Where the Greens Meet the Peaks

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With more than 240 golf courses in Colorado—most of them west of the 105—there are plenty of spots to enjoy a round, whether you’re chasing birdies or just taking in the scenery.

Hillcrest Golf Club – Durango
Hillcrest is perched above downtown Durango and offers a scenic and serene playing experience for golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole course winds through rolling hills with fairways that open up to reveal big-sky views of the San Juan Mountains. Its convenient location makes it a great stop for those exploring southwest Colorado, and it’s a favorite among locals for its mix of playability and natural beauty.

Aspen Golf Club – Aspen
Aspen may be known for glitz, but its municipal golf course is a down-to-earth gem that doesn’t skimp on scenery. This 18-hole, par-71 course is just two miles from downtown and offers stunning views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells. It’s a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which means it's not just a good place to play—it's also a great place to spot wildlife. The flat terrain makes it walkable, and the elevation (7,900 feet) still adds a little extra oomph to your drives.

Conquistador Golf Course – Cortez
This USGA-sanctioned, par-72 public course sits at 6,200 feet in the Four Corners region and delivers an incredible mix of affordability and scenery. Expect wide-open fairways and greens framed by iconic views of Mesa Verde National Park, the La Plata Mountains, and Sleeping Ute Mountain. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the course still offers enough challenge to keep things interesting. Bonus: visitors who provide proof of local lodging can take advantage of a weekday 2-for-1 golf pass.

Tiara Rado Golf Course – Grand Junction
Set at the foot of the Colorado National Monument, Tiara Rado delivers a scenic, challenging experience with water hazards, tree-lined fairways, and slick greens. The layout offers a little bit of everything, from tight doglegs to open fairways that invite aggressive play. It’s a course that rewards strategy and penalizes missteps, all while showing off one of the most underrated views in Colorado golf.

Telluride Golf Course – Telluride
Few courses in the country match the wow factor of Telluride Golf Club. Nestled at nearly 9,500 feet, it’s one of the highest courses in North America. The 18-hole, par-70 layout is tucked into a box canyon and surrounded by more 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks than you can count. The altitude might give your drives some extra distance, but the tight fairways and elevation changes will keep you honest. It’s a must-play for those who want a round with a view—and a story.

Redlands Mesa Golf Course – Grand Junction
This desert-meets-mountain stunner is consistently ranked among the best public courses in Colorado. Designed by award-winning architect Jim Engh, Redlands Mesa features dramatic elevation changes, sculpted fairways, and panoramic views of the Colorado National Monument. The course feels like a natural extension of the rugged landscape, with each hole presenting a visually striking and technically demanding layout.

EagleVail Golf Club - Avon
Located between Vail and Beaver Creek, EagleVail Golf Club offers a scenic, 18-hole, par-71 course with challenging elevation changes and views of the Eagle River. Designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, the course features strategic shot placements, making it a great choice for golfers of all skill levels. The Willow Creek Par 3 Course is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quicker round. After your game, relax at the Whiskey Hill Grill & Bar, offering a cozy atmosphere and great food.

Devil’s Thumb Golf Course – Delta
Named after a nearby rock formation, Devil’s Thumb blends a wide-open links style with the mountain views Colorado is known for. Located just outside Delta, this course offers a peaceful round surrounded by farmland, mesas, and the Grand Mesa in the distance. It’s well-maintained and offers a more laid-back vibe, making it a great stop for road-tripping golfers or Western Slope residents looking for a solid hometown course.

Arrowhead Golf Course – Littleton
While it hugs the Front Range, Arrowhead feels worlds away. The course is carved through towering red sandstone formations that rise dramatically from the fairways, creating one of the most photographed and visually unique golf settings in the country. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr., Arrowhead offers elevation changes, challenging bunkers, and awe-inspiring views from nearly every hole.

Copper Creek Golf Course – Copper Mountain
Boasting the highest tee box in North America at 9,863 feet, Copper Creek is a bucket-list course for high-altitude golf fanatics. Located at the base of Copper Mountain Resort, this 18-hole course offers sweeping views of the Ten Mile Range, wildflower-filled meadows, and cool alpine breezes. The course layout is as enjoyable as it is challenging, with elevation shifts that keep things unpredictable and exciting.

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Black Canyon Golf Course – Montrose
This municipal gem in Montrose offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with tree-lined fairways, gentle slopes, and some of the best value golf on the Western Slope. It’s a classic small-town course where locals know each other by name and visitors are always welcome. The course is walkable, fun, and forgiving, but still has enough quirks to keep things interesting.

Rio Grande Club – South Fork
Tucked between Del Norte and Pagosa Springs, this stunning mountain course straddles the Rio Grande River and offers a true Colorado wilderness experience. The front nine plays along river wetlands, while the back nine climbs into the forested hillside with fairways carved between stands of pine, aspen, and cottonwood. With rock outcroppings, wildlife sightings, and plenty of elevation, it’s a round that feels like an adventure.

Whether you're teeing off beneath sandstone cliffs, threading fairways through alpine forests, or chasing that perfect high-elevation drive, Colorado’s golf scene west of the 105 delivers more than just a good walk spoiled—it delivers unforgettable landscapes and a laid-back mountain town atmosphere.

This newsletter was proudly sponsored by …

WKRP Montrose