. Red Sky Golf Club
- Location: Wolcott
- Yardage: 7,116 yards (Fazio course) and 7,580 yards (Norman course)
- Par: 72
Nestled in the Vail Valley, Red Sky Golf Club offers two championship courses—The Norman and The Fazio—both of which rank among the top 100 in the U.S. Each course features the kind of high-altitude challenge that has become a trademark of Colorado golf, where the lush fairways and natural beauty of the surrounding White River National Forest coexist in perfect harmony.
3. Arrowhead Golf Club
- Location: Littleton
- Yardage: 6,636 yards
- Par: 70
One of the most scenic public golf courses in the state, Arrowhead Golf Club’s red sandstone rock formations are as much a part of the course as the fairways themselves. Each hole provides a unique experience, and the signature holes, including the famous “Devil’s Elbow,” are set against the iconic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Beyond the scenery, the course’s innovative design is a test of accuracy and precision.
4. Fossil Trace Golf Club
- Location: Golden
- Yardage: 6,831 yards
- Par: 72
Fossil Trace Golf Club brings history to your tee time as the course winds around several remnants of ancient sandstone dinosaur trackings. The views of the foothills and Denver skyline are an added bonus to the challenging design. The signature par-5 12th hole features a historic chimney that players must golf around, making this course truly one of a kind.
5. Keystone Ranch Golf Course
- Location: Keystone
- Yardage: 7,017 yards
- Par: 72
The Keystone Ranch Golf Course offers a meadow-style course with a traditional layout with a modern course rating. Highlights include the number 1 and number 13 holes, both par-5s that boast mountainous backdrops and challenges that will thrill and engage. The historic Ranch House, where fine dining is offered, provides a taste of classic Colorado charm.
6. The Ridge at Castle Pines North
- Location: Castle Rock
- Yardage: 6,778 yards
- Par: 71
Known for its numerous elevation changes and challenging fairways, The Ridge sits in an exclusive setting of woodlands and rock outcroppings. The course’s five-tee system ensures a suitable challenge for golfers of all skill levels, while the Castle Pines offer a breathtaking vista that most certainly does not get old.
7. Bear Dance Golf Club
- Location: Larkspur
- Yardage: 7,726 yards
- Par: 72
Bear Dance Golf Club, designed by former PGA and Champions Tour player D.A. Weibring and architect Jay Morrish, incorporates 18 holes of the best “mountain” style golf, quite literally, with elevation changes that the most scenic mountain golf courses offer. The stunning views of the front range, Pikes Peak, and Devil’s Head are clear from several tees and fairways, making for an unforgettable day on the links.
8. River Valley Ranch Golf Club
- Location: Carbondale
- Yardage: 7,348 yards
- Par: 72
Featuring the stunning Crystal River as its backdrop, River Valley Ranch Golf Club is an 18-hole layout that offers more than just pristine natural views. It has won acclaim for its well-manicured grounds and the river itself, which is a part of the course experience, crossing or running alongside several holes. This one is a favorite with those who enjoy golfing amidst nature’s grandeur.
9. The Golf Club at Fox Acres
- Location: Red Feather Lakes
- Yardage: 6,481 yards
- Par: 71
Though more remote than some of the other Colorado golf hotspots, The Golf Club at Fox Acres offers a serene, forested course experience with very little risk of being hurried by impatient players behind. Encircled by the Red Feather Lakes, this mountain golf course with its tranquil atmosphere is a delightful change for those who seek a true getaway with their game.
10. Raven at Three Peaks
- Location: Silverthorne
- Yardage: 7,413 yards
- Par: 72
One of the nation’s most picturesque and challenging golf courses, Raven at Three Peaks, treats players to a mountainous setting with aspen grove-lined fairways. Featuring a diverse course design that marries extensive water features with natural beauty, this course offers not only a visual feast but also a deeply engaging golfing challenge. The transition from arid desert to verdant fairways will keep any golfer on their toes.
The Bottom Line
Colorado’s diverse topography and scenic landscapes have made it a golfer’s paradise. With courses that challenge and inspire, and a golfing culture that is as welcoming as it is competitive, a round in the Rockies is an experience to mark off any golfer’s bucket list.
Whether you’re a local or a vacationer, the 10 best public golf courses in Colorado stand ready to impress you and ensure that your game is as memorable as the view. Remember, reservations often book up fast, so start planning your tee times and enjoy your golf adventure in Colorado.
Sean’s parents first put a golf club in his hands at the age of 8. He immediately fell in love with the game of golf. Today he’s passing on that love to his own kids.