Tee Off in Aspen: 11 Golf Courses of the Roaring Fork Valley

The Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas are a golfer's paradise, offering a range of world-class courses nestled amongst the stunning mountain landscape. This summer, experience the best golf courses in the valley and nearby regions, each offering unique play, breathtaking views, and exclusive neighborhoods. Here's an in-depth rundown of the top courses to check out, as well as a regional shoutout to two exceptional courses further afield.

1. Aspen Golf Course (Aspen): The Aspen Golf Course is a public, 18-hole championship course located just minutes from downtown Aspen. Known for its challenging play on an old-school, parkland-style course. With well-manicured fairways and greens, this course offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The prestigious neighborhoods around the course, such as West End and Cemetery Lane, feature luxurious homes and easy access to Aspen's amenities. The Aspen Golf Course is set on 145 acres of immaculate greens, making it one of the most beautiful courses in the region. The course is designed to be challenging for experienced golfers, with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers, while still being enjoyable for beginners. In addition to the exceptional golf experience, the Aspen Golf Course also offers a public driving range, practice greens, and a fully-stocked pro shop.

Neighborhoods on or near the Aspen Golf Course: Cemetery Lane, Meadowood, Five Trees, Glen Eagles, Highlands, Tiehack, Pyramid View, Maroon Creek, Double Bar X Ranch

2. Maroon Creek Club (Aspen): The Maroon Creek Club is a prestigious, private golf course designed by Tom Fazio, providing a world-class golf experience amidst a pristine mountain setting. The course is surrounded by the exclusive Maroon Creek neighborhood, offering high-end real estate with panoramic views of the valley. This 18-hole course is known for its immaculate fairways and undulating greens, which require both skill and strategy. With the stunning Maroon Bells as a backdrop, golfers can enjoy an unforgettable experience on this exceptional course. Maroon Creek Club also offers a range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a luxurious clubhouse.

Neighborhoods near the Maroon Creek Club: Tiehack, Maroon Creek, Double Bar X Ranch, West Buttermilk, Meadowood, Five Trees

3. Snowmass Club (Snowmass Village): Nestled in the heart of Snowmass Village, Snowmass Club offers an exceptional golf experience in a breathtaking alpine setting. Designed by Jim Engh, this private, 18-hole championship course is renowned for its challenging links-style play and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The course's unique layout features gently rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, very few trees, and meticulously maintained greens, providing an exciting and enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels. With an elevation of 8,000 feet, the Snowmass Club also boasts thinner air, which can result in longer drives and a unique golfing experience.

Neighborhoods near the Snowmass Club: Snowmass Club, Two Creeks, The Pines, Faraway Road, Base Village, Wildridge, Wild Cat, The Divide, Wood Road

4. Roaring Fork Club (Basalt): The Roaring Fork Club, located in Basalt, is a private golf and fishing club featuring a stunning 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The club offers a perfect blend of challenging play and breathtaking views of the Roaring Fork River and surrounding ridge lines. The club's luxury cabins and home sites make this a highly sought-after area for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The Roaring Fork Club's golf course is known for its immaculate conditions and strategic design, offering a diverse and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The course meanders through the valley floor, with many holes featuring river hazards and dramatic elevation changes. In addition to golf, the Roaring Fork Club offers members access to world-class fly-fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities.

Neighborhoods near the Roaring Fork Club: Holland Hills, Old Town Basalt, Stott's Mill, Southside Basalt, Elk Run, Riverside, Basalt Ridge

5. River Valley Ranch (Carbondale) River Valley Ranch in Carbondale boasts a picturesque 18-hole course designed by Jay Morrish, offering challenging play with exceptional mountain and river views. The Ranch is a master-planned community featuring a range of beautiful homes, many of which overlook the golf course and offer stunning vistas. This championship course spans over 7,000 yards and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Crystal River and towering Mount Sopris. The River Valley Ranch Golf Course offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities, with water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and rolling fairways. The community also features a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, and tennis courts for residents to enjoy.

Neighborhoods near River Valley Ranch: River Valley Ranch, Downtown Carbondale, Crystal Village, Satank, Coreyell Ranch

6. The Ranch at Roaring Fork (Carbondale) The Ranch at Roaring Fork in Carbondale is a public, 9-hole, par 3 golf course perfect for a quick round or for honing your skills. The course's tree-lined fairways offer a peaceful and serene golfing experience, while the surrounding neighborhoods feature beautiful homes and townhomes, many with golf course or river views. The Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course is known for its well-maintained greens and approachable play, making it an excellent choice for golfers of all skill levels. In addition to golf, residents and guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Neighborhoods near the Ranch at Roaring Fork: Ranch at Roaring Fork, Aspen Valley Polo Club, Blue Creek Ranch, Finbar Ranch, Calicotte Ranch, Stirling Ranch, Wooden Dear

7. Ironbridge (Glenwood Springs): Ironbridge Golf Club in Glenwood Springs is a semi-private, 18-hole course designed by Arthur Hills and Tom Lehman, offering a challenging and rewarding golf experience. The course is surrounded by the upscale Ironbridge community, featuring stunning homes and beautiful mountain views. The Ironbridge Golf Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, undulating fairways, and exciting back 9. This challenging course offers a diverse range of holes, each requiring careful strategy and skill to master. The Ironbridge community also features a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness center.

Neighborhoods near Ironbridge: Ironbridge, Pinyon Mesa, West Bank Ranch, West Bank Mesa, Elk Springs

8. Aspen Glen (Carbondale): Aspen Glen is a private, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and located in the gated community of Aspen Glen in Carbondale. The course offers a combination of challenging play and spectacular views of Mount Sopris and the Roaring Fork River. The Aspen Glen Golf Course features a unique layout that takes full advantage of the area's natural beauty, with several holes playing along the Roaring Fork River and others framed by the surround ridge lines or Mt. Sopris. The Aspen Glen community features luxurious homes and an exclusive clubhouse, providing residents with a range of amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Neighborhoods near Aspen Glen: Aspen Glen, Coreyell Ranch, Satank, Ironbridge, Pinyon Mesa

9. Glenwood Springs Golf Club (Glenwood Springs): Glenwood Springs Golf Club, affectionately known as "The Hill," is a public, 9-hole course in Glenwood Springs offering incredible views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The course is known for its well-maintained greens and enjoyable play, suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The Glenwood Springs Golf Club is a local favorite, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Although the course is not surrounded by a residential community, the nearby neighborhoods offer a range of real estate options, many with easy access to the golf course and other local amenities.

Neighborhoods near Glenwood Springs Golf Club: Sunny Acres, Cedar Crest, Vista Heights, Oasis Creek, West Glenwood

10. Lakota Canyon Ranch (New Castle): Lakota Canyon Ranch is a public, 18-hole golf course designed by Jim Engh, offering a challenging and visually stunning golf experience. The course is nestled in the heart of New Castle and surrounded by the beautiful Lakota Canyon Ranch community, featuring upscale homes and picturesque mountain views. The Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, unique hole designs, and exceptional course conditions. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the challenges and rewards that this course offers. The community also features a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, and fitness center.

Neighborhoods near Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Course: Lakota Canyon Ranch, Castle Valley Ranch, Creek Hollow, Old Town New Castle

11. Rifle Creek Golf Course (Rifle): Rifle Creek Golf Course is a public, 18-hole course located in Rifle, offering a challenging and enjoyable golf experience amidst the beautiful Colorado landscape. The course is surrounded by the Rifle Creek Valley, providing golfers with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Rifle Creek Golf Course is known for its affordable price, well-maintained greens, and diverse hole designs, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The surrounding area offers a range of real estate options, many with easy access to the golf course and other local amenities.

Regional Shoutouts:

1. Redlands Mesa (Grand Junction) Desert play at its finest. Redlands Mesa Golf Course in Grand Junction is a public, 18-hole course designed by Jim Engh, offering a unique and challenging golf experience with stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. This award-winning course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and beautifully maintained greens, providing an unforgettable golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Redlands Mesa community features upscale homes with incredible views of the golf course and surrounding landscape. This exclusive neighborhood offers residents easy access to the golf course, as well as a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming pool, and fitness center.

2. Eagle Ranch Golf Course (Eagle) Eagle Ranch Golf Course, located in the charming town of Eagle, is a public, 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer. The course offers a mix of challenging play and stunning mountain views, making it a must-visit destination for Colorado golf enthusiasts. The Eagle Ranch Golf Course is known for its diverse layout, with a combination of open fairways, rolling hills, and strategically placed bunkers. The surrounding Eagle Ranch community features beautiful homes, many with golf course or mountain views. Residents can enjoy a range of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, and swimming pool.

In conclusion, the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas offer a wealth of exceptional golf courses for players of all skill levels to enjoy. With stunning mountain and valley views, challenging layouts, and exclusive real estate opportunities, it's no wonder that this region is a golfer's paradise. Whether you're looking to play a quick round or invest in a luxury home on the fairways, the Roaring Fork Valley's golf courses provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable golf experience.