Colorado and Utah offer some of the most dramatic golf scenery in America: courses framed by snow-capped peaks in summer, and red-rock canyons in Utah's southwestern desert. High altitude means the ball flies further, and summers in the mountains are warm, dry and blissfully cool compared with much of the country. Here's how to plan a trip.
Colorado
Denver and the Front Range
Denver, the "Mile High City", and nearby cities such as Colorado Springs, Boulder and Fort Collins, have many public and private courses, with views of the Rocky Mountains.
Mountain resort towns
Resort towns such as Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Keystone and Steamboat Springs offer mountain golf in summer, often at 7,000 feet or more, with dramatic elevation changes and short seasons.
Utah
Salt Lake City and Park City
The Salt Lake valley has good-value public golf, while Park City offers mountain resort golf in summer.
St George and southern Utah
In the far southwest, St George has a desert climate and courses set among red sandstone cliffs and black lava rock. It's a year-round destination, with spring, autumn and mild winters the most popular.
When to go
| Area | Best season |
|---|---|
| Denver and Front Range | April to October |
| Mountain resorts | June to September |
| Salt Lake City and Park City | May to October |
| St George | October to May; summer is very hot |
Playing at altitude
- The ball flies further in thin air. At around 5,000 feet, many golfers find they hit each club noticeably further; at 8,000 feet, further still. Read golf at altitude.
- Breaks on the greens often run away from the mountains. Read how to read greens.
- Elevation changes: big uphill and downhill shots. Read how to play uneven lies.
- Hydrate and pace yourself, especially on your first day at altitude.
- Sun protection: UV is stronger at altitude. Read sun protection for golfers.
Weather and safety
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in mountain summers. Tee off early and leave the course when lightning approaches. Read golf course safety.
- Desert heat in southern Utah summers. Read hot weather golf.
- Wildlife: elk, deer and occasionally bears in the mountains. Read golf courses and wildlife.
Costs and booking
- Municipal courses around Denver and Salt Lake City offer excellent value.
- Mountain resorts can be expensive in peak summer.
- St George offers packages in spring and autumn.
Sample trip ideas
- Colorado summer road trip: Denver golf, then two or three mountain resort towns.
- Utah red-rock break: St George golf with visits to nearby national parks.
- Park City week: mountain golf, hiking and mountain biking.
Frequently asked questions
How much further does the ball go at altitude?
It depends on the elevation and conditions, but many golfers see several percent more carry at around 5,000 feet, and more at higher elevations.
When is the best time for golf in Colorado?
Summer for mountain resorts; spring to autumn along the Front Range.
Can I play golf in Utah in winter?
Yes, in St George and southern Utah, where winters are mild.
Is mountain golf hard?
It has elevation changes and altitude adjustments, but the scenery makes up for it.
The bottom line
Colorado and Utah offer mountain golf in summer and red-rock desert golf through the cooler months. Adjust for altitude, play early to avoid storms, drink plenty of water and enjoy some of America's most spectacular golf settings. For more western golf, read golf in Arizona and golf in Nevada.