Estes Park Golf Course

Venue Overview

Estes Park Golf offers two scenic public golf courses at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado, operated by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. The headliner is the historic Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, one of the oldest courses in the state, playing beneath the snow-capped peaks of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker and once named the sixth most beautiful course in the country. Alongside it, the Lake Estes 9-Hole Course offers a quick, family-friendly executive round along the Big Thompson River, often shared with the local elk. Affordable, breathtakingly scenic, and just 90 minutes from Denver, Estes Park Golf is a memorable mountain destination for a round, a tournament, or a group getaway.

The 18-Hole Golf Course

The Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course is a par-71 regulation course with roots dating to 1917, redesigned by Denver architect Henry Hughes and reopened in its modern form in 1960. Set in a natural valley surrounded by spectacular mountains, it plays to 6,321 yards, with the thin mountain air adding welcome distance and the panoramic views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker adding unforgettable scenery. The 18-Hole Course at a glance: 18-hole, par-71 regulation course 6,321 yards, with a course rating of 69.3 and a slope of 126 Roots dating to 1917, redesigned by Henry Hughes and reopened in 1960 One of the oldest golf courses in Colorado Set in a natural mountain valley with panoramic views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker Recognized as the sixth most beautiful golf course in the United States A driving range and pro shop, plus Smokin' Dave's BBQ at the Hangar for dining Open into late October, weather permitting

The Lake Estes 9-Hole Golf Course

The Lake Estes 9-Hole Golf Course is a fun, family-friendly executive course near downtown Estes Park and Lake Estes, designed by Henry B. Hughes and opened in 1972. The Big Thompson River flows right through the layout, adding a genuine challenge, and dozens of elk are frequent companions on the course. The 9-Hole Course at a glance: 9-hole, par-31 executive course with five par 3s and four par 4s 2,209 yards, ideal for a quick round or newer players Designed by Henry B. Hughes, opened in 1972 The Big Thompson River winding through the layout Set near Lake Estes, with frequent elk sightings A practice putting green, with carts and club rentals available Disc golf available in the afternoons in season Open year-round, weather permitting

A Course With History

The Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course is steeped in more than a century of Colorado golf history. The original clubhouse was built in 1909 on land once owned by Lord Dunraven, and today it houses the pro shop and Smokin' Dave's BBQ at the Hangar. The Estes Park Golf and Country Club was incorporated in 1917, and the first round of golf was played on July 4, 1918. Financial troubles in the 1930s saw the course shrink to nine holes with an airstrip added to draw tourists, and by 1957 the course had passed to the local recreation district. Denver architect Henry Hughes, who built more than 40 courses across the West, was brought in to transform it back into a full 18, and the remodeled course opened on July 5, 1960. Today it stands as one of only a handful of American courses to pass the century mark.

The Playing Experience

Golf in Estes Park is as much about the scenery as the scorecard. On the 18-Hole Course, you play in a natural valley beneath the snow-capped summits of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, with the thin, high-country air rewarding you with extra distance off the tee. It is not the most difficult course in the state, but it gives experienced players a good test while remaining fun and fair for casual golfers, a big reason it was once named among the most beautiful courses in the country. The Lake Estes 9-Hole Course is the perfect complement: a quick, relaxed executive round along the Big Thompson River, ideal if you are squeezing in golf between hikes, and just as likely to feature an elk crossing as a birdie putt. Together, they make Estes Park a genuine golf destination.

Amenities & Dining

Estes Park Golf keeps the experience welcoming and well-equipped: A driving range at the 18-Hole Course and a practice putting green at the 9-Hole Course A full-service pro shop Smokin' Dave's BBQ at the Hangar, set in the historic 1909 clubhouse Carts and club rentals at both courses The Estes Park Golf Courses app, with GPS, digital scoring, and a free range bucket Disc golf at the Lake Estes course in season

Lessons & Instruction

Lessons at Estes Park are available with PGA Head Golf Professional Austin Logan, whose coaching is verified on PGA.com and who oversees instruction at both the Estes Park and Lake Estes courses. He works with golfers of all levels, with private lessons booked through the pro shop. (Instructor as of 2026.)

Tournaments & Events

Estes Park Golf is a scenic, affordable host for tournaments and group outings, with two courses to accommodate groups of all sizes and a setting that makes any event memorable. From charity scrambles to corporate outings, the staff can help organize your day, with Smokin' Dave's BBQ on hand for the post-round gathering. Event types hosted: Charity and nonprofit fundraising tournaments Corporate and group outings Competitive and scramble events Family and group golf getaways Contact the courses to inquire about availability and tournament arrangements for your next event.

Planning Your Event Here

Estes Park Golf works well for organizers who want a scenic, affordable mountain destination with the flexibility of two courses, all at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park about 90 minutes from Denver. The 18-Hole Course plays into late October, while the Lake Estes 9-Hole Course is open year-round as weather permits. Event availability and arrangements are coordinated directly with the Estes Park golf staff. Reach out to the 18-Hole Course at 970-586-8146 or the Lake Estes 9-Hole Course at 970-586-8176 to plan your outing.

Hosting an Event at Estes Park Golf? Launch It on Colorado Under Par

If you're organizing a tournament, scramble, or group outing at the Estes Park golf courses, you can launch your event for free on Colorado Under Par — Colorado's dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado's active golf community takes less than five minutes. Launch your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event