Greener days ahead as golf season returns to Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys
Jaymin Kanzer/Glenwood Springs Post Independent
It’s hard to beat the beauty of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys in spring. April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring sunshine, fresh green grass, and a return to outdoor life.
As snow melts off the fairways, golf courses across the valleys are beginning to open for the 2025 season. From Jack Nicklaus-designed layouts to top-rated public courses, the valleys continues to shine as a destination for golfers of all skill levels.
The Western Slope is home to some of the best golf in the state, and Garfield County carries more than its share of that weight.
Rifle Bears girls golf head coach and local golf pro Cody Nelson said he’s excited for another year on the links.
“There is a lot to the sport,” Nelson told the Post Independent in late March. “You’re out there on your own, and any mistakes or accomplishments are up to you. Also just the way that the game gets you outside. You know, being on the green grass and the community that comes along with golfing is unmatched.”
The Glenwood Springs Golf Club — affectionately known as The Hill — was the last course in the valley to open its doors this spring. It was voted the best 9-hole public course in Colorado by The Denver Post.
Course superintendent Jim Richmond said conditions are looking strong heading into the season.
“The golf course made it through the winter in good condition,” he said. “Grass is green and the greens are rolling good.”
But Glenwood’s course is just one stop on a golf map packed with variety.
According to top100golfcourses.com, five of the top 50 courses in Colorado are located within the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for the views, there’s something for every kind of golfer.
Courses like Ironbridge, Aspen Glen, and the Roaring Fork Club are among the highest rated in the region — all designed by Jack Nicklaus and known for their challenging layouts and striking mountain scenery.
In the Colorado River Valley, Lakota Links and Rifle Creek Golf Course sit nestled along one of the longest naturally formed hogback ridges in North America. Though close in proximity, the two offer completely different experiences.
Lakota Links opened in 2004 and quickly earned a spot among the Western Slope’s premier golf destinations. The 18-hole course stretches more than 7,000 yards and features dramatic elevation changes, including tee shots that drop over 100 feet. Set high on the hogback, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Rifle Creek Golf Course has been part of the community since 1960. Tucked deep into the ridge, it delivers a more traditional experience, with two distinct 9-hole layouts and scenery that’s hard to replicate.
As spring continues and the weather teases warmer days, golfers across the valley are finding their way back onto the fairways. With so many options — and so much green — it’s officially golf season in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.
