In the heart of Colorado, Denver is a city that might not immediately come to mind when you think of disc golf. But, surprisingly, the Mile High City has only two urban disc golf courses, according to the UDisc app. This is a stark contrast to the 280-plus parks within the city limits, which makes you wonder: why is disc golf so underrepresented in Denver? Personally, I think it's a missed opportunity to bring people together and create a unique, engaging community. But, for now, let's explore the five best disc golf courses near Denver that are worth a visit.
Johnny Roberts (Arvada)
Nestled in a scenic wooded park in Arvada, Johnny Roberts Disc Golf Course is a beloved 18-hole course that's great for beginners and seasoned players alike. Most of the holes are fairly short, offering prime opportunities to score an ace, and a stream running through the park offers a modest challenge. What makes this course particularly fascinating is its popularity. It was the most played course in the U.S. in 2025, hosting nearly 46,000 rounds, according to UDisc. This popularity, however, doesn't detract from the fun. In fact, it adds to the excitement, as players move quickly because the layout is condensed. As a bonus, you can grab an adult beverage at Another Round Disc Golf and Tap Room after or before you play, since it’s only a mile from the park.
The Owl’s Den (Thornton)
With up to 27 holes to play, The Owl’s Den at Pelican Ponds Disc Golf Course in Thornton is lauded for its variety. The course includes wide open fairways, technical wooded areas, and a mix of short- and long-distance throwing. Being that it is located along the South Platte River, players also get a little bit of a nature escape. What makes this course particularly interesting is its ability to cater to a wide range of skill levels. It offers both wide open fairways and technical wooded areas, making it a versatile and engaging experience.
Upper Badlands and Lower Badlands (Federal Heights)
Those looking to get the most out of their disc golf trip should head to Camenisch Park in Federal Heights, which is home to two courses with a total of 36 holes. The Upper Badlands and Lower Badlands courses are known for their challenging terrain with elevation, trees, and several hazards all coming into play. Players tend to favor Lower Badlands, as there have been construction projects near the Upper Badlands course in recent years. But both offer long-distance shots and require some technical throwing. What makes these courses particularly intriguing is their ability to challenge even the most seasoned players while also providing a fun and engaging experience for beginners.
Fehringer Ranch (Morrison)
Located in a 135-acre open space abutting the foothills in Morrison, Fehringer Ranch Disc Golf Course’s mountain vistas offer a little something extra for a day throwing 18 holes. While there aren’t many trees here, the wide open fairways range in length from ‘600-foot long bombers to 190-foot tight shots,’ touts the Professional Disc Golf Association. This makes it a good choice for all skill levels. What makes this course particularly noteworthy is its ability to offer a challenging yet accessible experience. The wide open fairways and varied shot lengths make it a great option for both beginners and seasoned players.
The Missing Disc Golf Community in Denver
Despite the presence of these fantastic courses, there's a noticeable absence of a disc golf community in Denver. This is a missed opportunity to bring people together and create a unique, engaging community. Personally, I think disc golf has the potential to be a great community builder. It's a sport that's accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, and it offers a unique blend of physical activity and mental challenge. If you take a step back and think about it, disc golf could be a powerful tool for fostering community engagement and social interaction in Denver. This raises a deeper question: why isn't disc golf more integrated into the fabric of Denver's community?
