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Goblin Valley State Park reviews
10
0
Goblin Valley State Park 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 30, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
My Three Pros:
- The views in and around the course are fantastic and make the course worth visiting if in the area. Several holes play right along the cliffs of the campground and mountain biking area, though the course does not come anywhere near the actual Goblin Valley. Holes 12 & 13 play right along and inside the crevices of the cliffs near the campground yurts- hole 4 throws down a big cliff near the biking area and hole 8 throws down a huge drop off; all great signature holes that make great use of the landscape features.
-Thoughtful hole designs will have you throwing uphill and downhill on multiple shots, and lines are required to curve around the rock formations rather than having to navigate any trees. Most of the wide open holes require a steep uphill or downhill throw. Basket locations are commonly on mounds or close to edges with dropoffs making putting more challenging.
-Location of the course so close to the campground makes it very easy to stop by your campsite midround for a break or more drinks. Furthermore location of the course at a cool state park make for a great weekend or a long day of hiking the Goblin Valley and playing disc golf. With this place being so far out of the way you are very likely to have the course to yourself.
- The views in and around the course are fantastic and make the course worth visiting if in the area. Several holes play right along the cliffs of the campground and mountain biking area, though the course does not come anywhere near the actual Goblin Valley. Holes 12 & 13 play right along and inside the crevices of the cliffs near the campground yurts- hole 4 throws down a big cliff near the biking area and hole 8 throws down a huge drop off; all great signature holes that make great use of the landscape features.
-Thoughtful hole designs will have you throwing uphill and downhill on multiple shots, and lines are required to curve around the rock formations rather than having to navigate any trees. Most of the wide open holes require a steep uphill or downhill throw. Basket locations are commonly on mounds or close to edges with dropoffs making putting more challenging.
-Location of the course so close to the campground makes it very easy to stop by your campsite midround for a break or more drinks. Furthermore location of the course at a cool state park make for a great weekend or a long day of hiking the Goblin Valley and playing disc golf. With this place being so far out of the way you are very likely to have the course to yourself.
Cons:
My Three Cons:
-Infrastructure of the course is such that nothing is permanently installed so the teepads are marked with moveable wood posts, teepads are naturals and baskets are older single chain disc catchers held in place with sandbags. You will need the map here or from the visitor center to find your way around as some of the teemarker posts area hard to find. Maps are 50cents at the visitor center or they will let you take a photo of it. Teepads are mostly level but commonly very sandy or rocky and sometimes I wondered if the teepad marker had been moved by the previous person. The tees were sufficient on the shorter holes but I found it challenging to get good footing for a full throw the longer shots. The baskets caught well enough but are a bit outdated by today's standard and were a bit of an eyesore with the sandbags. It makes sense that the course is installed in a way that it can be removed without a trace if needed, but the poor quality of tees/baskets/signs take this course from a 4+ to a 3.
-Weather will be a factor for almost any round to be played here with major heat in the summer, cold mornings and nights the remainder of the year and heavy winds the day I played. Most baskets are on mounds and such so the winds were a big factor.
-Strange holes such are #18 were a bit of a letdown and could be replaced with more holes in the cliffs near 12/13 or the cliffs near #4. #18 played over 400' and was steeply uphill (playing along a blind crest of the road which seemed dangerous) with sandy footing everywhere but the road- this hole was a beatdown that I was happy to take 4 on. Similarly long #6 seemed unnecessary in length and just no fun in a place with such sandy footing everywhere. Then there are very short holes like #3, #5 and less so 12/13 which could be slightly lengthened easily. Lastly the navigation left something to be desired as many hole transitions require long hikes or backtracking.
-Infrastructure of the course is such that nothing is permanently installed so the teepads are marked with moveable wood posts, teepads are naturals and baskets are older single chain disc catchers held in place with sandbags. You will need the map here or from the visitor center to find your way around as some of the teemarker posts area hard to find. Maps are 50cents at the visitor center or they will let you take a photo of it. Teepads are mostly level but commonly very sandy or rocky and sometimes I wondered if the teepad marker had been moved by the previous person. The tees were sufficient on the shorter holes but I found it challenging to get good footing for a full throw the longer shots. The baskets caught well enough but are a bit outdated by today's standard and were a bit of an eyesore with the sandbags. It makes sense that the course is installed in a way that it can be removed without a trace if needed, but the poor quality of tees/baskets/signs take this course from a 4+ to a 3.
-Weather will be a factor for almost any round to be played here with major heat in the summer, cold mornings and nights the remainder of the year and heavy winds the day I played. Most baskets are on mounds and such so the winds were a big factor.
-Strange holes such are #18 were a bit of a letdown and could be replaced with more holes in the cliffs near 12/13 or the cliffs near #4. #18 played over 400' and was steeply uphill (playing along a blind crest of the road which seemed dangerous) with sandy footing everywhere but the road- this hole was a beatdown that I was happy to take 4 on. Similarly long #6 seemed unnecessary in length and just no fun in a place with such sandy footing everywhere. Then there are very short holes like #3, #5 and less so 12/13 which could be slightly lengthened easily. Lastly the navigation left something to be desired as many hole transitions require long hikes or backtracking.
Other Thoughts:
This course is tough to rate as it was a fantastic hike and really enjoyable though the course itself could use some improvements. I enjoy the hiking aspect of disc golf and this course made for a beautiful walk in a really nice state park. I recorded just about 4.3 miles of walking for my single round which included some amount of scouting basket locations.
If you make it out to play you should try to camp at the park, if you are lucky enough to camp at the park I found it much better flow to start play at hole #9 and end on the epic downhill throw of #8 - beginning and ending in the campground area rather than the mountain bike area where #1/18 are located. It also saves you from ending on the dreaded #18 uphill beast of a hole.
Also, a trip to Goblin Valley state park is not complete without a hike around the goblin valley itself - an otherworldy experience. Another nearby hike worth visiting is little wild horse canyon just outside the park for a fun and free slot canyon hike.
Playing in March I was lucky to find free campsite and while we were there we heard the rangers telling cars the park was full and to wait for others leave before being allowed in. If you are coming for a day trip in the busy season do come early. Note that the nearest town is likely green river to the north ~1 hour away so come prepared with everything you might need.
If you make it out to play you should try to camp at the park, if you are lucky enough to camp at the park I found it much better flow to start play at hole #9 and end on the epic downhill throw of #8 - beginning and ending in the campground area rather than the mountain bike area where #1/18 are located. It also saves you from ending on the dreaded #18 uphill beast of a hole.
Also, a trip to Goblin Valley state park is not complete without a hike around the goblin valley itself - an otherworldy experience. Another nearby hike worth visiting is little wild horse canyon just outside the park for a fun and free slot canyon hike.
Playing in March I was lucky to find free campsite and while we were there we heard the rangers telling cars the park was full and to wait for others leave before being allowed in. If you are coming for a day trip in the busy season do come early. Note that the nearest town is likely green river to the north ~1 hour away so come prepared with everything you might need.
10
0
Never Give Up, Never Surrender! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 19, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
Goblin Valley is a long, strenuous 18 hole disc golf course that is very exposed. The course plays amid the wonderful geology of the San Rafael group and the Capitol Reef. Even if you are not into rocks, the views here are one of a kind. There are no trees, only scattered bushes. As much as I love Goblin Valley State Park, the disc golf wasn't all that.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read my lengthy review.
Elevation Changes
The course does have some big elevation changes. Play starts on the higher plateau and winds up and around the plateau then down and around the campground. Hole 18 plays back up to the plateau to the starting area.
Heights
If you are afraid of heights, you may not enjoy some of the tee locations. Do not play 15 from the elevated tee! If you are NOT afraid of heights, the elevated tees for 8, 11, 15 and 16 are a lot of fun! If you don't like heights, you won't enjoy the walk down to target 4.
Rugged and Rocky
If you are not into rocks and geology, you will not enjoy this course nearly as much as I did. I showed some folks the photos and they are like, "Where are the trees?" The vegetation is sparse. In some places the course is very steep and rugged. In other places, it can be dusty and sandy.
All 18 in a row or not
The target for Hole 6 is close to the parking area. This is your chance to stock up on water before playing the remaining holes. Later in the round as you are walking to tee for Hole 9, you will pass by the tee for Hole 18. If you have had enough, play Hole 18 back up to your car. Otherwise, get ready to play 8 more holes around the campgounds before you get back to this tee.
Exposed
This entire part of Utah is rocky, rugged and exposed. This park is no exception. Play early in the day to avoid the heat. Park opens at 7:00am. If you stay in campgrounds you, can start playing even earlier! There are some shade shelters in the campground area close to course if you need a break from the sun.
Navigation
I updated the map here at DGCR with readable labels. The giant rock ridge in front of you is West. Hole 1 Tee is on the Southwest corner of the disc golf parking lot. Holes 1 through 7 and 18 are on the top part of the course and play among the white Curtis Formation layer. Holes 8-17 are the lower part of the course and play through the red Entrada Sandstone layer. Yellow marker flags show the path to the next tee.
Tees
The tees are all natural dirt/rock and are all marked with orange utility flags. Some tees are more developed than others. There are usually a couple of cairns at each front corner of each tee and sometimes the entire tee is designated with rocks. There are no tee signs of any kind. Yellow flags mark the path to the next tee.
Exceptionally long
This course plays over a massive area. The area for Holes 1 through 7 would cover more area than most 18 hole courses. The lower part of the course is also sprawling. There is also an extra long walk between 13 and 14. Really long, and mostly uphill. (Ok, it is not THAT uphill, but it isn't flat either).
All to yourself
Your own personal disc golf course. Because no one else is going to be walking around this exposed area of the park. Actually, there is a trailhead at the start of the course and I did see one group of hikers later in the round! I figured they must be crazy to be out here. They probably thought the same thing about me.
Restrooms
There are full service restrooms with running water in the campgrounds. There are also several natural valut toilets in the campgrounds. There are several opportunities to use these restrooms during the round. Hold out for the nice, modern set of restrooms with running water and electricity close to the 14th tee.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
No, no and no. It is too rocky and rugged for any of these. Take the kids to see the Goblins, there is a playground area there.
Epic Hole 15 elevated tee
Highlight of the round for me was playing from the elevated tee for Hole 15. Immediately after you play Hole 14, take the trail leading up the steep canyon wall. Do not attempt this tee shot if you have any fear of heights. I don't have that fear, but I did end up a little scared on the hike back down. It was far easier going up. It was a memorable top of the world shot. I can't believe some of the amazing experiences I have that would never happen if I didn't play disc golf and seek out new courses. Don't miss out on this one!
Losing Discs
There are ZERO water hazards on this course, unless you forget to bring enough water with you. There is not really enough vegetation to hide a disc, but I suppose if you don't watch carefully you might be able to lose a disc. Super bright colors are easier to find in this environment.
Poison Ivy, Oak and bugs
This course doesn't have any poison oak, poison ivy or mosquitoes! I did see a lot of harmless lizards.
On Site Camping
This is not camping nearby, this park has a full service campground located right in the middle of the disc golf course! There are campsites right next to a few tees. Many campsites have built in shade shelters. The campsites are naturally rocky and dusty. They also rent yurts if you are not into camping. I decided to camp at the super lush and grassy Green River State Park less than an hour from here.
Unique Park, Unique Landscape
Enjoy the unique geology of the San Rafael Group and Capital Reef. When you step up to the first tee you are looking due West at the massive rock ridge that extends for miles to the North and South. The layers visible in Goblin Valley State Park are from the Upper Jurassic Period. The white layer is the Curtis Formation. For Holes 1 through 7, you are standing on this very sandy layer. The layer above the Curtis Formation is the Summerville Formation. The red layer currently below you is the Entrada Sandstone Formation Holes 8 through 17 play on this layer.
The Curtis Formation
Holes 3 and 4 in the thick of it. The sand gives way to rocks and Hole 3 is a short hole that plays over a giant outcrop amid the rocky part of the Curtis Formation. Hole 4 tees from amid the white layer and plays down into an amazing white canyon. Everything is a stark white and it feels like an alien landscape. It rained in the 24 hours before I played the course, so red Rhyolite was exposed everywhere on Holes 1 through 7. All the red sand, pebbles or rocks in the photos I uploaded of these holes, is all Rhyolite.
Entrada Sandstone Formation
Hole 8 is one of several "top of the world" shots on the course. Hole 8 starts up on the Curtis Layer and plays down to the Entrada Sandstone Formation. Once you leave the plateau you get a chance to play in and around the hoodoos next to the campground. There are only a couple of hoodoos here compared to the Goblin Valley display further in the park. However, here you get the hoodoos to yourself and don't have to share with the other tourists. Be sure you take the time to go see the Goblin Valley hoodoo display further down the road. You know, the whole reason they created this park.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read my lengthy review.
Elevation Changes
The course does have some big elevation changes. Play starts on the higher plateau and winds up and around the plateau then down and around the campground. Hole 18 plays back up to the plateau to the starting area.
Heights
If you are afraid of heights, you may not enjoy some of the tee locations. Do not play 15 from the elevated tee! If you are NOT afraid of heights, the elevated tees for 8, 11, 15 and 16 are a lot of fun! If you don't like heights, you won't enjoy the walk down to target 4.
Rugged and Rocky
If you are not into rocks and geology, you will not enjoy this course nearly as much as I did. I showed some folks the photos and they are like, "Where are the trees?" The vegetation is sparse. In some places the course is very steep and rugged. In other places, it can be dusty and sandy.
All 18 in a row or not
The target for Hole 6 is close to the parking area. This is your chance to stock up on water before playing the remaining holes. Later in the round as you are walking to tee for Hole 9, you will pass by the tee for Hole 18. If you have had enough, play Hole 18 back up to your car. Otherwise, get ready to play 8 more holes around the campgounds before you get back to this tee.
Exposed
This entire part of Utah is rocky, rugged and exposed. This park is no exception. Play early in the day to avoid the heat. Park opens at 7:00am. If you stay in campgrounds you, can start playing even earlier! There are some shade shelters in the campground area close to course if you need a break from the sun.
Navigation
I updated the map here at DGCR with readable labels. The giant rock ridge in front of you is West. Hole 1 Tee is on the Southwest corner of the disc golf parking lot. Holes 1 through 7 and 18 are on the top part of the course and play among the white Curtis Formation layer. Holes 8-17 are the lower part of the course and play through the red Entrada Sandstone layer. Yellow marker flags show the path to the next tee.
Tees
The tees are all natural dirt/rock and are all marked with orange utility flags. Some tees are more developed than others. There are usually a couple of cairns at each front corner of each tee and sometimes the entire tee is designated with rocks. There are no tee signs of any kind. Yellow flags mark the path to the next tee.
Exceptionally long
This course plays over a massive area. The area for Holes 1 through 7 would cover more area than most 18 hole courses. The lower part of the course is also sprawling. There is also an extra long walk between 13 and 14. Really long, and mostly uphill. (Ok, it is not THAT uphill, but it isn't flat either).
All to yourself
Your own personal disc golf course. Because no one else is going to be walking around this exposed area of the park. Actually, there is a trailhead at the start of the course and I did see one group of hikers later in the round! I figured they must be crazy to be out here. They probably thought the same thing about me.
Restrooms
There are full service restrooms with running water in the campgrounds. There are also several natural valut toilets in the campgrounds. There are several opportunities to use these restrooms during the round. Hold out for the nice, modern set of restrooms with running water and electricity close to the 14th tee.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
No, no and no. It is too rocky and rugged for any of these. Take the kids to see the Goblins, there is a playground area there.
Epic Hole 15 elevated tee
Highlight of the round for me was playing from the elevated tee for Hole 15. Immediately after you play Hole 14, take the trail leading up the steep canyon wall. Do not attempt this tee shot if you have any fear of heights. I don't have that fear, but I did end up a little scared on the hike back down. It was far easier going up. It was a memorable top of the world shot. I can't believe some of the amazing experiences I have that would never happen if I didn't play disc golf and seek out new courses. Don't miss out on this one!
Losing Discs
There are ZERO water hazards on this course, unless you forget to bring enough water with you. There is not really enough vegetation to hide a disc, but I suppose if you don't watch carefully you might be able to lose a disc. Super bright colors are easier to find in this environment.
Poison Ivy, Oak and bugs
This course doesn't have any poison oak, poison ivy or mosquitoes! I did see a lot of harmless lizards.
On Site Camping
This is not camping nearby, this park has a full service campground located right in the middle of the disc golf course! There are campsites right next to a few tees. Many campsites have built in shade shelters. The campsites are naturally rocky and dusty. They also rent yurts if you are not into camping. I decided to camp at the super lush and grassy Green River State Park less than an hour from here.
Unique Park, Unique Landscape
Enjoy the unique geology of the San Rafael Group and Capital Reef. When you step up to the first tee you are looking due West at the massive rock ridge that extends for miles to the North and South. The layers visible in Goblin Valley State Park are from the Upper Jurassic Period. The white layer is the Curtis Formation. For Holes 1 through 7, you are standing on this very sandy layer. The layer above the Curtis Formation is the Summerville Formation. The red layer currently below you is the Entrada Sandstone Formation Holes 8 through 17 play on this layer.
The Curtis Formation
Holes 3 and 4 in the thick of it. The sand gives way to rocks and Hole 3 is a short hole that plays over a giant outcrop amid the rocky part of the Curtis Formation. Hole 4 tees from amid the white layer and plays down into an amazing white canyon. Everything is a stark white and it feels like an alien landscape. It rained in the 24 hours before I played the course, so red Rhyolite was exposed everywhere on Holes 1 through 7. All the red sand, pebbles or rocks in the photos I uploaded of these holes, is all Rhyolite.
Entrada Sandstone Formation
Hole 8 is one of several "top of the world" shots on the course. Hole 8 starts up on the Curtis Layer and plays down to the Entrada Sandstone Formation. Once you leave the plateau you get a chance to play in and around the hoodoos next to the campground. There are only a couple of hoodoos here compared to the Goblin Valley display further in the park. However, here you get the hoodoos to yourself and don't have to share with the other tourists. Be sure you take the time to go see the Goblin Valley hoodoo display further down the road. You know, the whole reason they created this park.
Cons:
Rocks
Go look at the photos I uploaded. If you don't think those are great views of rocks, you probably won't enjoy playing here. If you like rugged Western Disc golf, and think the rocks look cool, read on. The rocks can be tough on DX plastic. Bring the good stuff.
Exposed
This course is long and demanding, rugged and very exposed. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Start early in the day.
Routing
There is a super Long walk from Target 13 to Tee 14. While it is cool to play the Hoodoos on 12 and 13, these holes don't flow with the rest of the course and create an extra long walk.
Navigation
Must have map to play! Since there are no tee signs or developed tees, the tees can be tough to find without the map. Use the updated map I uploaded here at DGCR dated 9-20-2018.
Disc Golf is Secondary
The course seems it was designed to showcase the special geologic features of the park rather than to provide challenging disc golf. However, some disc golf is better than no disc golf!
Go look at the photos I uploaded. If you don't think those are great views of rocks, you probably won't enjoy playing here. If you like rugged Western Disc golf, and think the rocks look cool, read on. The rocks can be tough on DX plastic. Bring the good stuff.
Exposed
This course is long and demanding, rugged and very exposed. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Start early in the day.
Routing
There is a super Long walk from Target 13 to Tee 14. While it is cool to play the Hoodoos on 12 and 13, these holes don't flow with the rest of the course and create an extra long walk.
Navigation
Must have map to play! Since there are no tee signs or developed tees, the tees can be tough to find without the map. Use the updated map I uploaded here at DGCR dated 9-20-2018.
Disc Golf is Secondary
The course seems it was designed to showcase the special geologic features of the park rather than to provide challenging disc golf. However, some disc golf is better than no disc golf!
Other Thoughts:
Goblin Valley State Park has four of my favorite things in life - all in one place.
1 - Disc Golf because it Rocs
2 - Geology because it Rocks
3 - Slot Canyon Hike because bucket list!
I know this is a disc golf review, but Goblin Valley State Park has an excellent slot canyon hike. Little Wild Horse Canyon is a very beginner friendly slot canyon hike that anyone in basic shape with decent boots can take. (This is not to be confused with Wild Horse Canyon Trail where you park to play disc golf.) "Little" Wild Horse Canyon/Bell Canyon Trail starts on the other side of that amazing rock ridge and takes you through some spectacular Capitol Reef scenery. Bucket List Win! I made a special trip to Goblin Valley on a Disc Golf Road trip many years ago, when there was ZERO disc golf in this park just to hike Little Wild Horse Canyon. When I found out they added disc golf, I knew I had to return.
4 - Galaxy Quest
Galaxy Quest is a parody of the StarTrek series and is one of my all time favorite movies. Some of the funniest scenes from the movie were filmed in Goblin Valley State Park. The scenes where the crew transports to a mining planet for a replacement Beryllium Sphere. Eventually, Commander Peter Quincy Taggart fights a rock alien among the hoodoos. Watch Galaxy Quest before your visit for even more fun! As a matter of fact, whether you plan to play here or not, go watch Galaxy Quest right now and thank me later (or curse me).
Finally: the Rating
I wanted to love this 18 hole disc golf course as much as I love Goblin Valley State Park. However, that is not the case. The amazing geology of the San Rafael Formation earns a 5. The fact Galaxy Quest was filmed here gets a fan favorite 5. The Little Wild Horse Canyon slot canyon hike gets a bucket list 5 While there are some epic elevation changes, most of the layout is unimaginative and unnecessarily long. It took a lot of time and energy to complete the course. Lack of developed tees and signs doesn't help either. I have to give it a 3. However, I would love to visit this park again and I will play this course again when I do.
While it is a very demanding walk in a very desolate environment, remember the words of Commander Peter Quincy Taggart: "Never Give Up, Never Surrender"!
1 - Disc Golf because it Rocs
2 - Geology because it Rocks
3 - Slot Canyon Hike because bucket list!
I know this is a disc golf review, but Goblin Valley State Park has an excellent slot canyon hike. Little Wild Horse Canyon is a very beginner friendly slot canyon hike that anyone in basic shape with decent boots can take. (This is not to be confused with Wild Horse Canyon Trail where you park to play disc golf.) "Little" Wild Horse Canyon/Bell Canyon Trail starts on the other side of that amazing rock ridge and takes you through some spectacular Capitol Reef scenery. Bucket List Win! I made a special trip to Goblin Valley on a Disc Golf Road trip many years ago, when there was ZERO disc golf in this park just to hike Little Wild Horse Canyon. When I found out they added disc golf, I knew I had to return.
4 - Galaxy Quest
Galaxy Quest is a parody of the StarTrek series and is one of my all time favorite movies. Some of the funniest scenes from the movie were filmed in Goblin Valley State Park. The scenes where the crew transports to a mining planet for a replacement Beryllium Sphere. Eventually, Commander Peter Quincy Taggart fights a rock alien among the hoodoos. Watch Galaxy Quest before your visit for even more fun! As a matter of fact, whether you plan to play here or not, go watch Galaxy Quest right now and thank me later (or curse me).
Finally: the Rating
I wanted to love this 18 hole disc golf course as much as I love Goblin Valley State Park. However, that is not the case. The amazing geology of the San Rafael Formation earns a 5. The fact Galaxy Quest was filmed here gets a fan favorite 5. The Little Wild Horse Canyon slot canyon hike gets a bucket list 5 While there are some epic elevation changes, most of the layout is unimaginative and unnecessarily long. It took a lot of time and energy to complete the course. Lack of developed tees and signs doesn't help either. I have to give it a 3. However, I would love to visit this park again and I will play this course again when I do.
While it is a very demanding walk in a very desolate environment, remember the words of Commander Peter Quincy Taggart: "Never Give Up, Never Surrender"!
2
0
noexit33
Experience:
26 played
7 reviews
Cool location, rough course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 19, 2017
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
- Good baskets with hole number on flags
- Interesting terrain. Lots of elevation change. One top-of-the-world type hole
- Can check out nearby hikes/attractions
- Map is available
- Interesting terrain. Lots of elevation change. One top-of-the-world type hole
- Can check out nearby hikes/attractions
- Map is available
Cons:
- No official tee-pads (though most have area outlined by rocks)
- No signage. Have to explore to find basket on many holes.
- Weird flow to course since added additional 9 baskets (now 18 total). Requires long hikes in between.
- Many holes are just line-up and throw it as far as you can type holes.
- Course lacks any trees or other obstacles that make a specific type of shot necessary.
- $13 per car to enter park.
- No signage. Have to explore to find basket on many holes.
- Weird flow to course since added additional 9 baskets (now 18 total). Requires long hikes in between.
- Many holes are just line-up and throw it as far as you can type holes.
- Course lacks any trees or other obstacles that make a specific type of shot necessary.
- $13 per car to enter park.
Other Thoughts:
Played this course while visiting the area for other reasons. The little hike through the valley of the goblins is pretty cool. Reminds you of Mars. The course itself here is very rough with a basic map and no real tee-pads. Would not go out of your way to play but OK if in the area. Lots of elevation change but no real obstacles. Usually I am excited to finish the course but it almost seemed like a chore by the time I finished this due to all the walking in between and some of the repetitive nature of the holes. I meant to get the 18 hole layout and upload it, but the map is available at the station where you pay to get into the park.
1
0
Eric Babcock
Experience:
9 played
3 reviews
Very Beautiful Course to have fun on 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 24, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
The course is a very fun recreational course to play. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the course was rigorous enough my family counted it as our daily hike. Each hole is also rigged up with solar powered lights so it would be a great place for a night game.
Cons:
There is very little tee marking so you have to choose most of your own starting points. It really is a long course so you may have to set aside a good chunk of time to play it depending on your skill and fitness level. While the course is technically free, the park isn't. We went to the park just for the course so for us it was $12 to play, which was a lot for a course with no tees.
Other Thoughts:
I don't want to complain too much about the price though because the money goes to a great cause and I am an avid supporter of the park system. Plus the camp staff is super friendly, and as we were camping for free on BLM land and constantly using the parks water and restrooms, it really was the least we could do.
Now for the course. The first three holes are the most difficult to maneuver. It is hard to see hole 1 from the parking lot because you have to throw around a short dune. Once you get around this it is easy to see the basket but a bit of an upward climb to make it there.
Hole 2 is deceiving. We thought the next visible basket was 2 but it was actually the basket for 4. Since there are no starting tees, this once again is quite confusing. but if you turn right about 90 degrees from basket 4 and look straight up the bluff there is a tiny flag sticking up to mark the basket for hole 2.
Hole 3 starts on the other side of the road and there was a rubber mat bolted down to mark the tee for this hole. Given the weather conditions, I don't know if this is always a feature. The basket for 3 however is easy to spot, right on the edge of the bluff. My Dad nearly lost his putter on this one.
Hole 4 is one of the absolute greatest holes I have ever played. Basket 4 is all the way back by basket 1 and we threw right from the top of the bluff. It was awesome to be so high up and see our discs glide so far.
From here the course levels out and is mostly a series of long steady shots to each basket. Hole 5, 6, 7 and 8 are straight forward and pretty level. The terrain offers some unique challenges on each hole and the terrain of the area, being riddled with shallow and not so shallow ravines, can make for some difficult throws and heart breaking putts. Hole 9 is a bit more challenging and much shorter. It completely caught me off guard and I admit I made some mistakes on it. The course was amazingly fun as a whole and I would definitely play again.
Now for the course. The first three holes are the most difficult to maneuver. It is hard to see hole 1 from the parking lot because you have to throw around a short dune. Once you get around this it is easy to see the basket but a bit of an upward climb to make it there.
Hole 2 is deceiving. We thought the next visible basket was 2 but it was actually the basket for 4. Since there are no starting tees, this once again is quite confusing. but if you turn right about 90 degrees from basket 4 and look straight up the bluff there is a tiny flag sticking up to mark the basket for hole 2.
Hole 3 starts on the other side of the road and there was a rubber mat bolted down to mark the tee for this hole. Given the weather conditions, I don't know if this is always a feature. The basket for 3 however is easy to spot, right on the edge of the bluff. My Dad nearly lost his putter on this one.
Hole 4 is one of the absolute greatest holes I have ever played. Basket 4 is all the way back by basket 1 and we threw right from the top of the bluff. It was awesome to be so high up and see our discs glide so far.
From here the course levels out and is mostly a series of long steady shots to each basket. Hole 5, 6, 7 and 8 are straight forward and pretty level. The terrain offers some unique challenges on each hole and the terrain of the area, being riddled with shallow and not so shallow ravines, can make for some difficult throws and heart breaking putts. Hole 9 is a bit more challenging and much shorter. It completely caught me off guard and I admit I made some mistakes on it. The course was amazingly fun as a whole and I would definitely play again.
