The Grand Valley boasts 7 unique disc golf courses, 3 of which are located alongside the beautiful Colorado River. Disc golf is a game in which players throw a frisbee towards a disc pole hole. The player with lowest total cumulative score wins. The sport of disc golf can be played over a wide variety of terrain. Often times, land not suitable for other park activities or development is therefore perfect terrain for a disc golf course. Disc golf is an inexpensive sport as the courses are generally free to play on, so all you need to purchase is a golf disc frisbee which will cost around $10 – $40.
Grand Junction Disc Golf Courses
WATSON ISLAND (GJ)
Located along the Colorado River in the new Las Colonias Park, this is the newest disc golf course in Grand Junction. It is a flat and lightly wooded course that boasts 20 holes. Each disc golf hole was created with three options for baskets, therefore the course can be changed up to accommodate recreational players and future competitions. Address: 639 Strutters Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501.
MATCHETT PARK (GJ)
This course located in the heart of Grand Junction is loads of fun with many challenging shots due to elevation, cliffs, water hazards and thick brush. Many times shots are over deep ravines which require you to go bush waking to find your disk but it’s all in good fun. There are no trees on this course, so it can be brutal playing in the heat of the summer and can become muddy after a rainstorm. Matchett Park will be getting a facelift over the next few years, so some improvements might be on the way including restrooms. First tee is located just north of 28 3/4 Road and Patterson Road.
COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY (GJ)
This 9-hole putting course opened in 2016. The baskets are scattered through between the building on the Colorado Mesa University campus. This course is great for beginners looking to get in some practice throws. Discs can be purchased through the Maverick Center for approximately $11. The course is open to the public to play anytime, however parking can be a challenge during school hours.
Palisade Disc Golf Courses
RIVER BEND PARK (P)
The only disc golf course in Palisade, Colorado. This course may intimidate some people as the first shot is across a water hazard but don’t get discouraged. This course follows along the Colorado River and its landscape is layered with beautiful cottonwoods and wide open shots. To get to the course take the Palisade exit off of I-70 and go south. Cross over Hwy 6 and turn left on Frontage Rd., 2 blocks to a right on Logan St., go south to the park. 1st tee on the north side of the lake.
Fruita Disc Golf Courses
FRUITA RIVERSIDE DGC (F)
This course was built to host the 2011 Colorado State Disc Golf Championships, so it is very well done. It is located along the Colorado River in Fruita and offers multiple pin positions and good maps. Get here by taking I-70 to exit 19 and head south on Hwy 340. After a mile you will cross the river and take a right on Kingsview Rd. Drive about a half mile and you will come to the Snooks Bottom parking lot. The first hole is to the south, through the fence. About 100 yards in, you will see the practice basket.
LITTLE SALT WASH PARK (F)
Located in Fruita, this is a fun shaded course that is technical and real short. The disc golf course meanders through cottonwood, willow, russian olive and tamarisk trees as it follows along the Little Salt Wash. Get here from Grand Junction; I-70 west to Fruita Exit #19. Go north 0.4 miles on Cherry St. to a right at Ottley Ave., 0.8 miles to a left at 18 Rd. (Pine St.), 0.3 miles north to the park on the left along Little Salt Wash (just past K-1/3 Rd.). Park in the baseball field lot, then head NW to the 90 degree bend in the bike path.
FRUITA MIDDLE SCHOOL (F)
Set on the grounds of a middle school, this course can only be played on weekends or after school hours. Play counter clockwise for the first 5 holes and then in reverse for the next five. Address is 239 N Maple St Fruita, CO 81521.
Where to buy Discs?
Triple Play Records has the largest assortment of disc golf products in the Grand Valley. They offer new and used discs from a variety of suppliers with a massive selection of colors. Visit them in downtown Grand Junction at 530 Main Street.
Grand Valley Disc Golf Leagues?
In conclusion, if you want to get serious about the sport or just want to meet new friends? Join one of these clubs…
- Grand Valley Disc Golf Club – Anyone interested in the sport is able to join the club. There is a $20 yearly membership fee, which helps to build and maintain the courses. Once a member you can join their Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/GVDGCmembers. Visit Triple Play Records to join.
- Chicks with Discs – A league just for women.
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