Lake Estes Golf Course

Venue Overview

Set along the shores of Lake Estes with the Big Thompson River winding through the property, Lake Estes Golf Course is a scenic 9-hole executive course operated by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. Opened in 1972 and designed by noted Colorado architect Henry B. Hughes, the course doubles as an 18-hole disc golf course, giving visitors and locals two ways to enjoy one of the most photogenic settings in the Estes Park area, framed by the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. At an elevation of roughly 7,500 feet, the course offers a cooler, high-altitude round compared to Front Range courses at lower elevations, and its central location just off Big Thompson Avenue makes it one of the most accessible recreational spots in downtown Estes Park.

About the Course

• 9-hole executive course designed by architect Henry B. Hughes, opened in 1972
• Plays 2,209 yards from the longest tees to a par of 31
• Hole lengths range from 93 to 389 yards, suited to golfers of every skill level
• Big Thompson River and Lake Estes run through and alongside the course
• Also hosts an 18-hole, moderate-difficulty disc golf course along the same grounds
• Owned and operated by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District

Practice Facilities

Golfers can warm up on the course's practice putting green before heading out, and both push carts and motorized carts are available to rent alongside club rentals for visitors without their own equipment.

Dining and Amenities

As a district-operated executive course, Lake Estes keeps its amenities simple and focused on access: a pro shop for rentals, restrooms, and drinking water are available on site, along with cart-friendly and stroller-friendly paths that make the course walkable for families. The adjoining disc golf course, which covers about 2.2 miles and takes roughly two hours to play, adds a second recreational option for the same visit, and the setting along Lake Estes and the Big Thompson River makes it a popular stop for visitors exploring the Estes Park area. Disc golf rounds run $10, with annual passes available for $50.

Lessons & Instruction

Golf operations at Lake Estes are overseen by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District's golf staff.

• Austin Logan, PGA — Manager of Golf Operations
• Aaron Tulley — Assistant Manager of Golf Operations

Golfers interested in lessons or clinics can contact the golf operations office directly to check current availability and seasonal scheduling. The district also oversees youth and family golf programming at the course, making it a common starting point for junior golfers in the Estes Park area learning the game for the first time.

Tournaments & Events

As a public, district-run course, Lake Estes hosts recreational play, junior and family programs, and disc golf events throughout its operating season, which typically runs from spring through fall before a seasonal closure for winter. The adjoining disc golf course adds year-round interest to the property even outside the traditional golf season, and the course's central location along Big Thompson Avenue makes it an easy stop for visitors combining golf with a day exploring Estes Park.

Planning Your Event Here

Lake Estes Golf Course is open to the public and welcomes recreational play, family outings, and small group events during its operating season. Because the course is managed by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, groups interested in reserving tee times for an outing or tournament should contact the golf operations office directly to check availability and seasonal hours.

Hosting an Event at Lake Estes Golf Course?

Launch It on Colorado Under Par. If you're planning a golf outing, tournament, or private event at Lake Estes Golf Course, list it on Colorado Under Par to reach golfers across the state. Submit your event here.